How do I get a CDL in Texas?

To get a CDL in Texas: 1) Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate), 2) Have a valid Texas driver's license, 3) Pass a DOT physical exam, 4) Complete ELDT training from an FMCSA-approved school, 5) Pass the CDL written and skills tests at your local Texas DPS. There are 904 FMCSA-verified CDL schools across 288 cities in Texas.

How much does CDL training cost in Texas?

CDL training in Texas typically costs between $3,500 and $7,500, depending on the program type and duration. Many schools offer financing, and you may qualify for WIOA grants (up to $10,000), GI Bill benefits for veterans, or company-sponsored training programs that are often free.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Texas?

CDL training programs in Texas typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time programs or 8-16 weeks for part-time/weekend programs. After completing ELDT-approved training, you can schedule your skills test at a Texas testing location. Most students complete the entire process in 1-3 months.

What are the best CDL schools in Texas?

Texas has 904 FMCSA-verified CDL schools. The best schools offer: ELDT compliance, manual transmission training (no automatic restriction), job placement assistance, and flexible schedules. Popular cities for CDL training include Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth. Compare schools by tuition, program length, and student reviews.

Where can I take the CDL test in Texas?

CDL testing in Texas is administered by the Texas DPS. You can find testing locations throughout the state, including in major cities like Houston, San Antonio, El Paso. Visit https://www.dps.texas.gov for testing locations and to schedule your exam.

Updated for 2026 • FMCSA Compliant

CDL Training & Truck Driving Schools in Texas

Find 904 FMCSA-verified truck driving programs in Texas.Compare tuition, duration, and job placement offers.

904 Schools

288 Cities

$3,500 - $7,500 Avg

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ELDT Compliant

Already have a CDL? See Texas DOT compliance training, hazmat, HOS/ELD, reasonable suspicion & more, from $39.View courses →

Texas CDL training options below are pulled from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. CDL Schools USA is an independent directory; we verify that each listed school is properly registered and ELDT-compliant before adding or updating it.

904 verified programs available

🚛 Major Trucking Hubs in Texas:

Houston75 schools San Antonio32 schools El Paso32 schools Dallas26 schools Fort Worth20 schools

Browse CDL Schools by City in Texas

Select a city below to view available CDL training programs. Cities are sorted by number of schools available.

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Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Houston - Yard FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	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
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
3074 - Mt. Pleasant - TX - National Express FMCSA Verified	Mt Pleasant	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
3081 - Linden-Kildare - TX - National Express FMCSA Verified	Linden	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
ABC Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Austin	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
Academy ISD FMCSA Verified	Little River-Academy	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Action Career Training - Howard College Big Spring FMCSA Verified	Big Spring	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Action Career Training - Ranger College - Brownwood FMCSA Verified	Early	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Action Career Training - Ranger College - Ranger FMCSA Verified	Ranger	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Action CDL Express FMCSA Verified	Mineral Wells	Class ATanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Advanced CDL Solutions LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy-Dumas, TX FMCSA Verified	Dumas	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Texas

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.

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Everything You Need to Get a CDL in Texas

Average CDL Tuition in Texas

$3,500 - $7,500

Based on 904 training programs in Texas. Prices vary by program length and endorsements.

Company-sponsored: Often FREE
WIOA Grants: Up to $10,000
GI Bill®: Full coverage for veterans

CDL Requirements for Texas

Must be 18+ (21+ for interstate)
Valid Texas driver's license
DOT medical card (physical exam)
ELDT training from approved provider
Pass Texas DPS written & skills test

Visit Texas DPS Website

Types of CDL Training Available in Texas

Class A CDL

Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, tankers

Class B CDL

Straight trucks, buses, dump trucks

Endorsements

Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles, Passenger

Where to Take the CDL Exam in Texas?

We track 42 official testing centers in Texas

Austin DPS Mega Center

6121 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

(512) 424-2600

Houston Gessner DPS

10503 Grant Rd, Houston, TX 77070

(281) 517-1205

Dallas CDL Testing

4445 Saturn Rd, Garland, TX 75041

(972) 686-4325

View All 42 Testing LocationsData sourced from Texas DPS

CDL Schools in Neighboring States

Looking for more options? Check out CDL training programs in states bordering Texas.

Oklahoma Arkansas Louisiana New Mexico

💡 Tip: Some schools near state borders accept students from neighboring states.

Specialized Training Programs

HIGH DEMAND$70K-$100K+

Oil Field CDL Training: Tanker & Hazmat (X) Endorsement

Qualify for high-paying jobs in the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast. Learn about the "X" endorsement required for crude oil and frac water hauling.

View Program

More Resources for Texas CDL Students

📝Texas CDL Practice Test 🩺DOT Physicals in Texas 💰Paid CDL Training 🚛Truck Driver Jobs

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Texas

📋

Guide

Start Your CDL Career in Texas Today

Find an FMCSA-verified CDL school in Texas and take the first step toward a trucking career.

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CDL Training & Truck Driving Schools in Texas

🚛 Major Trucking Hubs in Texas:

Browse CDL Schools by City in Texas

Houston

San Antonio

El Paso

Dallas

Fort Worth

Austin

McAllen

Irving

Garland

Plano

Laredo

Arlington

Corpus Christi

Beaumont

Abilene

Brownsville

Midland

Odessa

Edinburg

Lubbock

Frisco

Mesquite

Round Rock

Pasadena

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Tuition Costs in Texas

Can't decide? Get matched with top Texas schools.

Everything You Need to Get a CDL in Texas

Average CDL Tuition in Texas

CDL Requirements for Texas

Types of CDL Training Available in Texas

Class A CDL

Class B CDL

Endorsements

Where to Take the CDL Exam in Texas?

Austin DPS Mega Center

Houston Gessner DPS

Dallas CDL Testing

CDL Schools in Neighboring States

Specialized Training Programs

Oil Field CDL Training: Tanker & Hazmat (X) Endorsement

More Resources for Texas CDL Students

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)

Related Resources

Start Your CDL Career in Texas Today