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.

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.

How much does CDL training cost in Austin, TX?

CDL training in Austin, TX 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 Austin?

Most CDL training programs in Austin 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 Austin, TX?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Austin 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 Austin 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 107 verified training programs serving the Austin, Texas area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Austin, TX

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Austin?We have identified 107 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Austin area (Pop: 978,908).

Quick Stats

107 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 978,908

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Austin, TX

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

107

107 CDL Schools Near Austin

CDL Training Market in Austin, TX (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Active Schools40
ELDT Verified40
Average Tuition$3,000
Starting From$3,000
Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Austin have access to 40 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $3,000 up to premium programs around $6,500.

Many schools in Austin offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

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Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Texas School for the Deaf

Austin, TX

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Texas Department of Transportation

Austin, TX

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Austin, TX

6.7 miles away

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Showing 20 of 91 schools

CDL Training in Austin, Texas

<div class="space-y-4"> Austin, TX offers 107 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs 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. CDL drivers in TX 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 Austin schools. 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. </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Austin?

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

CDL Training Costs in Texas

CDL training in Texas 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 Texas

Trucking Jobs Near Austin

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Texas

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Texas

Top employers hiring near Austin: 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 Austin

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
12731 KIPP Austin FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - San Marcos Classroom FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - San Marcos Yard FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class AHazmat		View Details
533007 - Bastrop FMCSA Verified	Bastrop	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
533018 - Lockhart FMCSA Verified	Lockhart	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
533019 - Round Rock FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
9007 - Austin, TX FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
ABC Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
Ancora for Austin Community College (North) FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Ancora for Austin Community College South FMCSA Verified	Kyle	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
AUSR FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
AUSTIN FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Austin Achieve Public School FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Austin CDL Services FMCSA Verified	Round Rock	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Bartlett ISD FMCSA Verified	Bartlett	Class A	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Austin

Avg. Private School

$6,995

Avg. Public School

$3,500

Price Range

$2,500 - $8,000

High competition in Dallas/Houston drives prices down slightly.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near Austin

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

2401 S IH 35, Austin

(512) 442-3244

4.6

$75-$125

ProHealth Clinic - Downtown Austin

2126 Executive Blvd, Austin

(469) 312-4211

3.8

$97-$181

Walk-ins OK

NextCare Urgent Care - Austin

1356 Medical Center Dr, Austin

(469) 714-9054

$88-$145

View All 9 Clinics in Austin All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & DPS in Austin

5805 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

(512) 424-2000

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Austin DPS. State capital - CDL testing

Visit Austin CDL DPS

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Austin

How long does CDL training take in Austin?

CDL training programs in Austin, TX 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 Texas?

CDL training costs in Texas 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 Austin without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Austin 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 Austin 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 Texas?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Texas: 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.

Is Texas a good state to start a CDL career?

Texas is one of the best states for new CDL drivers. It moves more freight than any other state, I-35 is the primary NAFTA trade corridor, and the energy sector (Permian Basin, Gulf Coast refineries) creates year-round demand for hazmat and tanker drivers. Texas CDL drivers average $56,800/year with experienced oil field haulers earning $85,000+. Texas also has no state income tax, meaning higher take-home pay.

What CDL endorsements pay the most in Texas?

In Texas, the highest-paying CDL endorsements are: Hazmat + Tanker (HN combination) for refinery and chemical hauling along the Gulf Coast ($70K-$85K), X endorsement for oversized loads in the oil fields ($65K-$80K), and TWIC card for Port of Houston container drayage ($60K-$75K). Many Austin CDL schools offer endorsement training bundled with Class A programs.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Texas, including training programs in Austin 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 Texas

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Austin, TX

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Austin, TX

107 CDL Schools Near Austin

CDL Training Market in Austin, TX (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Top Picks in Austin

Texas School for the Deaf

Texas Department of Transportation

Lamar State College Port Arthur - AUS

Texas School for the Deaf

Texas Department of Transportation

Lamar State College Port Arthur - AUS

South Operations

TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

COA Austin Resource Recovery LRC

Southern Careers Institute - Austin

COA Austin Resource Recovery RRC

Eanes ISD

Saegert Bus Terminal

Nelson Bus Terminal

ABC Truck Driving School

AUSR

12731 KIPP Austin

Goodwill Career and Technical Academy

Del Valle ISD

Southeast Bus Terminal

SP Plus Austin Airport

Central Transport - 787

PWNA-Austin

CDL Training in Austin, Texas

Why Get CDL Training Near Austin?

CDL Training Costs in Texas

Trucking Jobs Near Austin

Compare CDL Schools in Austin

Tuition Costs in Austin

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Texas

DOT Physicals Near Austin

Concentra Urgent Care

ProHealth Clinic - Downtown Austin

NextCare Urgent Care - Austin

CDL Testing & DPS in Austin

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Austin

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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