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.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in New Orleans, LA?

CDL training in New Orleans, LA typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in New Orleans?

Most CDL training programs in New Orleans take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in New Orleans, LA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the New Orleans area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in New Orleans is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 23 verified training programs serving the New Orleans, Louisiana area.

HAZMAT CERTIFIED

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

ENERGY SECTOR

New Orleans CDL Schools: Oil Field & Hazmat Certification

Energy Sector Training in New Orleans – Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements Available

Get your Class A CDL in New Orleans. Start your career in the energy sector with Tanker and Hazmat endorsed training. We've identified 23 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

23 Training Programs

Hazmat Certification

Tanker Endorsement

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 383,997

🛢️ Why New Orleans Drivers Need Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements

Louisiana's petrochemical industry is booming in 2026. The highest-paying jobs in New Orleans require Hazmat and Tanker endorsements – not just a basic CDL. Local fleets servicing refineries, chemical plants, and offshore supply need drivers qualified for hazardous materials transport. The Port of New Orleans area has massive demand for Chemical Transport drivers. Don't settle for OTR trucking wages when energy sector jobs pay 30-50% more.

Hazmat Certification

Tanker Endorsement

Corporate Fleet Training

Quick Facts: CDL Training in New Orleans, LA

CDL License Types

Class A, Class B, Class C

Average Training Cost

$3,000 – $8,000

Program Length

3-8 weeks

Weekend / Evening Options

Available at select schools

FMCSA Registration Required

Yes

Verified Schools

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in New Orleans, LA?

Students comparing CDL schools in New Orleans, LA should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 23 training programsserving the New Orleans area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

23 CDL Schools Near New Orleans

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Top Picks in New Orleans

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Coastal Truck Driving School -Harvey

Harvey, LA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

East End Driving and Placement Service LLC

Arabi, LA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

CROSS ROAD CDL ACADEMY LLC

Harvey, LA

Call Now

East End Driving and Placement Service LLC

Arabi, LA

4.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CROSS ROAD CDL ACADEMY LLC

Harvey, LA

5.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Delgado Community College

Westwego, LA

7.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

St. Bernard Parish School Board

Violet, LA

10.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - NOLA Yard

St Rose, LA

14.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

river parish driving academy LLC

Laplace, LA

26.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pearl River Community College

Kiln, MS

47.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

AAA CDL Consulting

Tickfaw, LA

49.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Louisiana Truck Driving School

Tickfaw, LA

49.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Porche Safety Consulting LLC. NOLA

New Orleans, LA

8.1 miles away

Calvin Transportation LLC

New Orleans, LA

8.1 miles away

Cooper's Defensive Driving School

New Orleans, LA

8.2 miles away

160 Driving Academy

New Orleans, LA

9.3 miles away

Zee CDL helper LLC

Kenner, LA

11.1 miles away

160 Driving Academy

St. Rose, LA

14.1 miles away

Transportation Center

Lockport, LA

34.6 miles away

South Lafourche High School

Cut Off, LA

36.4 miles away

Coastal Truck Driving School -Hammond

Hammond, LA

41.2 miles away

Porche Safety Consulting Houma

Houma, LA

44.2 miles away

ABCDL Truck Driving Academy LLC

Hammond, LA

45 miles away

Showing 20 of 21 schools

CDL Training in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana offers 23 verified CDL training programs. Compare tuition costs, public enrollment status, training types, and school details before you request more information.

Why Get CDL Training Near New Orleans?

Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
Financial Aid: Schools in Louisiana often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Louisiana

CDL training in Louisiana typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

View all CDL schools in Louisiana

Trucking Jobs Near New Orleans

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Louisiana

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Louisiana

Top employers hiring near New Orleans: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in New Orleans

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	New Orleans	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	St. Rose	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy - NOLA Yard FMCSA Verified	St Rose	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
AAA CDL Consulting FMCSA Verified	Tickfaw	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
ABCDL Truck Driving Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Hammond	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Calvin Transportation LLC FMCSA Verified	New Orleans	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Coastal Truck Driving School -Hammond FMCSA Verified	Hammond	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Coastal Truck Driving School -Harvey FMCSA Verified	Harvey	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Cooper's Defensive Driving School FMCSA Verified	New Orleans	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
CROSS ROAD CDL ACADEMY LLC FMCSA Verified	Harvey	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Delgado Community College FMCSA Verified	Westwego	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
East End Driving and Placement Service LLC FMCSA Verified	Arabi	Class AHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fletcher Technical Community College FMCSA Verified	Thibodaux	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Louisiana Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Tickfaw	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Pearl River Community College FMCSA Verified	Kiln	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in New Orleans

Avg. Private School

$5,400

Avg. Public School

$3,400

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,800

Oil and gas industry drives specialty hauling demand.

Nearby Cities

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Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

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DOT Physicals Near New Orleans

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

3601 Airline Dr, Metairie

(504) 831-9444

4.8

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care - Central New Orleans

3456 Lincoln Ave, New Orleans

(318) 612-8326

$105-$162

Walk-ins OK

FleetMed Occupational - Midtown New Orleans

8197 Health Plaza, New Orleans

(337) 452-5339

4.9

$80-$149

View All 33 Clinics in New Orleans All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & OMV in New Orleans

400 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 568-5300

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the New Orleans OMV. Port city - CDL testing

Visit New Orleans CDL OMV

Energy Sector Prep Training in Other Louisiana Cities

Explore CDL schools with energy sector prep and hazmat certified training in nearby Louisiana cities.

Hazmat Certification

Tanker Endorsement

Corporate Fleet Training

View All Louisiana CDL Schools

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in New Orleans

How long does CDL training take in New Orleans?

CDL training programs in New Orleans, LA typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.

How much does CDL school cost in Louisiana?

CDL training costs in Louisiana range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.

Can I get a CDL in New Orleans without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the New Orleans area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.

How do I know if a CDL school in New Orleans is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.

Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?

Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.

Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Louisiana?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Louisiana: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.

What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near New Orleans?

The CDL driver job outlook near New Orleans, LA is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Louisiana experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.

Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in New Orleans?

The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most New Orleans CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Louisiana, including training programs in New Orleans and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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