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 16 verified training programs serving the Ruston, Louisiana area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Ruston, LA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Ruston?We have identified 16 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Ruston area (Pop: 22,370).

Quick Stats

16 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 22,370

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Ruston, LA

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
16

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Ruston, LA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Ruston, LA should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 16 training programsserving the Ruston area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

16 CDL Schools Near Ruston

Top Picks in Ruston

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Lincoln Preparatory School

Grambling, LA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Coastal Truck Driving School -Calhoun

Calhoun, LA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Bienville Parish School Board

Arcadia, LA

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Lincoln Preparatory School

Grambling, LA
4.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bienville Parish School Board

Arcadia, LA
16.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jackson Parish School Board

Jonesboro, LA
19.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Claiborne Parish School Board

Homer, LA
30.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ouachita Truck Driving Academy

Sterlington, LA
34.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College

Minden, LA
36.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Webster Parish School Board

Minden, LA
37.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Caldwell Parish School Board

Columbia, LA
43.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Parkers Chapel School

El Dorado, AR
44.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

West Side Christian School

El Dorado, AR
47.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

South Arkansas CDL Consulting LLC

El Dorado, AR
48.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Louisiana Delta Community College

West Monroe, LA
20.7 miles away

Diesel Driving Academy - West Monroe

West Monroe, LA
28.8 miles away

MONROE CITY SCHOOLS

Monroe, LA
30.9 miles away

CDL Training in Ruston, Louisiana

Ruston, Louisiana offers 16 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near Ruston?

  • 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 Louisiana often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Louisiana

CDL training in Louisiana 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.

Trucking Jobs Near Ruston

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Louisiana
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Louisiana

Top employers hiring near Ruston: 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.

Compare CDL Schools in Ruston

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
MONROE CITY SCHOOLS
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Monroe Transit System
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass B
VA Approved
Parkers Chapel School
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Ruston

Avg. Private School
$5,400
Avg. Public School
$3,400
Price Range
$2,900 - $6,800

Oil and gas industry drives specialty hauling demand.

Need Help Choosing?

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

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CDL Testing & OMV in Ruston

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local OMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find OMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Ruston

How long does CDL training take in Ruston?
CDL training programs in Ruston, LA 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 Louisiana?
CDL training costs in Louisiana 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 Ruston without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Louisiana?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Louisiana: 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.
What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Ruston?
The CDL driver job outlook near Ruston, LA is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Louisiana experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.
Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Ruston?
The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Ruston CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.