How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider.

How much does CDL school cost?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment.

How to Pay for Truck Driving School (2025 Guide): Grants, Loans & Free Training

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Financial planning for CDL school - calculator and money

If the only thing standing between you and a $70,000 trucking career is the cost of school, we have good news: You probably don't have to pay for it yourself.

In 2025, the average cost of private CDL training ranges from $3,500 to $7,000. While that is a fraction of a college degree, it's still a barrier for many. However, due to the critical driver shortage, federal and state governments—and trucking companies themselves—are aggressively funding new drivers.

From government grants that never need to be paid back to "Paid Training" contracts that guarantee you a job, there is almost always a way to get your license with $0 out of pocket.

In this guide, we break down the four most effective ways to finance your CDL, starting with the "Free Money" options first.

1Quick Comparison: Ways to Finance Your CDL

Not all funding is created equal. Use this table to decide which path fits your financial situation.

Funding Method	Cost to You	Repayment?	Time	Catch / Obligation
WIOA Grants	$0	No	4-8 Weeks	Must be unemployed/low-income & approved by the state.
Company Sponsored	$0 Upfront	Yes (If you quit)	3-4 Weeks	Contract: Must drive for them for ~1 year or you owe tuition.
Pell Grants	$0	No	8-16 Weeks	Only for accredited Community Colleges (FAFSA required).
Private Loans	Full Tuition	Yes + Interest	4 Weeks	High interest rates; payments start immediately.

2Method 1: WIOA Grants (Best Option)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the "Golden Ticket" of CDL funding.

It is a federal law designed to help people get back to work in high-demand fields—and trucking is almost always on that list.

How It Works

WIOA is not a loan. It is a government grant that pays the trucking school directly on your behalf. It often covers tuition, books, and even the physical exam fees.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies by state, but generally, you qualify if you are:

Dislocated Worker: You were laid off, or your factory/company closed down.
Low Income: Your household income falls below a certain poverty guideline (varies by county).
Adult Job Seeker: You are unemployed or "underemployed" (working a job that doesn't pay a living wage).

How to Apply (Step-by-Step):

1
Find Your Local Office: You cannot apply online at a national site. You must visit your local "American Job Center" or "Workforce Development Board".Find your local center
2
Attend Orientation: Most centers require you to attend a short workshop on resume building or job searching.
3
Choose a School: You must pick a school from the state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Note: Most reputable private CDL schools are on this list.
4
Wait for Approval: It can take 2-4 weeks for paperwork to process, so apply before you quit your current job.

💡 Pro Tip: When you meet your case worker, bring job listings for trucking jobs in your area to prove that this training will lead to immediate employment.

3Method 2: Company-Sponsored Training

If you don't qualify for a government grant, this is the most popular option. Major carriers (like Swift, Schneider, Roehl, and Prime) run their own schools. They will train you for "free" in exchange for a commitment.

The "Contract" Trap vs. Opportunity

It is not technically free. It is Contract Training.

The Deal

The company "loans" you the tuition cost (e.g., $6,000).

The Repayment

As long as you work for them (usually 12 months), they deduct $0 or a small amount from your check to pay off the loan.

The Exit

Once your contract year is up, the loan is forgiven/paid off.

⚠️ The Risk

If you quit or get fired after 3 months, you owe them the full $6,000 immediately.

Top Companies with Paid Training in 2025:

Schneider: Offers "Paid CDL Apprenticeship" where you are paid hourly while you train.
XPO Logistics: Covers tuition, room, and board for their 5-week course with a 12-month commitment.
Swift: Mentorship program where you train on the road with a veteran driver.

✅ This Is Right for You If:

You are broke, need a job immediately, and are willing to stick it out with one company for a year.

❌ This Is NOT Right for You If:

You want to work for a local company or have a specific employer in mind that doesn't offer training.

Browse Companies Offering Paid Training

4Method 3: Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grants)

Most people don't realize you can use FAFSA for trucking school—but there is a catch. You can only use Federal Pell Grants at accredited public institutions, typically Community Colleges.

Type	Private CDL School	Community College
Duration	Fast (4 weeks)	Slower (8-16 weeks)
FAFSA Accepted?	❌ NO	✅ YES

Why Choose This Route?

If you qualify for a Pell Grant (up to ~$7,395 in 2025), it is free money that covers everything. Community college programs are often more thorough, offering 160+ hours of training and sometimes college credit.

How to Apply:

1
Go to StudentAid.gov
2
Fill out the FAFSA form.
3
Select your local Community College with a CDL program.

5Method 4: Scholarships & Financing

If you fall into the "gap"—you have a job so you don't get WIOA, but you don't want a contract—look for industry-specific scholarships.

Top Trucking Scholarships for 2025

Women In Trucking Foundation:
Awards roughly $1,000 - $2,000 to women entering the industry. Applications usually open in Spring and Fall.
Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation:
The "Work Ethic Scholarship" supports trade education, including CDL training. Requires a video submission.
Veterans (GI Bill):
If you served, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers CDL training at approved facilities and even pays a housing allowance while you train.

Private Financing (Last Resort)

Most schools work with lenders (like Credit Sesame or Affirm) to offer payment plans.

⚠️ Warning: Interest rates can be high (10-20%). Only do this if you are confident you can land a high-paying job immediately to pay it off aggressively.

6Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my CDL for free without a contract?

Yes, but primarily through the WIOA Grant program. If you qualify as "dislocated" or "low income," the government pays the school directly, and you have no obligation to work for a specific company or pay the money back.

Does FAFSA cover private truck driving schools?

Generally, no. FAFSA (Pell Grants) usually applies only to accredited institutions like Community Colleges or Technical Colleges. Most private "crash course" CDL schools do not qualify for federal financial aid.

What happens if I quit a company-sponsored training program?

If you break your contract (usually 1 year), you are typically responsible for the full cost of tuition, which can range from $4,000 to $7,000. This debt is often sent to collections immediately if not paid.

7Find Schools That Accept Grants

Don't let the price tag scare you. Thousands of drivers start every month with $0 down. The key is finding a school that knows how to work with WIOA grants and VA benefits.

We can help. Search our directory to find FMCSA-verified schools in your state that offer financial aid and job placement assistance.