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 Independence, MO?

CDL training in Independence, MO 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 Independence?

Most CDL training programs in Independence 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 Independence, MO?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Independence 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 Independence 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 29 verified training programs serving the Independence, Missouri area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Independence, MO

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Independence?We have identified 29 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Independence area (Pop: 123,011).

Quick Stats

29 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 123,011

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Independence, MO

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 Independence, MO?

Students comparing CDL schools in Independence, MO 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 29 training programsserving the Independence area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

29 CDL Schools Near Independence

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Top Picks in Independence

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Grain Valley R-5 Schools

Grain Valley, MO

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

MO-KAN Teamsters Apprenticeship & Training Fund

Oak Grove, MO

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Swift Driving Academy KC

Kansas City, KS

Call Now

Grain Valley R-5 Schools

Grain Valley, MO

11.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MO-KAN Teamsters Apprenticeship & Training Fund

Oak Grove, MO

15.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Roys eldt training

Lexington, MO

30.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

East Lynne School

East Lynne, MO

31.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

USD 416 Louisburg Public Schools

Louisburg, KS

35.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Eudora Schools USD #491

Eudora, KS

38.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kansas Central School Bus - Paola

Paola, KS

42.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

McLouth School Dist#342

McLouth, KS

43.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center

Lawrence, KS

44.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Pros

Independence, MO

2.3 miles away

160 Driving Academy

Independence, MO

3 miles away

Huddleston Machinery Moving, Inc.

Kansas City, MO

4.2 miles away

MCC - Blue River Campus

Independence, MO

4.7 miles away

Wilson's industries LLC

Raytown, MO

5.6 miles away

Empire Trucking Academy

Raytown, MO

6.7 miles away

Fort Osage School District

Independence, MO

7.5 miles away

160 Driving Academy - Kansas City MO - Classroom

Kansas City, MO

10 miles away

Zeta Commercial Driving School

Kansas City, MO

11 miles away

20Twenty Training Center

Kansas City, MO

11.1 miles away

ARES CDL INSTITUTE

Kansas City, KS

12.5 miles away

Showing 20 of 28 schools

CDL Training in Independence, Missouri

Independence, Missouri offers 29 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 Independence?

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

CDL Training Costs in Missouri

CDL training in Missouri 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 Missouri

Trucking Jobs Near Independence

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Missouri

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Missouri

Top employers hiring near Independence: 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 Independence

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	Independence	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy - Kansas City MO - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Kansas City	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
20Twenty Training Center FMCSA Verified	Kansas City	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Apex CDL Institute FMCSA Verified	Kansas City	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
ARES CDL INSTITUTE FMCSA Verified	Kansas City	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL Pros FMCSA Verified	Independence	Class AClass B	VA Approved	View Details
CDL Quick Training, LLC FMCSA Verified	St. Joseph	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
DLTS FMCSA Verified	Leawood	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center FMCSA Verified	Lawrence	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
East Lynne School FMCSA Verified	East Lynne	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Empire Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified	Raytown	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Empowering Empires LLC FMCSA Verified	Leavenworth	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	VA Approved	View Details
Eudora Schools USD #491 FMCSA Verified	Eudora	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Fort Osage School District FMCSA Verified	Independence	Class AClass BHazmat	Evening Classes	View Details
Grain Valley R-5 Schools FMCSA Verified	Grain Valley	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Independence

Avg. Private School

$4,500

Avg. Public School

$3,000

Price Range

$2,800 - $6,000

One of the cheapest states for training.

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 Independence

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

4700 Belleview Ave, Kansas City

(816) 561-8855

4.9

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

FastMed Urgent Care - Kansas City

1509 Central Ave, Kansas City

(913) 194-9152

4.5

$79-$144

Concentra Urgent Care - Lees Summit

2413 Clinic Way, Lees Summit

(636) 206-9107

4.5

$57-$136

Walk-ins OK

View All 50 Clinics in Independence 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 & DOR in Independence

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

Find DOR Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Independence

How long does CDL training take in Independence?

CDL training programs in Independence, MO 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 Missouri?

CDL training costs in Missouri 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 Independence without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Independence 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 Independence 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 Missouri?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Missouri: 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 Independence?

The CDL driver job outlook near Independence, MO is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Missouri 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 Independence?

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 Independence 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 Missouri, including training programs in Independence 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 Missouri

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Independence, MO

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Independence, MO

How should students compare CDL schools in Independence, MO?

29 CDL Schools Near Independence

Top Picks in Independence

Grain Valley R-5 Schools

MO-KAN Teamsters Apprenticeship & Training Fund

Swift Driving Academy KC

Grain Valley R-5 Schools

MO-KAN Teamsters Apprenticeship & Training Fund

Roys eldt training

East Lynne School

USD 416 Louisburg Public Schools

Eudora Schools USD #491

Kansas Central School Bus - Paola

McLouth School Dist#342

Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center

CDL Pros

160 Driving Academy

Huddleston Machinery Moving, Inc.

MCC - Blue River Campus

Wilson's industries LLC

Empire Trucking Academy

Fort Osage School District

160 Driving Academy - Kansas City MO - Classroom

Zeta Commercial Driving School

20Twenty Training Center

ARES CDL INSTITUTE

CDL Training in Independence, Missouri

Why Get CDL Training Near Independence?

CDL Training Costs in Missouri

Trucking Jobs Near Independence

Compare CDL Schools in Independence

Tuition Costs in Independence

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Missouri

DOT Physicals Near Independence

Concentra Urgent Care

FastMed Urgent Care - Kansas City

Concentra Urgent Care - Lees Summit

CDL Testing & DOR in Independence

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Independence

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)

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