Phillip EdwinTexas offers a robust landscape for Commercial Driver’s License 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 administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Programs typically range from four to eight weeks, with costs varying from approximately $3,000 to $7,000, and are offered by community colleges, private academies, and specialized training centers across the state.
Top 15 CDL Training Schools In Texas
1. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Professional Driving Academy
TSTC’s Professional Driving Academy relaunched in February 2026 at the Waco campus, offering a four-week Class A CDL program. The course includes one week of virtual work followed by three weeks of intense hands-on training, including 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.
2. Lone Star College
Located at the Transportation & Global Logistics Technology Center, Lone Star College offers a Professional Truck Driver – Class A CDL program with 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.
3. Grayson College
Grayson College offers an accelerated four-week Class A CDL course in North Texas. The program includes preparation for the written CDL exam and operates a tractor-trailer combination to master the skills test. Grayson also offers ELDT training for all new CDL applicants or endorsement additions, including a dedicated HazMat preparation course, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
4. Coastal Bend College
Coastal Bend College offers Class A and Class B CDL training across its Beeville, Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton campuses. The Class A program lasts eight weeks (two weeks online + six weeks driving), while the Class B program takes six weeks. Tuition is $4,000 for Class A and $1,500 for Class B, and the licensing exam is administered during the final week of training.
5. 160 Driving Academy
As one of the largest CDL training schools in the United States, 160 Driving Academy has multiple locations across Texas and offers a structured four-week program. The curriculum covers classroom instruction, yard practice, and on-the-road training, with free online ELDT theory classes and additional endorsements for HAZMAT and double/triple trailers. Financial aid includes federal grants, tuition reimbursement, and company sponsorship.
6. Big Klass CDL School
Based in Dallas, Big Klass CDL School operates a 3.5-acre campus with comprehensive training, including skills often overlooked like coupling and uncoupling trailers. A major advantage is their in-house CDL testing with a state-certified examiner on staff, allowing students to test at the same facility where they train . Students praise the positive atmosphere and knowledgeable instructors.
7. 210 Driving Academy
210 Driving Academy offers a 210-hour program (four weeks for weekday courses, with weekend options available) that combines classroom and hands-on training in general maintenance, safety regulations, and defensive driving. The school also provides endorsements for passenger and school bus, making it a flexible option for various career paths.
8. Continental Truck Driver Training And Education School
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.
9. C1 Truck Driver Training
Founded in 1987, C1 offers programs in Class A and Class B licenses, including endorsements for HAZMAT, passenger, and pintle hook. They also offer a manual transmission program for those who received an automatic restriction. The two-to-four-week program provides lifetime job placement assistance and has corporate hiring partnerships.
10. No Limit Truck Driving School
With a 180-hour training program, No Limit 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. Endorsements include HAZMAT, passenger, and school bus.
11. Miller-Motte College-STVT
STVT has campuses in Arlington, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio, offering Class A CDL training programs. The Arlington campus reports median graduate earnings of $34,393 and a graduation rate of 76%, making it a solid option for students in major Texas metro areas.
12. Troops Into Transportation – The CDL School
Located at Fort Hood, this program specializes in Class A CDL training for service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents. Founded in 2012, the program trains over 2,500 students annually and provides lifetime job placement support. Instructors are praised for their patience and industry insights.
13. Goodwill North Central Texas – North Texas Institute
Offered through Goodwill’s North Texas Institute in Fort Worth, this program provides comprehensive CDL training over 208 hours (approximately seven weeks). The curriculum covers endorsements for Hazmat, Tankers, Doubles, and Triples, and a recertification program is also available.
14. Lone Star Truck Driving Academy
This academy offers a five-week program with core values of integrity, excellence, safety, and community. Students can remove an automatic restriction, learn to drive an RV, or access corporate training. Job search resources and placement support help graduates find employment after training, and financial aid includes scholarships, veteran benefits, and payment plans.
15. 1st Choice CDL Academy
Located in Houston, 1st Choice CDL Academy offers Class A CDL training with small class sizes and one-on-one attention from instructor . Students praise the teaching methods, support, and patience of the instructors, noting they feel confident and well-prepared for the CDL exam. The school is highly recommended for its effective training program and strong commitment to student success.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location(s) | Program Length | Approx. Tuition | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas State Technical College | Waco | 4 weeks | Varies | 60 years combined instructor experience, on‑the‑road training |
| 2 | Lone Star College | Houston (Technology Center) | 6–15 weeks | Varies | Certified DPS third‑party testing site, flexible schedules |
| 3 | Grayson College | North Texas | 4 weeks | Varies | ELDT and HazMat training, accelerated program |
| 4 | Coastal Bend College | Beeville, Alice, Kingsville, Pleasanton | 6–8 weeks | $1,500–$4,000 | Affordable tuition, online + driving format |
| 5 | 160 Driving Academy | Multiple locations | 4 weeks | $4,000+ | Largest national network, free ELDT theory |
| 6 | Big Klass CDL School | Dallas | 2–5 weeks | Varies | In‑house CDL testing, 3.5‑acre training campus |
| 7 | 210 Driving Academy | Dallas | 4 weeks (weekday/weekend) | Varies | Passenger and school bus endorsements |
| 8 | Continental Truck Driver Training | Dallas | 4–6 weeks | Varies | 9,000+ graduates Just Recently, job placement staff |
| 9 | C1 Truck Driver Training | Dallas | 2–4 weeks | Varies | Manual transmission program, lifetime placement |
| 10 | No Limit Truck Driving School | Dallas | 180 hours | Varies | OSHA and forklift training options |
| 11 | Miller‑Motte College – STVT | Arlington, Corpus Christi, San Antonio | Varies | Varies | 76% graduation rate (Arlington) |
| 12 | Troops Into Transportation | Fort Hood | Varies | Varies | Military‑focused program, lifetime job placement |
| 13 | Goodwill North Texas Institute | Fort Worth | 7 weeks | Varies | Hazmat, Tankers, Doubles/Triples endorsements |
| 14 | Lone Star Truck Driving Academy | Dallas | 5 weeks | Varies | RV training, veteran benefits |
| 15 | 1st Choice CDL Academy | Houston | Varies | Varies | Small class sizes, one‑on‑one instruction |
Success Tips for Choosing a CDL School
Start by ensuring the school meets FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, which are mandatory for all new CDL applicants.
Look for schools that are certified Texas DPS third-party testing sites, like Lone Star College, or that offer in-house testing, like Big Klass CDL School, to avoid long waits for skills tests.
Compare program lengths and schedules; community colleges often offer flexible evening and weekend options, while private academies may offer accelerated four-week programs.
Investigate financial aid opportunities, including federal grants, GI Bill benefits, and the Hazlewood Act for Texas veterans.
Finally, avoid schools with accelerated timelines as short as 20 days, as the Texas Attorney General has investigated programs for inadequate training that may violate state law.
Closing
Texas offers a strong and diverse network of CDL training schools, from community colleges with flexible schedules and affordable tuition to private academies with accelerated programs and in-house testing. These schools provide the mandatory ELDT training needed to obtain a Class A CDL and launch a career in the high-demand trucking industry.
Whether you are a first-time driver, a veteran seeking a new career, or a working professional looking for evening classes, Texas has a CDL program to meet your needs. 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.