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 Houston, TX?

CDL training in Houston, 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 Houston?

Most CDL training programs in Houston 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 Houston, TX?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Houston 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 Houston 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 66 verified training programs serving the Houston, Texas area.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

OIL FIELD PREP

Top Houston Truck Driving Schools: Manual & Hazmat Approved

Avoid the "E" Restriction. Train on a Manual 10-Speed in Houston.

Get your Class A CDL in Houston. Get qualified for Oil & Gas fleets with Hazmat and Manual transmission training. We've identified 66 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

66 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 2,320,268

⚠️ Why Houston Students Should Avoid Automatic-Only Schools

If you plan to work in the Texas Oil & Gas sector (especially near Houston), getting an "Automatic-Only" CDL is a career mistake. Many local heavy-haul and tanker fleets require drivers to operate Manual Transmissions (10, 13, or 18-speed) for off-road and mud control. Don't limit your paycheck. Choose a Houston school that offers "No Restriction" training to ensure you qualify for high-paying refinery, Halliburton, Schlumberger, or local Port Arthur/Beaumont gigs.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

Nights & Weekends

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Houston, 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

66 CDL Schools Near Houston

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Top Picks in Houston

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sealy ISD

Sealy, TX

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sealy ISD

Sealy, TX

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sage Truck Driving Schools- Houston East

Jacinto City, TX

Call Now

CLAIMED

Sealy ISD

Bill Hogan Transportation

Sugar Land, TX

19 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

La Porte ISD

La Porte, TX

20.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 58 schools

CDL Training in Houston, Texas

<p>Houston offers TX verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near Houston?

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 Houston

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 Houston: 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 Houston

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
(A) Road & Bridge FMCSA Verified	Dickinson	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
(Range A) Road & Bridge FMCSA Verified	Hitchcock	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
(Road A) Galveston County Road & Bridge FMCSA Verified	Santa Fe	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
55431 Ft Bend County FMCSA Verified	Sugar Land	Class AHazmatTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Aldine ISD FMCSA Verified	Humble	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Anahuac Independent School District FMCSA Verified	Anahuac	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Bill Hogan Transportation FMCSA Verified	Sugar Land	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Blue Bell Creameries - Humble FMCSA Verified	Humble	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL future Success LLC FMCSA Verified	Crosby	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
CDL future trucking academy (Crosby BTW training) FMCSA Verified	Crosby	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of Humble FMCSA Verified	Humble	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
City of La Porte - Public Works FMCSA Verified	La Porte	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of La Porte- Parks FMCSA Verified	La Porte	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of Santa Fe FMCSA Verified	Santa Fe	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
City of Tomball FMCSA Verified	Tomball	Class ATanker	VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Houston

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

Need Help Choosing?

(713) 462-3939

4.6

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

View All 24 Clinics in Houston 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 Houston

10503 Grant Rd, Houston, TX 77070

(281) 955-3990

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Houston Mega Center. Largest TX city - full CDL services

Visit Houston CDL DPS

Oil Field Prep Training in Other Texas Cities

Explore CDL schools with oil field prep and hazmat / tanker training in nearby Texas cities.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

Nights & Weekends

View All Texas CDL Schools

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Houston

How long does CDL training take in Houston?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston CDL schools offer endorsement training bundled with Class A programs.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Texas, including training programs in Houston and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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