Any individual can apply for a CLP (commercial learner’s permit) without the need to go to school. However, the applicant must first pass a comprehensive written knowledge test and pass the multi-step CDL examination.
However, the applicant will need to pay for truck driving practice time by a trucker willing to turn over the keys to an inexperienced driver wanting to get a license.
While the applicant might be saving money, they will likely find it challenging to find a trucking company to hire them without extensive hands-on training from attending truck driver training school.