Sounds really fishy to me. I would suck it up, and find a company willing to put you thru school, then hire you after you complete their school and put you into paid training. Would make me wonder about being asked for $$ up front, paying for my own backround check (something my recruiter did long before i attended class...no sense going to class, if you are unhire-able), etc. Better ask if you have to pay for your wellness test/DOT physicals too.
Anything you do in this business, get it in writing. period. Want me to take that illegal load on a 4 hour drive, when you know i only have 3.5? SUUUUUurrrrreeee....just send that over the QualComm so it is in writing.