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CDL training in Louisiana

Free and low-cost CDL training in Louisiana

Public colleges with CDL programs, grants that can pay your tuition, and companies that will train you for free, with the official Louisiana links you need.

Minimum age18 to drive within Louisiana; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat
Licensing agencyLouisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Department of Public Safety
Study guideOfficial Louisiana CDL manual
Find a job centerAmerican Job Center finder
Diesel this week$5.912/gal (Gulf Coast average)

Public colleges and career centers with CDL training

These 4 public programs were checked on their own websites. Prices and schedules change, so confirm before you apply.

SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA
Class A245 hours (7-week day course)Listed as free (former price $5,950)

Classroom and behind-the-wheel; state-approved examiners give final skills test.

Program page ↗

Central Louisiana Technical Community College

Alexandria, LA
240 clock hours (7 weeks + 1 week testing)$6,200

MacArthur Extension Campus; scholarships available; class not stated on page.

Program page ↗

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College

Minden, LA
Class A6 weeks (page also says 8 weeks)$5,500

Offered at Camp Minden and Shreveport; WIOA and MJ Foster may help.

Program page ↗

Delgado Community College

Avondale, LA
Class A5-6 weeks

River City Site; day and evening options; requires Class A permit.

Program page ↗

Louisiana programs that can help pay

Ways to get your CDL paid for

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Paid Class B training. School districts, transit agencies and bus companies in Louisiana often pay you while you train.
  4. GI Bill. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved non-college programs, including truck driving school.

Trucking companies that train new drivers

Swift TransportationCompany CDL training available (work commitment required) · Nationwide; terminals in most statesSchneider NationalTuition reimbursement for CDL school · Nationwide (HQ Green Bay, WI)Prime Inc.CDL training paid back through a work commitment · Nationwide (HQ Springfield, MO)Werner EnterprisesPartners with CDL schools · Nationwide (HQ Omaha, NE)J.B. HuntDriver academy in some areas · Nationwide (HQ Lowell, AR)Roehl TransportPaid CDL training with commitment · Midwest, Southeast, Northeast (HQ Marshfield, WI)Old Dominion Freight Line$0 · Nationwide service centers (HQ Thomasville, NC)Estes Express Lines$0; school available to employees · Nationwide (HQ Richmond, VA)FedEx Freight$0 · NationwideSaia$0 · Nationwide, growing fast (HQ Johns Creek, GA)Stevens TransportSponsored training with commitment · Nationwide (HQ Dallas, TX)TMC Transportation$0 · Nationwide (HQ Des Moines, IA)C.R. EnglandCDL school cost repaid through employment · Nationwide (HQ Salt Lake City, UT)CRSTTraining ($3,000–$7,000) paid by CRST with a 6–12 month commitment · Nationwide (HQ Cedar Rapids, IA)Averitt Express$0; paid training · Southeast and South Central (HQ Cookeville, TN)Maverick Transportation$0; paid orientation · Nationwide (HQ North Little Rock, AR)XPO$0; earn-while-you-learn school · NationwideABF Freight (ArcBest)$0 · Nationwide (HQ Fort Smith, AR)

Local jobs that train you for a CDL

Foodservice Delivery$0 · NationwideBeverage Route Driver$0 · NationwideSchool Bus Driver$0; training usually paid · Every school districtCity Transit Bus Operator$0; paid training · Cities with public transitZūm$0; CDL training usually paid · School districts in CA, WA, IL, TX, NE and other states

Questions about getting a CDL in Louisiana

Can I get a CDL at 18 in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana lets you hold a CDL at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive within the state and can’t haul hazardous materials. Many local jobs, like beverage and construction routes, hire 18 to 20 year olds.

Is there free CDL training in Louisiana?

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 Louisiana?

Public programs listed above show prices from Listed as free (former price $5,950), $6,200, $5,500. 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.

Before you enroll: make sure the school is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Since 2022, first-time Class A and B drivers must finish Entry-Level Driver Training with a registered provider before taking the skills test.
See Louisiana on the driver map

Fuel prices, CDL schools, freight corridors and carriers near you.

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Sources: official Louisiana 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.

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