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 Houston, TX?

CDL training in Houston, TX 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 Houston?

Most CDL training programs in Houston 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 Houston, TX?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Houston 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 Houston 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 76 verified training programs serving the Houston, Texas area.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

OIL FIELD PREP

Top Houston Truck Driving Schools: Manual & Hazmat Approved

Avoid the "E" Restriction. Train on a Manual 10-Speed in Houston.

Get your Class A CDL in Houston. Get qualified for Oil & Gas fleets with Hazmat and Manual transmission training. We've identified 76 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

76 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 2,320,268

⚠️ Why Houston Students Should Avoid Automatic-Only Schools

If you plan to work in the Texas Oil & Gas sector (especially near Houston), getting an "Automatic-Only" CDL is a career mistake. Many local heavy-haul and tanker fleets require drivers to operate Manual Transmissions (10, 13, or 18-speed) for off-road and mud control. Don't limit your paycheck. Choose a Houston school that offers "No Restriction" training to ensure you qualify for high-paying refinery, Halliburton, Schlumberger, or local Port Arthur/Beaumont gigs.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

Nights & Weekends

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Houston, TX

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 Houston, TX?

Students comparing CDL schools in Houston, TX 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 76 training programsserving the Houston area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

76 CDL Schools Near Houston

CDL Training Market in Houston, TX (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Active Schools1
ELDT Verified1
Average Tuition$3,000
Starting From$3,000
Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Houston have access to 1 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $3,000 up to premium programs around $6,500.

Many schools in Houston offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Filter Results:

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Top Picks in Houston

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sage Truck Driving Schools- Houston East

Jacinto City, TX

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

South Houston, TX

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

H-E-B Driver Training Academy HOU

Jersey Village, TX

Call Now

Sage Truck Driving Schools- Houston East

Jacinto City, TX

8.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Houston - Yard

Houston, TX

8.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_road

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

South Houston, TX

10.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

H-E-B Driver Training Academy HOU

Jersey Village, TX

13.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Next Generation Driving School

Humble, TX

13.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Platinum Driving Academy Stafford

Stafford, TX

16.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

GLOBAL DRIVING SCHOOL

Stafford, TX

16.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

PAN AMERICA Trucking Academy

Channelview, TX

16.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL future trucking academy (Crosby BTW training)

Crosby, TX

20.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL future Success LLC

Crosby, TX

20.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Huffman CDL Academy

Huffman, TX

31 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

La Marque, TX

36.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Texas School Services - Brazos

Wallis, TX

41.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Texas School Services - East Bernard

East Bernard, TX

44.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Texas School Services - Boling

Boling, TX

48.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Meathead Career Centers

Houston, TX

4.2 miles away

Best Economical Student Training/ Driving

Houston, TX

5.3 miles away

Lone Star Cdl Training Center LLC

Houston, TX

5.8 miles away

1st choice cdl academy

houston, TX

6 miles away

VB LOGISTICS LLC

HOUSTON, TX

6.4 miles away

Showing 20 of 76 schools

CDL Training in Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas has 76 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Texas moves more freight than any other state, with I-35 serving as the primary NAFTA trade route from Mexico to Canada. The energy, agriculture & cross-border trade sector creates critical demand for qualified CDL holders, and major freight corridors such as I-35/I-10/I-20 NAFTA corridors connect new drivers to local, regional, and interstate opportunities. Average CDL driver salary in Texas is about $56,800 per year, with experienced drivers earning up to $85,000.

Why Get CDL Training Near Houston?

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

CDL Training Costs in Texas

CDL training in Texas 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 Texas

Trucking Jobs Near Houston

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Texas

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Texas

Top employers hiring near Houston: 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 Houston

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Baytown - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Baytown	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Houston - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Houston - Yard FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Pearland - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
1st choice cdl academy FMCSA Verified	houston	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
A/vin Community College FMCSA Verified	Alvin	Class AHazmat	Evening Classes	View Details
AAA CDL SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
ACE Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
Alpha Trucking Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Alvin Community College FMCSA Verified	Alvin	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Ancora at Galveston College FMCSA Verified	Galveston	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Asere Transport FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Best Economical Student Training/ Driving FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Break It Down CDL Training FMCSA Verified	Missouri City	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Camacho’s express llc FMCSA Verified	Katy	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Houston

Avg. Private School

$6,995

Avg. Public School

$3,500

Price Range

$2,500 - $8,000

High competition in Dallas/Houston drives prices down slightly.

