Learn more about getting your CDL in Texas, and compare some of Dallas-Fort Worth’s top trucking programs
While compiling our overview of some of the top CDL programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we took into account compliance with Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, access to third-party testing sites, schedule flexibility, graduate reviews on the lesson plans and instructors, and job placements rates when available.
Quick Facts on CDL Training Dallas-Fort Worth
- While course lengths vary by program and whether it’s full-time or part-time, students can expect a typical CDL training class to be completed in a few weeks.
- The cost of obtaining a CDL in Texas can range from about $3,000–$7,000, and can include a number of additional costs such as training, fees, equipment, and any necessary endorsements.
- Beyond the standard CDLs (class A, class B, or class C), endorsements may be added to the license through extra training and testing. These include hazardous materials, tanks, passenger transport, school bus, double or triple trailers and combination of tank vehicles and hazardous materials.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has three testing sites in the DFW area, and there are also several third-party sites located throughout the region as well, making it easy to find a testing location that works for you.
Top Truck Driving Schools in DFW (Unranked)
160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the United States, with nearly 150 locations across the country. Because of this, prospective truck drivers don’t have to look far to find programs that focus on class A CDLs, double/triple and HAZMAT certifications, and more. They even offer online ELDT theory classes for free!
Length: Four weeks
Financing: Federal grants, tuition reimbursement, company sponsorship, private loans
Job Placement: Access to lifetime career guidance and membership to Truckers Network
Endorsements: HAZMAT
210 Driving Academy
With the goal of building up a workforce to meet the demand for qualified drivers, 210 Driving Academy offers both classroom and hands-on training in general maintenance, safety regulations, defensive driving, and more. They also provide flexible scheduling to enable more people to access their instruction.
Length: 210 hours (four weeks for weekday course, weekend courses available)
Financing: Contact school for more information
Job Placement: N/A
Endorsements: Passenger, School Bus
Big Klass CDL
This CDL training program in Dallas, TX works to help students learn both general knowledge and practical experience through both behind-the-wheel and classroom training, so they can help them get the confidence needed to begin their trucking journey with success.
Length: Two–five weeks
Financing: Federal grants
Job Placement:
Endorsements:
C1 Truck Driver Training
Founded in 1987, C1 has been training future truck drivers for decades. They not only offer programs in both class A and class B licenses, but also in pintle hook, passenger and HAZMAT endorsements, and even business CDL training. For those who had previously received an automatic CDL, they also offer a manual transmission program, so that the automatic restriction can be removed.
Length: Two–four weeks
Financing: Federal grants, tuition reimbursement, company sponsorship, private loans
Job Placement: Access to lifetime job placement assistance and corporate hiring partnerships
Endorsements: HAZMAT, Passenger
Continental Truck Driver Training And Education School
Since 2000, Continental has trained more than 9,000 truck drivers to get their Class A CDL. They also offer several refresher courses for those who already have a CDL but who haven’t driven recently and need updated training.
Length: 200 hours (four weeks for weekday course, six weeks for evening course)
Financing: Federal grants, Tuition reimbursement, private loans
Job Placement: Job placement staff to help match graduates with entry-level jobs and carrier changes
Endorsements: N/A
Last Step CDL
The team at Last Step CDL is known for maintaining a small student-to-teacher ratio, with only three–six trainees allowed in a course, in order to provide as much personalized and behind-the-wheel training as possible. They also offer flexible scheduling, as students can choose two, four, or six week courses over your choice of two days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday)
Length: 1–6 weeks
Financing: Payment plans, price matching
Job Placement: N/A
Endorsements: N/A
Lone Star Truck Driving Academy
With their core values of integrity, excellence, safety, and community, Lone Star aims to provide future truck drivers with the education they need to succeed in the transportation industry. You’ll also have an opportunity to remove an automatic restriction if you have one, learn to drive an RV, access corporate training, and more.
Length: Five weeks
Financing: Scholarships, veteran benefits, payment plans
Job Placement: Job search resources and placement support to help you find employment after training
Endorsements: N/A
No Limit Truck Driving School
Through hands-on experience, safety and regulations instructions, and job placement assistance, No Limit Truck Driving School works to help their students thrive within the field. They also offer a variety of other training options, such as forklift rough terrain, OSHA Aerial and Scissor Lift, and more.
Length: 180 hours
Financing: Federal grants, private loans
Job Placement: Job placement assistance
Endorsements: HAZMAT, Passenger, School Bus
Texas CDL Requirements
In order to apply for your CDL, you must be at least 18 years of age (if driving only within Texas) or 21 (if driving across state lines). You will also need a valid Texas driver’s license and proof of identity. In addition to these eligibility requirements, you will also need to:
- Get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This enables you to begin your training. While applying, you’ll need several pieces of documentation, including a medical exam, as well as completion of a knowledge test. You must have your CLP for at least 14 days before you can begin testing for a CDL, and the permit is valid for 180 days or when your Texas driver’s license expires, whichever comes first.
