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 Great Falls, MT?

CDL training in Great Falls, MT 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 Great Falls?

Most CDL training programs in Great Falls 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 Great Falls, MT?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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 5 verified training programs serving the Great Falls, Montana area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Great Falls, MT

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Great Falls?We have identified 5 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Great Falls area (Pop: 60,442).

Quick Stats

5 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 60,442

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Great Falls, MT

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 Great Falls, MT?

Students comparing CDL schools in Great Falls, MT 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 5 training programsserving the Great Falls area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

5 CDL Schools Near Great Falls

Cascade Public Schools

Cascade, MT

24.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Sun River Valley Schools

Cascade, MT

29.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fort Benton School Transportation

Fort Benton, MT

37 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MDT Great Falls

Great Falls, MT

1.3 miles away

GFC MSU

Great Falls, MT

1.9 miles away

CDL Training in Great Falls, Montana

Great Falls, Montana offers 5 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 Great Falls?

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

CDL Training Costs in Montana

CDL training in Montana 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 Montana

Trucking Jobs Near Great Falls

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Montana

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Montana

Top employers hiring near Great Falls: 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 Great Falls

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 5 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Cascade Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Cascade	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fort Benton School Transportation FMCSA Verified	Fort Benton	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
GFC MSU FMCSA Verified	Great Falls	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
MDT Great Falls FMCSA Verified	Great Falls	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Sun River Valley Schools FMCSA Verified	Cascade	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Great Falls

Avg. Private School

$5,000

Avg. Public School

$3,300

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,200

Sparse population means fewer school options.

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

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

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DOT Physicals Near Great Falls

Required for your CDL medical card

Express Urgent Care - Great Falls

9969 Commerce Blvd, Great Falls

(406) 242-1129

4.8

$104-$160

Walk-ins OK

AFC Urgent Care - East Great Falls

3418 Executive Blvd, Great Falls

(406) 343-8223

4.5

$62-$146

Walk-ins OK

Benefis Occupational Medicine

1101 26th St S, Great Falls

(406) 455-5000

4.5

$70-$130

Walk-ins OK

View All 6 Clinics in Great Falls 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 & MVD in Great Falls

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

Find MVD Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Great Falls

How long does CDL training take in Great Falls?

CDL training programs in Great Falls, MT 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 Montana?

CDL training costs in Montana 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 Great Falls without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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 Montana?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Montana: 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 Great Falls?

The CDL driver job outlook near Great Falls, MT is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Montana 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 Great Falls?

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 Great Falls 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 Montana, including training programs in Great Falls 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 Montana

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Great Falls, MT

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Great Falls, MT

How should students compare CDL schools in Great Falls, MT?

5 CDL Schools Near Great Falls

Cascade Public Schools

Sun River Valley Schools

Fort Benton School Transportation

MDT Great Falls

GFC MSU

CDL Training in Great Falls, Montana

Why Get CDL Training Near Great Falls?

CDL Training Costs in Montana

Trucking Jobs Near Great Falls

Compare CDL Schools in Great Falls

Tuition Costs in Great Falls

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Montana

DOT Physicals Near Great Falls

Express Urgent Care - Great Falls

AFC Urgent Care - East Great Falls

Benefis Occupational Medicine

CDL Testing & MVD in Great Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Great Falls

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

DriveSchoolHub.com

CDLSchoolsUSA.com