How much does CDL training cost in Plains, MT?

CDL training in Plains, 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 Plains?

Most CDL training programs in Plains 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 Plains, MT?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Plains 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 Plains 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 19 verified training programs serving the Plains, Montana area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Plains, MT

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Plains?We have identified 19 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Plains area (Pop: 15,000).

Quick Stats

19 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 15,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Plains, 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 Plains, MT?

Students comparing CDL schools in Plains, 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 19 training programsserving the Plains area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

19 CDL Schools Near Plains

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Top Picks in Plains

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Alberton Schools

Alberton, MT

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Arlee Schools

Arlee, MT

Missoula, MT

51.3 miles away

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Missoula

Missoula, MT

55.4 miles away

Plains, Montana offers 19 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 Plains?

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 Plains

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 Plains: 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 Plains

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Alberton Schools FMCSA Verified	Alberton	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Arlee Schools FMCSA Verified	Arlee	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Bitterroot College UM FMCSA Verified	Hamilton	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Eureka Public Schools 2 FMCSA Verified	Eureka	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Flathead Valley Community College - Kalispell FMCSA Verified	Kalispell	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Flathead Valley Community College - Libby FMCSA Verified	Libby	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Integrated CDL FMCSA Verified	Columbia Falls	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Jones Brothers Trucking- MSLA FMCSA Verified	Missoula	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved
Kalispell - Harlow's School Bus Service, Inc of Montana FMCSA Verified	Kalispell	Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Libby - Harlow's School Bus Service Inc. of Montana FMCSA Verified	Libby	Class AClass B	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
MDT Kalispell FMCSA Verified	Kalispell	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
MDT Missoula FMCSA Verified	Missoula	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Missoula FMCSA Verified	Missoula	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Montana CAD FMCSA Verified	Bigfork	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
North Idaho College - Parker FMCSA Verified	Rathdrum	Class AClass B	VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Plains

Avg. Private School

$5,000

Avg. Public School

$3,300

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,200

Sparse population means fewer school options.

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CDL Testing & MVD in Plains

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

Find MVD Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Plains, 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 Plains

How long does CDL training take in Plains?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Plains 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 Plains 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 Plains?

The CDL driver job outlook near Plains, 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 Plains?

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 Plains 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 Plains 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 Plains, MT

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Plains, MT

How should students compare CDL schools in Plains, MT?

19 CDL Schools Near Plains

Top Picks in Plains

Alberton Schools

Arlee Schools

Integrated CDL

Alberton Schools

Integrated CDL

Flathead Valley Community College - Libby

Libby - Harlow's School Bus Service Inc. of Montana

Stevensville - Harlow's School Bus Service, Inc of Montana

Route 93 Truck Driver Training

Bitterroot College UM

North Idaho College - Parker

Eureka Public Schools 2

Jones Brothers Trucking- MSLA

Missoula

Montana CAD

MDT Missoula

university of Montana Missoula College

MDT Kalispell

Route 93 Trucking North Way LLC

Kalispell - Harlow's School Bus Service, Inc of Montana

Flathead Valley Community College - Kalispell

CDL Training in Plains, Montana

Why Get CDL Training Near Plains?

CDL Training Costs in Montana

Trucking Jobs Near Plains

Compare CDL Schools in Plains

Tuition Costs in Plains

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Montana

CDL Testing & MVD in Plains

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Plains

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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