How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in West Monroe, LA?

CDL training in West Monroe, LA typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in West Monroe?

Most CDL training programs in West Monroe take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in West Monroe, LA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the West Monroe area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in West Monroe 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's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

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 10 verified training programs serving the West Monroe, Louisiana area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in West Monroe, LA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in West Monroe?We have identified 10 FMCSA-verified programs serving the West Monroe area (Pop: 12,603).

Quick Stats

10 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 12,603

Quick Facts: CDL Training in West Monroe, 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

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in West Monroe, LA?

Students comparing CDL schools in West Monroe, 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 10 training programsserving the West Monroe area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

10 CDL Schools Near West Monroe

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Top Picks in West Monroe

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Coastal Truck Driving School -Calhoun

Calhoun, LA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Ouachita Truck Driving Academy

Sterlington, LA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Caldwell Parish School Board

Columbia, LA

Call Now

Ouachita Truck Driving Academy

Sterlington, LA

12.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Caldwell Parish School Board

Columbia, LA

29 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Lincoln Preparatory School

Grambling, LA

33.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jackson Parish School Board

Jonesboro, LA

38.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bienville Parish School Board

Arcadia, LA

45.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Diesel Driving Academy - West Monroe

West Monroe, LA

1.4 miles away

MONROE CITY SCHOOLS

Monroe, LA

2.4 miles away

Louisiana Delta Community College

West Monroe, LA

7.9 miles away

CDL Training in West Monroe, Louisiana

West Monroe, Louisiana offers 10 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 West Monroe?

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.

View all CDL schools in Louisiana

Trucking Jobs Near West Monroe

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 West Monroe: 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.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in West Monroe

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 10 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Bienville Parish School Board FMCSA Verified	Arcadia	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Caldwell Parish School Board FMCSA Verified	Columbia	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Coastal Truck Driving School -Calhoun FMCSA Verified	Calhoun	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Diesel Driving Academy - West Monroe FMCSA Verified	West Monroe	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Jackson Parish School Board FMCSA Verified	Jonesboro	Class AClass B	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Lincoln Preparatory School FMCSA Verified	Grambling	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Louisiana Delta Community College FMCSA Verified	West Monroe	Class AClass B		View Details
MONROE CITY SCHOOLS FMCSA Verified	Monroe	Class ATanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Monroe Transit System FMCSA Verified	Monroe	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ouachita Truck Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Sterlington	Class AClass B	VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in West Monroe

Avg. Private School

$5,400

Avg. Public School

$3,400

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,800

Oil and gas industry drives specialty hauling demand.

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DOT Physicals Near West Monroe

Required for your CDL medical card

Physicians Immediate Care - Downtown Monroe

3427 Medical Park Way, Monroe

(225) 775-2240

4.4

$80-$131

Walk-ins OK

Walgreens Healthcare Clinic - North Monroe

4826 Park Ave, Monroe

(318) 310-4841

4.2

$56-$118

Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care - Midtown Monroe

4678 Commerce Blvd, Monroe

(225) 386-5005

$75-$137

View All 3 Clinics in West Monroe All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & OMV in West Monroe

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 West Monroe

How long does CDL training take in West Monroe?

CDL training programs in West Monroe, 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 West Monroe without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the West Monroe 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 West Monroe 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 West Monroe?

The CDL driver job outlook near West Monroe, 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 West Monroe?

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 West Monroe CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Louisiana, including training programs in West Monroe and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Louisiana

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in West Monroe, LA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in West Monroe, LA

How should students compare CDL schools in West Monroe, LA?

10 CDL Schools Near West Monroe

Top Picks in West Monroe

Coastal Truck Driving School -Calhoun

Ouachita Truck Driving Academy

Caldwell Parish School Board

Ouachita Truck Driving Academy

Caldwell Parish School Board

Lincoln Preparatory School

Jackson Parish School Board

Bienville Parish School Board

Diesel Driving Academy - West Monroe

MONROE CITY SCHOOLS

Louisiana Delta Community College

CDL Training in West Monroe, Louisiana

Why Get CDL Training Near West Monroe?

CDL Training Costs in Louisiana

Trucking Jobs Near West Monroe

Compare CDL Schools in West Monroe

Tuition Costs in West Monroe

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Louisiana

DOT Physicals Near West Monroe

Physicians Immediate Care - Downtown Monroe

Walgreens Healthcare Clinic - North Monroe

MedExpress Urgent Care - Midtown Monroe

CDL Testing & OMV in West Monroe

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in West Monroe

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)

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