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 Alexandria, LA?

CDL training in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

Most CDL training programs in Alexandria 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 Alexandria, LA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 15 verified training programs serving the Alexandria, Louisiana area.

HAZMAT CERTIFIED

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Alexandria CDL Schools: Oil Field & Hazmat Certification

Energy Sector Training in Alexandria – Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements Available

Get your Class A CDL in Alexandria. Start your career in the energy sector with Tanker and Hazmat endorsed training. We've identified 15 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

15 Training Programs

Hazmat Certification

Tanker Endorsement

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 46,342

🛢️ Why Alexandria Drivers Need Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements

Louisiana's petrochemical industry is booming in 2026. The highest-paying jobs in Alexandria 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. 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, LA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Alexandria, 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 15 training programsserving the Alexandria area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

15 CDL Schools Near Alexandria

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Top Picks in Alexandria

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Over Drive Truck Driving School of Louisiana LLC

Deville, LA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Overdrive Truck Driving School of Louisiana LLC

Boyce, LA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Grant PArish School Board

Dry Prong, LA

Call Now

Over Drive Truck Driving School of Louisiana LLC

Deville, LA

7.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Overdrive Truck Driving School of Louisiana LLC

Boyce, LA

8.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Grant PArish School Board

Dry Prong, LA

19.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Global Trucking Academy LLC

Marksville, LA

24.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Global Trucking Academy

Marksville, LA

25.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Total Instruction Driving Academy

Mamou, LA

47.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Catahoula Parish Schools

Harrisonburg, LA

48.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Vernon Parish School Board

Leesville, LA

49.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria, LA

0.1 miles away

CLTCC-CVO/CDL

Alexandria, LA

0.1 miles away

Rapides Parish School Board

Alexandria, LA

0.2 miles away

CLTCC-CVO/CDL

Alexandria, LA

3.6 miles away

Coastal Truck Driving School-Alexandria

Alexandria, LA

5 miles away

Compton family trucking

Natchitoches, LA

49 miles away

Bossier Parish Community College - Natchitoches Campus

Natchitoches, LA

49.2 miles away

CDL Training in Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria, Louisiana offers 15 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 Alexandria?

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 Alexandria

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 Alexandria: 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 Alexandria

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Bossier Parish Community College - Natchitoches Campus FMCSA Verified	Natchitoches	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Catahoula Parish Schools FMCSA Verified	Harrisonburg	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
CLTCC-CVO/CDL FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
CLTCC-CVO/CDL FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Coastal Truck Driving School-Alexandria FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Compton family trucking FMCSA Verified	Natchitoches	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Global Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified	Marksville	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Global Trucking Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Marksville	Class AClass BTanker		View Details
Grant PArish School Board FMCSA Verified	Dry Prong	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Over Drive Truck Driving School of Louisiana LLC FMCSA Verified	Deville	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Overdrive Truck Driving School of Louisiana LLC FMCSA Verified	Boyce	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Rapides Parish School Board FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Rapides Parish School Board FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Total Instruction Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Mamou	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Vernon Parish School Board FMCSA Verified	Leesville	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Alexandria

Avg. Private School

$5,400

Avg. Public School

$3,400

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,800

Oil and gas industry drives specialty hauling demand.

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CDL Testing & OMV in Alexandria

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local OMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find OMV Office

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 Alexandria

How long does CDL training take in Alexandria?

CDL training programs in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria?

The CDL driver job outlook near Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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