How much does CDL training cost in Clear Lake, MN?

CDL training in Clear Lake, MN 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 Clear Lake?

Most CDL training programs in Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake, MN?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake 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 26 verified training programs serving the Clear Lake, Minnesota area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Clear Lake, MN

Name: CDL Schools in Clear Lake, MN
Creator: CDL Schools USA
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Clear Lake?We have identified 26 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Clear Lake area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

26 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clear Lake, MN

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 Clear Lake, MN?

Students comparing CDL schools in Clear Lake, MN 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 26 training programsserving the Clear Lake area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

26 CDL Schools Near Clear Lake

Filter Results:

Sort by:

Top Picks in Clear Lake

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Becker, MN

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Foley Public Schools

Foley, MN

St. Cloud, MN

12.3 miles away

Elite School Transportation

Brooklyn Center, MN

42.7 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

We Push For Peace

Brooklyn Center, MN

43.1 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Showing 20 of 24 schools

CDL Training in Clear Lake, Minnesota

Clear Lake, Minnesota offers 26 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near Clear Lake?

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 Minnesota often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Minnesota

CDL training in Minnesota 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 Minnesota

Trucking Jobs Near Clear Lake

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Minnesota

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Minnesota

Top employers hiring near Clear Lake: 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 Clear Lake

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	St. Cloud	Class AClass BHazmat
Albany Area Schools FMCSA Verified	Albany	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FMCSA Verified	Becker	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Breakaway Academy FMCSA Verified	Eden Prairie	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
Cambridge - Isanti Schools #911 FMCSA Verified	Cambridge	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved	View Details
Central MN Truck Academy FMCSA Verified	Royalton	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Commercial Driving 101 LLC FMCSA Verified	Dassel	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Eden Prairie Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Eden Prairie	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Elite School Transportation FMCSA Verified	Brooklyn Center	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	Maple Grove	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Foley Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Foley	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Holdingford Schools FMCSA Verified	Holdingford	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
ISD 484 Pierz Schools FMCSA Verified	Pierz	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Lake Park Audubon High School FMCSA Verified	Long Lake	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Little Falls Community Schools FMCSA Verified	Little Falls	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Clear Lake

Avg. Private School

$5,200

Avg. Public School

$3,500

Price Range

$3,000 - $6,600

Good community college system.

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

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

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Clear Lake

Required for your CDL medical card

Woodlands Health & Performance

48 29th Ave N, St Cloud

(320) 240-0300

4.8

Minser Chiropractic Clinic

203 Park Ave S, St Cloud

(320) 253-5650

4.7

MinuteClinic at CVS

2420 W Division St, St Cloud

(866) 389-2727

2.7

View All 13 Clinics in Clear Lake 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 & DVS in Clear Lake

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

Find DVS Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Clear Lake, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

DOT Reasonable Suspicion Hazmat Awareness Hazmat Recurrent Defensive Driving HIPAA for Couriers Heat Stress & Slip/Trip Dry Ice Handling HOS / ELD Compliance Lithium Battery Shipping Bloodborne Pathogens Cargo Securement FSMA Sanitary Transport Forklift Certification

View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clear Lake

How long does CDL training take in Clear Lake?

CDL training programs in Clear Lake, MN 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 Minnesota?

CDL training costs in Minnesota 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 Clear Lake without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake 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 Minnesota?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Minnesota: 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 Clear Lake?

The CDL driver job outlook near Clear Lake, MN is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Minnesota 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 Clear Lake?

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 Clear Lake 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 Minnesota, including training programs in Clear Lake and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Minnesota

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Clear Lake, MN

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clear Lake, MN

How should students compare CDL schools in Clear Lake, MN?

26 CDL Schools Near Clear Lake

Top Picks in Clear Lake

BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Foley Public Schools

Commercial Driving 101 LLC

BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Commercial Driving 101 LLC

Holdingford Schools

Albany Area Schools

Central MN Truck Academy

ISD 484 Pierz Schools

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Lake Park Audubon High School

Providence Academy

Cambridge - Isanti Schools #911

West Lutheran High School

Little Falls Community Schools

Onamia Public Schools

Mora Public Schools

The Blake School

Minneapolis Public Schools

Eden Prairie Public Schools

160 Driving Academy

Elite School Transportation

We Push For Peace

CDL Training in Clear Lake, Minnesota

Why Get CDL Training Near Clear Lake?

CDL Training Costs in Minnesota

Trucking Jobs Near Clear Lake

Compare CDL Schools in Clear Lake

Tuition Costs in Clear Lake

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Minnesota

DOT Physicals Near Clear Lake

Woodlands Health & Performance

Minser Chiropractic Clinic

MinuteClinic at CVS

CDL Testing & DVS in Clear Lake

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clear Lake

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

Related Resources