How much does CDL training cost in Wadena, MN?

CDL training in Wadena, 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 Wadena?

Most CDL training programs in Wadena 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 Wadena, MN?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Wadena 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 Wadena 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 13 verified training programs serving the Wadena, Minnesota area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Wadena, MN

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Wadena?We have identified 13 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Wadena area (Pop: 25,000).

Quick Stats

13 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 25,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Wadena, 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 Wadena, MN?

Students comparing CDL schools in Wadena, 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 13 training programsserving the Wadena area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

13 CDL Schools Near Wadena

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Top Picks in Wadena

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Verndale Public School Dist. 818

Verndale, MN

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Central Lakes College

Staples, MN

Detroit Lakes, MN

42.6 miles away

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CDL Training in Wadena, Minnesota

Wadena, Minnesota offers 13 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 Wadena?

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 Wadena

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 Wadena: 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.

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Compare CDL Schools in Wadena

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 13 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Alexandria Technical & Community College FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
Ashby Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Ashby	Class AHazmatTanker	VA Approved	View Details
Central Lakes College FMCSA Verified	Staples	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Henning Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Henning	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Little Falls Community Schools FMCSA Verified	Little Falls	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
M State Detroit Lakes FMCSA Verified	Detroit Lakes	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved
Menahga Public School, ISD 821 FMCSA Verified	Menahga	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Nevis Public School FMCSA Verified	Nevis	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Osakis Public Schools - ISD 213 FMCSA Verified	Osakis	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Park Rapids Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Park Rapids	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Pine River-Backus Schools ISD 2174 FMCSA Verified	Backus	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Staples-Motley School ISD 2170 FMCSA Verified	Staples	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Verndale Public School Dist. 818 FMCSA Verified	Verndale	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.	View Details

Tuition Costs in Wadena

Avg. Private School

$5,200

Avg. Public School

$3,500

Price Range

$3,000 - $6,600

Good community college system.

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CDL Testing & DVS in Wadena

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 Wadena, 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 Wadena

How long does CDL training take in Wadena?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Wadena 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 Wadena 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 Wadena?

The CDL driver job outlook near Wadena, 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 Wadena?

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

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Minnesota

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Guide

CDL Schools in Wadena, MN

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Wadena, MN

How should students compare CDL schools in Wadena, MN?

13 CDL Schools Near Wadena

Top Picks in Wadena

Verndale Public School Dist. 818

Central Lakes College

Staples-Motley School ISD 2170

Verndale Public School Dist. 818

Central Lakes College

Staples-Motley School ISD 2170

Henning Public Schools

Menahga Public School, ISD 821

Park Rapids Public Schools

Nevis Public School

Pine River-Backus Schools ISD 2174

Osakis Public Schools - ISD 213

Ashby Public Schools

Alexandria Technical & Community College

Little Falls Community Schools

M State Detroit Lakes

CDL Training in Wadena, Minnesota

Why Get CDL Training Near Wadena?

CDL Training Costs in Minnesota

Trucking Jobs Near Wadena

Compare CDL Schools in Wadena

Tuition Costs in Wadena

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Minnesota

CDL Testing & DVS in Wadena

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Wadena

Essential Reading for CDL Students

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CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

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The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

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