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 San Antonio, TX?

CDL training in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

Most CDL training programs in San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX?

Yes, several CDL schools in the San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 43 verified training programs serving the San Antonio, Texas area.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Top San Antonio Truck Driving Schools: Manual & Hazmat Approved

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

Get your Class A CDL in San Antonio. Get qualified for Oil & Gas fleets with Hazmat and Manual transmission training. We've identified 43 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

43 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 1,547,253

⚠️ Why San Antonio Students Should Avoid Automatic-Only Schools

If you plan to work in the Texas Oil & Gas sector, getting an "Automatic-Only" CDL is a career mistake. Many local heavy-haul and tanker fleets require Manual Transmissions. Choose a San Antonio school that offers "No Restriction" training to qualify for high-paying Halliburton, Schlumberger, or Texas oil field gigs.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

Nights & Weekends

Quick Facts: CDL Training in San Antonio, 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

43 CDL Schools Near San Antonio

Filter Results:

Sort by:

Top Picks in San Antonio

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

TOP GUN TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Castle Hills, TX

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

CISCO SEPTIC

Adkins, TX

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Somerset Independent School District

Von Ormy, TX

Call Now

CISCO SEPTIC

Adkins, TX

13.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Somerset Independent School District

Von Ormy, TX

16 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Somerset ISD

Von Ormy, TX

16 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Agape Energy Services

Lacoste, TX

20.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

LYTLE ISD

Lytle, TX

22.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Tx Rural Student Transportation

Marion, TX

23.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Floresville ISD

Floresville, TX

28 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Natalia Independent School District

Natalia, TX

28.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Brown County Services

Floresville, TX

29.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pleasanton Independent School District

Pleasanton, TX

30.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rental Services of Texas, LLC

Pleasanton, TX

30.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Coastal Bend College Pleasanton

Pleasanton, TX

30.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Devine Independent School District

Devine, TX

31.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Poth ISD

Poth, TX

34.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Stockdale isd

Stockdale, TX

34.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Stockdaleisd

Stockdale, TX

34.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pipe Creek, TX - NPGA

Pipe Creek, TX

34.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jourdanton Independent School District

Jourdanton, TX

35.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Eco Soil Stabilizers

Canyon Lake, TX

36.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kendall County Road & Bridge 2

Comfort, TX

37.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 36 schools

CDL Training in San Antonio, Texas

<p>San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio

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 San Antonio: 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 San Antonio

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
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
Agape Energy Services FMCSA Verified	Lacoste	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Bandera I.S.D. FMCSA Verified	Bandera	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Bartlett Tree Experts San Marcos TX FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Blanco ISD FMCSA Verified	Blanco	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Brown County Services FMCSA Verified	Floresville	Class AClass BTanker	VA Approved	View Details
Center Point ISD FMCSA Verified	Center Point	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CISCO SEPTIC FMCSA Verified	Adkins	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
City of San Marcos FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Coastal Bend College Pleasanton FMCSA Verified	Pleasanton	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Comfort, TX- NPGA FMCSA Verified	Comfort	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Devine Independent School District FMCSA Verified	Devine	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
Eco Soil Stabilizers FMCSA Verified	Canyon Lake	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Falls City ISD FMCSA Verified	Falls City	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in San Antonio

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?

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

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near San Antonio

Required for your CDL medical card

Industrial Medicine Associates - San Antonio

2051 Corporate Way, San Antonio

(254) 579-6942

4.8

$102-$153

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - San Antonio

5118 Health Plaza, San Antonio

(817) 497-4330

4.6

$65-$116

Concentra Urgent Care

3600 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio

(210) 736-2444

3.8

$75-$125

View All 11 Clinics in San Antonio 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 San Antonio

12002 Toepperwein Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 531-1000

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the San Antonio Mega Center. CDL testing by appointment

Visit San Antonio 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 San Antonio

How long does CDL training take in San Antonio?

CDL training programs in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio without quitting my job?

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

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

📚