- Complete your Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a series of regulations that impact both theory and on-the-road practice. These are to help ensure that commercial drivers have a higher level of standardized training, in order to prepare them for the responsibilities that come with operating large, heavy vehicles. First-time applicants must complete an ELDT program, as well as those looking to upgrade their CDL class or add specific endorsements.
- Provide your Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card. The DOT requires that prospective drivers also pass a health examination by an approved doctor listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry, in order to prove their physical fitness for driving commercial vehicles. This medical certification must also be renewed regularly in order to confirm that you are still physically capable of safely operating a large motor vehicle.
- Pass your skill tests. Once your training is complete, it’s time to take your CDL test. This will be done in the type of vehicle you plan to drive and consists of three parts: showing that you know the protocols for pre-trip inspection before driving and why each step is necessary, demonstrating maneuvers in a closed course, and completing a road test to show that you can operate the vehicle in actual traffic.
- Add any relevant endorsements. Depending on the type of driving you want to do, you may also be required to complete extra training to add special certifications to your license. This includes HAZMAT, tankers, passenger buses, and more.
How to Pay for a CDL Training Program in Texas
According to CDL eXpert, the total cost of getting your CDL in Texas can range from $3,000 to $7,000.1 This includes not only your behind-the-wheel training but also exam and licensing fees, with the ultimate price varying depending on your school, the type of license, and any endorsements you’re adding. Luckily, most schools offer a variety of payment options to help ease the burden of tuition for prospective students, including:
- Federal Grants. Depending on your chosen school, you may be able to apply for a government-sponsored grant program designed to help build up the workforce through career training, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). To find out if your school is eligible for WIOA funding, you can reach out to them directly, or you can visit the Texas Workforce Commission website for education and career resources.
- GI Bill. If you’re eligible for veteran benefits, you may also be able to pay for your CDL education through the GI Bill®, which can cover up to full tuition for military personnel and veterans. You can find VA-approved schools by using their search tool, or you can reach out to your school directly to learn if they’re eligible.
- Carrier Contracts. Through an employer sponsorship, such as a contract with a carrier, a company will pay all or part of a student’s tuition in exchange for that student agreeing to work for them for a certain amount of time after their training. While this can be a great way to cover the costs of training while also having a job guarantee, you’ll want to keep in mind that, should you want to leave the company before the required timeline, you will typically be required to pay back the tuition that the employer covered.
- Loans. For those unable to pay the tuition out of pocket or through sponsorships or grants, one other option is taking out a loan to break the payment up into smaller amounts. Even though most CDL schools don’t offer federal student loans, they may provide private loan opportunities. It’s important to remember, however, that should you choose this route, you’ll likely end up paying more in interest payments, and your credit score may be affected.
Career Outlook for CDL Drivers in Dallas-Forth Worth
Despite rising fears of automation, landing a rewarding career in the trucking industry remains a relatively stable prospect. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projects a job growth rate of 4% from 2024–2034 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, as well as an 8% projected job growth delivery truck drivers.2,3 Meanwhile, their Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Map also ranks Texas as the state with the highest employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers with 212,700 jobs, 59,200 of which are in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington.4 Some examples of major carriers in the area are:
- A Truck Express
- Hazel’s Expedited Freight
- Lone Star Transportation
- Poly Trucking
- Roehl Transport
- Stevens Transport
- Summit Transportation
- Werner Enterprises
- And more
FAQs
How fast can I finish my CDL training in DFW?
Including training and testing, it can take about 3–4 weeks to get your CDL in Texas.5 However, this number can vary depending on your school, the type of driving you’re learning, and whether you’re enrolling in a full-time or part-time program. When comparing potential programs, be sure to find one that not only fits into your schedule, but that also has a reputation for being a great school with great instructors.
Do I need training in manual transmission for better jobs?
While manual training isn’t required for every job, it does open up more career opportunities. Completing a program that only teaches automatic transmission will restrict your license, so you can only apply for jobs that fall within the automatic restriction. On the other hand, learning how to use a manual transmission will remove that restriction and make more career options available.
Which endorsements are most valuable in DFW?
The endorsements that will be most valuable to you as a driver in the Dallas-Forth Worth area will ultimately depend on your career goals. There are several endorsements you can pursue, such as hazardous materials (H), tanks (N), passenger transport (P), school bus (S), double or triple trailers (T), and combination of tank vehicles and hazardous materials (X).
Sources
1https://www.cdlexpert.com/post/how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-a-cdl-in-texas
5https://driverresourcecenter.com/how-to-get-a-cdl-in-texas/
