Phillip EdwinTexas offers a robust and accessible landscape for commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, with programs designed to meet the state’s high demand for qualified truck drivers. These schools provide the mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training required by federal regulations and prepare students for the Class A CDL exam. Programs vary in length from four to twelve weeks, with costs typically ranging from $4,000 to $4,500, offering a strong return on investment with starting salaries around $50,000 or more.
Top 15 Truck Driving Schools In Texas
1. San Jacinto College (Houston)
San Jacinto College offers a professional truck driver program with comprehensive hands-on training, including approximately 300 miles of behind-the-wheel driving across various terrains and traffic conditions . The program offers flexible scheduling with day classes running Monday through Thursday for six weeks or weekend classes on Saturdays and Sundays for 12 weeks to accommodate working professionals . Students learn to operate manual transmission semi-trucks and cover critical skills including trip planning and Texas Department of Transportation regulations.
The full cost of the course is approximately $4,300, and graduates are prepared to take the Class A CDL exam while earning both an occupational certificate and Department of Transportation certification. Students may also qualify for free tuition through programs such as the Texas Public Education Grant and partnerships with organizations like Volunteers of America.
2. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Professional Driving Academy (Waco)
TSTC’s Professional Driving Academy relaunched in February 2026, offering a four-week Class A CDL program with a unique approach that combines virtual learning with intensive hands-on training . The first week involves virtual work, followed by three weeks of intense hands-on training that includes on-the-road driving as far as West Texas.
Instructors have a combined 60 years of industry experience, and students are tested on pre-trip inspections, backing skills, and safe driving techniques. The program is available to both Electrical Lineworker students and the general public, and students receive their commercial driver’s license upon passing the driving test.
3. Lone Star College (Houston)
Lone Star College offers a Professional Truck Driver – Class A CDL program at its Transportation & Global Logistics Technology Center, a 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art training facility. The program offers flexible schedules including a six-week full-time weekday option, an eight-week part-time evening option, and a fifteen-week part-time weekend option.
The program meets all FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training requirements and is a certified Texas DPS third-party testing site. Financial aid is available through the GI Bill, Hazlewood Act, and Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Students learn pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, backing, and city street and highway driving.
4. Grayson College (Denison)
Grayson College offers an accelerated four-week Class A CDL course in North Texas that prepares students for the state licensing exam. The program includes preparation for the CDL written exam and hands-on training operating a tractor-trailer combination to master the skills test. Grayson also offers ELDT training required for all new CDL applicants and a dedicated HazMat preparation course, giving graduates a competitive edge with higher pay and job preference opportunities. The total cost is approximately $4,500.
5. Central Texas College (Killeen)
Central Texas College’s Professional Truck Driving Program is a non-credit program that provides personalized instruction with a curriculum designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in truck driving.
The program features an approved on-campus testing facility and offers a high job placement rate of approximately 95% through partnerships with Warner, TMC, Schneider, and Maverick trucking companies. Graduates can potentially earn $65,000 starting pay with benefits, and the program requires only one month of VA benefits for eligible veterans.
6. Trinity Valley Community College
Trinity Valley Community College offers a CDL training program that ranks among the top schools in Texas with a BOC Score of 55.8 . Graduates earn a median of $44,266, reflecting strong career outcomes . The program provides comprehensive training for students seeking Class A CDL certification.
7. Lee College (Baytown)
Lee College offers a CDL training program ranked with a BOC Score of 53.0 . Graduates earn a median of $57,434, one of the highest median earnings among Texas CDL programs . The program provides quality training for students seeking careers in the trucking industry.
8. Miller-Motte College-STVT-Arlington
STVT-Arlington offers a CDL training program with a BOC Score of 46.8 . Graduates earn a median of $34,393, and the program has a strong 76% graduation rate . The Arlington campus provides accessible training for students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
9. Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi
STVT-Corpus Christi offers a CDL training program with a BOC Score of 44.1. Graduates earn a median of $34,393, and the program maintains a 71% graduation rate. The Corpus Christi campus serves the Coastal Bend region of Texas.
10. Miller-Motte College-STVT-San Antonio
STVT-San Antonio offers a CDL training program with a BOC Score of 40.5. Graduates earn a median of $34,393, and the program has a 70% graduation rate. The San Antonio campus provides training for students in South Texas.
11. C1 Truck Driver Training (Dallas/Fort Worth)
C1 Truck Driver Training, founded in 1987, offers programs in Class A and Class B licenses, including endorsements for HAZMAT, passenger, and pintle hook. The 2-4 week program provides lifetime job placement assistance and has corporate hiring partnerships. Students can also take a manual transmission program to remove an automatic restriction.