Nearby Cities

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

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DOT Physicals Near Houston

Required for your CDL medical card

Patient First - Houston

9044 Professional Dr, Houston

(936) 699-9463

4.1

$118-$184

CVS MinuteClinic

5015 Westheimer Rd, Houston

(866) 389-2727

3.9

$89-$139

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - West Houston

5765 Professional Dr, Houston

(903) 418-9423

4.9

$61-$133

Walk-ins OK

View All 50 Clinics in Houston 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 & DPS in Houston

10503 Grant Rd, Houston, TX 77070

(281) 955-3990

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Houston Mega Center. Largest TX city - full CDL services

Visit Houston CDL DPS

Oil Field Prep Training in Other Texas Cities

Explore CDL schools with oil field prep and hazmat / tanker training in nearby Texas cities.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

Nights & Weekends

View All Texas CDL Schools

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Houston

How long does CDL training take in Houston?

CDL training programs in Houston, TX 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 Texas?

CDL training costs in Texas 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 Houston without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Houston 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 Houston 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 Texas?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Texas: 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.

Is Texas a good state to start a CDL career?

Texas is one of the best states for new CDL drivers. It moves more freight than any other state, I-35 is the primary NAFTA trade corridor, and the energy sector (Permian Basin, Gulf Coast refineries) creates year-round demand for hazmat and tanker drivers. Texas CDL drivers average $56,800/year with experienced oil field haulers earning $85,000+. Texas also has no state income tax, meaning higher take-home pay.

What CDL endorsements pay the most in Texas?

In Texas, the highest-paying CDL endorsements are: Hazmat + Tanker (HN combination) for refinery and chemical hauling along the Gulf Coast ($70K-$85K), X endorsement for oversized loads in the oil fields ($65K-$80K), and TWIC card for Port of Houston container drayage ($60K-$75K). Many Houston CDL schools offer endorsement training bundled with Class A programs.

Complete CDL Training Guide for Houston Area Residents

While CDL training options directly in Houston are limited, there are excellent opportunities throughout Texas and nearby areas. Here's everything you need to know to start your trucking career.

CDL Jobs in Texas

Average Salary

$55,000 - $75,000

Key Industries

oil & gas, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics

In-Demand Specializations

Hazmat/Tanker for refineries
Flatbed for oilfield
Refrigerated for produce

Major Routes

I-10, I-35, I-45, I-20

Top Employers

Schneider National, Werner Enterprises, Halliburton, local oil field companies

Funding Options

Texas Workforce Commission WIOA grants, company-sponsored programs

Nearby Cities with More Options

Consider these nearby cities with more FMCSA-verified CDL schools:

All Texas CDL Schools

Browse all cities

View All Texas Schools

Boost Your Earnings

After getting your CDL, consider these additional certifications to increase your earning potential:

☢️

Hazmat Endorsement Training

Get your hazardous materials endorsement

+$5,000-$10,000/yr

🛡️

Commercial Defensive Driving

Reduce points and insurance premiums

Lower insurance

📦

Cargo Securement Certification

Essential training for flatbed hauling

+$3,000-$8,000/yr

🏥

HIPAA for Medical Couriers

Certification for medical transport drivers

+$4,000-$7,000/yr

Find Your Perfect School

Texas CDL Requirements: What You Need to Know

Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate)
Hold a valid driver's license
Pass a DOT physical examination
Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider
Pass CDL knowledge and skills tests

3-8

Weeks to complete

View Full Requirements

Can't Afford CDL School?

Many trucking companies offer FREE CDL training with employment commitment.

View Paid Training Programs

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

📚