How much does CDL training cost in Merrill, WI?

CDL training in Merrill, WI 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 Merrill?

Most CDL training programs in Merrill 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 Merrill, WI?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Merrill 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 Merrill 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 17 verified training programs serving the Merrill, Wisconsin area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Merrill, WI

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Merrill?We have identified 17 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Merrill area (Pop: 35,000).

Quick Stats

17 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 35,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Merrill, WI

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 Merrill, WI?

Students comparing CDL schools in Merrill, WI 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 17 training programsserving the Merrill area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

17 CDL Schools Near Merrill

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Top Picks in Merrill

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Karl's Transport Commercial Driver CDL Training School

Antigo, WI

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC (STRATFORD)

Stratford, WI

Merrill, WI

In Merrill

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CDL Training in Merrill, Wisconsin

Merrill, Wisconsin offers 17 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 Merrill?

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

CDL Training Costs in Wisconsin

CDL training in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Trucking Jobs Near Merrill

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Wisconsin

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Wisconsin

Top employers hiring near Merrill: 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.

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Compare CDL Schools in Merrill

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Augusta High School FMCSA Verified	Augusta	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Chippewa Valley CDL Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Holcombe	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Colfax Public School FMCSA Verified	Colfax	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Dark Horse CDL School Holcombe FMCSA Verified	Holcombe	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Dark Horse CDL School inc Classroom FMCSA Verified	Greenville	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Dark Horse CDL School Larsen FMCSA Verified	Larsen	Class AClass B	Evening Classes	View Details
Fox Valley Technical College FMCSA Verified	Clintonville	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Gogebic Community College FMCSA Verified	Ironwood	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ironwood Area Schools FMCSA Verified	Ironwood	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Karl's Transport Commercial Driver CDL Training School FMCSA Verified	Antigo	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Necedah Area Schools FMCSA Verified	Necedah	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Northcentral Technical College FMCSA Verified	Merrill	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC (STRATFORD) FMCSA Verified	Stratford	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Rick Liebergen CDL Training FMCSA Verified	Seymour	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Special Events 3rd Party CDL Testing Services LLC FMCSA Verified	Little Chute	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Merrill

Avg. Private School

$4,800

Avg. Public School

$3,200

Price Range

$2,700 - $6,200

Excellent community college options.

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CDL Testing & DMV in Merrill

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

Find DMV Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Merrill, 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 Merrill

How long does CDL training take in Merrill?

CDL training programs in Merrill, WI 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 Wisconsin?

CDL training costs in Wisconsin 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 Merrill without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Merrill 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 Merrill 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 Wisconsin?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Wisconsin: 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 Merrill?

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

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 Merrill 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 Wisconsin, including training programs in Merrill 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 Wisconsin

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Guide

CDL Schools in Merrill, WI

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Merrill, WI

How should students compare CDL schools in Merrill, WI?

17 CDL Schools Near Merrill

Top Picks in Merrill

Karl's Transport Commercial Driver CDL Training School

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC (STRATFORD)

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources

Karl's Transport Commercial Driver CDL Training School

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC (STRATFORD)

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources

Fox Valley Technical College

Chippewa Valley CDL Academy LLC

Dark Horse CDL School Holcombe

Augusta High School

Wisconsin Operating Engineers Training Center

Necedah Area Schools

Dark Horse CDL School Larsen

Rick Liebergen CDL Training

Dark Horse CDL School inc Classroom

Ironwood Area Schools

Gogebic Community College

Special Events 3rd Party CDL Testing Services LLC

Colfax Public School

Northcentral Technical College

CDL Training in Merrill, Wisconsin

Why Get CDL Training Near Merrill?

CDL Training Costs in Wisconsin

Trucking Jobs Near Merrill

Compare CDL Schools in Merrill

Tuition Costs in Merrill

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Wisconsin

CDL Testing & DMV in Merrill

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Merrill

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Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

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