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 29 verified training programs serving the Bemidji, Minnesota area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Bemidji, MN

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Bemidji?We have identified 29 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Bemidji area (Pop: 16,076).

Quick Stats

29 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 16,076

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Bemidji, 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
29

29 CDL Schools Near Bemidji

Top Picks in Bemidji

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Ben Klisch

Solway, MN

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Leech Lake Early Childhood Delvelopment

Cass Lake, MN

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Cass Lake Bena Schools

Cass Lake, MN

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Ben Klisch

Solway, MN
11.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Leech Lake Early Childhood Delvelopment

Cass Lake, MN
14.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cass Lake Bena Schools

Cass Lake, MN
15.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

ISD 306 - Laporte

Laporte, MN
19 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Big H Logging

Blackduck, MN
23.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Blackduck Public School

Blackduck, MN
23.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bagley Public School District 162

Bagley, MN
25.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School

Bena, MN
27.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Joseph Long

Blackduck, MN
29.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Walker Hackensack Akeley School Dist. 113

Walker, MN
29.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Charps, LLC

Clearbrook, MN
30.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Nevis Public School

Nevis, MN
35.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Nevis ISD 308

Nevis, MN
35.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Park Rapids, MN- NPGA

Park Rapids, MN
37.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Farrington Enterprises, LLC

Park Rapids, MN
37.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

KELLIHER PUBLIC SCHOOL ISD 36

Kelliher, MN
38.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Park Rapids Public Schools

Park Rapids, MN
38.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Girtz Excavating

Park Rapids, MN
40.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

LePier

Fosston, MN
41.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fosston High School

Fosston, MN
41.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 25 schools

CDL Training in Bemidji, Minnesota

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Bemidji, MN</strong> offers <strong>29 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in MN earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Bemidji schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Bemidji?

  • 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.

Trucking Jobs Near Bemidji

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 Bemidji: 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.

Compare CDL Schools in Bemidji

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
American Disposal Inc
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Ben Klisch
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.
Big H Logging
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.
Charps, LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Evening Classes
Elsner Well Drilling
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Fosston High School
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Girtz Excavating
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
ISD 306 - Laporte
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Bemidji

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 Bemidji

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Bemidji

How long does CDL training take in Bemidji?
CDL training programs in Bemidji, 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 Bemidji without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Bemidji 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 Bemidji 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 Bemidji?
The CDL driver job outlook near Bemidji, 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 Bemidji?
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 Bemidji CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.