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CDL training in Texas

Free and low-cost CDL training in Texas

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

Minimum age18 to drive within Texas; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat
Licensing agencyTexas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Driver License Division
Study guideOfficial Texas CDL manual
Grant-approved schoolsWIOA training provider list
Find a job centerTexas job centers
Diesel this week$5.912/gal (Gulf Coast average)

Public colleges and career centers with CDL training

These 5 public programs were checked on their own websites. Prices and schedules change, so confirm before you apply.

Alamo Colleges District – Alamo Technical Institute

San Antonio, TX
Class A,BClass A 160 hours (1-2 months); Class B 80 hours$5,500 tuition

Day, evening and weekend schedules; grants and scholarships may be available.

Program page ↗

Kilgore College Transportation Institute

Kilgore, TX
Class A5 weeks (40-hour permit + 160-hour license training)$4,500

Requires 10-year clean driving record and DOT physical.

Program page ↗

South Plains College

Lubbock, TX
Class A,BCDL-A 200 hours; CDL-B (School Bus) 2 weeksCDL-A $5,995

On-site DPS third-party testing; ag-worker scholarships up to $5,000.

Program page ↗

Amarillo College

Amarillo, TX
Class A,BTruck Driving Academy eight weeks

Simulator, classroom, range and road driving; Hazmat class offered.

Program page ↗

Del Mar College

Corpus Christi, TX
Class A,B

Class A, A non-air brake, B bus and B bobtail; full-motion simulators.

Program page ↗

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 Texas 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

Trucking companies based in Texas

Questions about getting a CDL in Texas

Can I get a CDL at 18 in Texas?

Yes. Texas 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 Texas?

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 Texas?

Public programs listed above show prices from $5,500 tuition, $4,500, CDL-A $5,995. 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 Texas on the driver map

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

Open the map

Sources: official Texas 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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