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CDL training in Arkansas
Free and low-cost CDL training in Arkansas
Public colleges with CDL programs, grants that can pay your tuition, and companies that will train you for free, with the official Arkansas links you need.
Public colleges and career centers with CDL training
These 6 public programs were checked on their own websites. Prices and schedules change, so confirm before you apply.
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
Little Rock, ARELDT; Certificate of Proficiency in Tractor and Trailer Operation
Program page ↗NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, ARWIOA and Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship listed as funding options
Program page ↗Arkansas State University-Newport
Newport, ARAlso Jonesboro and Marked Tree; not Title IV eligible
Program page ↗Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
Mountain Home, ARTuition and fees $2,685; costs approximate
Program page ↗University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
Batesville, ARCertificate of Proficiency / Professional Skills Training
Program page ↗University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
ArkansasVia Arkansas Trucking Academy; AWC scholarship up to $800 (2025 news page)
Program page ↗Arkansas programs that can help pay
- Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship: State scholarship that can help pay for short-term workforce programs including CDL training (UAHT cites up to $800). Details ↗
Ways to get your CDL paid for
- WIOA grant. Visit a local American Job Center and ask about WIOA training funds. If you qualify (often people who are unemployed, laid off or on a low income), the grant can cover tuition at a school on the state’s approved training provider list.
- Company-paid training. The carriers below train new drivers. You usually agree to drive for them for 6 to 12 months, and may owe part of the cost if you leave early.
- Paid Class B training. School districts, transit agencies and bus companies in Arkansas often pay you while you train.
- GI Bill. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved non-college programs, including truck driving school.
Trucking companies that train new drivers
Local jobs that train you for a CDL
Trucking companies based in Arkansas
- J.B. Hunt (Lowell), Dedicated, intermodal, final mile
- Maverick Transportation (North Little Rock), Flatbed & glass
- ABF Freight (ArcBest) (Fort Smith), Union LTL
- PAM Transport (Tontitown), Truckload
- Walmart Private Fleet (Bentonville), Store delivery
Questions about getting a CDL in Arkansas
Can I get a CDL at 18 in Arkansas?
Federal rules require you to be 21 to drive across state lines. Check with Arkansas DFA Office of Driver Services (testing by Arkansas State Police) about in-state driving under 21.
Is there free CDL training in Arkansas?
Often, yes. If you qualify, a WIOA grant from your local American Job Center can pay tuition at an approved school. Several trucking companies also train new drivers for free in exchange for a work commitment, and many school districts and transit agencies pay you while you train for a Class B.
How much does CDL school cost in Arkansas?
Public programs listed above show prices from $4,200 tuition, About $3,000, $3,000 tuition, books included. Ask about books, testing fees and the DOT physical, which may not be included.
How long does it take to get a CDL?
Most full-time Class A programs take 3 to 8 weeks. You also need a DOT medical card and a learner’s permit before behind-the-wheel training, and a skills test at the end.
Fuel prices, CDL schools, freight corridors and carriers near you.
Sources: official Arkansas licensing and workforce pages linked above, each school’s own program page, FMCSA, and EIA fuel prices (week of Nov 2, 2026). Checked Nov 9, 2026. Programs, prices and dates change, so confirm with the school before you apply.