The school is known for experienced instructors who provide both skills training and mentorship, with a supportive environment that prepares students for the CLP exam and skill exercises.
12. Continental Truck Driver Training And Education School (Dallas)
Since 2000, Continental has trained over 9,000 truck drivers for their Class A CDL. The program includes 200 hours of training, with a four-week weekday option and a six-week evening option. A dedicated job placement staff helps graduates match with entry-level jobs and carrier changes, and refresher courses are available for those with a CDL who need updated training.
13. 160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy is one of the largest CDL training schools in the United States, offering a structured four-week program that covers classroom instruction, yard practice, and on-the-road training. The program offers free online ELDT theory classes and endorsements for HAZMAT and double/triple trailers. Financial aid includes federal grants, tuition reimbursement, and company sponsorship, with tuition typically starting around $4,000.
14. No Limit Truck Driving School (Dallas)
No Limit Truck Driving School has been educating future truck drivers for 35 years with a 180-hour training program. The FMCSA-verified school offers hands-on experience, safety and regulations instruction, and job placement assistance. In addition to CDL training, the school offers forklift rough terrain and OSHA Aerial and Scissor Lift training, allowing students to diversify their skills, with endorsements available in HAZMAT, passenger, and school bus.
15. Big Klass CDL School (Dallas)
Big Klass CDL School offers a comprehensive training program that helps students learn both general knowledge and practical experience through behind-the-wheel and classroom training. The program offers a 2-5 week curriculum designed to build the confidence needed to begin a successful trucking career.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Approx. Program Length | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jacinto College | Houston | 6–12 weeks | ~300 miles driving, $4,300 cost, free tuition options |
| 2 | TSTC Professional Driving Academy | Waco | 4 weeks | 60 years instructor experience, virtual + hands-on |
| 3 | Lone Star College | Houston | 6–15 weeks | State-of-the-art facility, DPS testing site, GI Bill |
| 4 | Grayson College | Denison | 4 weeks | $4,500, HazMat preparation, accelerated program |
| 5 | Central Texas College | Killeen | Varies | 95% job placement, on-campus testing, $65k starting pay |
| 6 | Trinity Valley Community College | Varies | Varies | BOC Score 55.8, $44,266 median earnings |
| 7 | Lee College | Baytown | Varies | BOC Score 53.0, $57,434 median earnings |
| 8 | STVT–Arlington | Arlington | Varies | 76% graduation rate, DFW location |
| 9 | STVT–Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi | Varies | 71% graduation rate, Coastal Bend location |
| 10 | STVT–San Antonio | San Antonio | Varies | 70% graduation rate, South Texas location |
| 11 | C1 Truck Driver Training | Dallas/Fort Worth | 2–4 weeks | Lifetime job placement, HAZMAT/passenger endorsements |
| 12 | Continental Truck Driver Training | Dallas | 4–6 weeks | 9,000+ graduates, job placement staff |
| 13 | 160 Driving Academy | Multiple | 4 weeks | Largest national network, free ELDT theory |
| 14 | No Limit Truck Driving School | Dallas | 180 hours | 35 years experience, OSHA and forklift training |
| 15 | Big Klass CDL School | Dallas | 2–5 weeks | 3.5-acre training campus, in-house CDL testing |
Success Tips for Choosing a Truck Driving School
Start by considering the program length and schedule that fits your needs; San Jacinto College offers 6-week day classes or 12-week weekend classes, while Lone Star College provides 6-week weekday, 8-week evening, and 15-week weekend options.
Look for schools that are certified Texas DPS third-party testing sites, like Lone Star College, so you can test at the facility where you trained.
Compare tuition costs; Grayson College charges approximately $4,500 for its accelerated 4-week program, while San Jacinto College costs about $4,300.
Check the job placement rates; Central Texas College reports a 95% job placement rate through partnerships with major carriers like Warner, TMC, Schneider, and Maverick.
Investigate financial aid opportunities, including the GI Bill, Hazlewood Act, and Texas Workforce Commission funding.
Finally, ensure the program meets FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training requirements, which are mandatory for all new CDL applicants.
Closing
Texas provides a comprehensive and diverse selection of truck driving schools, from the 4-week accelerated programs at TSTC and Grayson College to the flexible 12-week weekend options at San Jacinto College and Lone Star College. These schools provide the mandatory ELDT training and hands-on experience needed to obtain a Class A CDL and launch a career in the high-demand trucking industry. With starting salaries around $50,000 or more and strong job placement rates, CDL training offers a solid return on investment.
Note that all information, including tuition, program lengths, and schedules, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.