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 San Antonio, TX?

CDL training in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

Most CDL training programs in San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX?

Yes, several CDL schools in the San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 27 verified training programs serving the San Antonio, Texas area.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Top San Antonio Truck Driving Schools: Manual & Hazmat Approved

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

Get your Class A CDL in San Antonio. Get qualified for Oil & Gas fleets with Hazmat and Manual transmission training. We've identified 27 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

27 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 1,547,253

⚠️ Why San Antonio Students Should Avoid Automatic-Only Schools

If you plan to work in the Texas Oil & Gas sector, getting an "Automatic-Only" CDL is a career mistake. Many local heavy-haul and tanker fleets require Manual Transmissions. Choose a San Antonio school that offers "No Restriction" training to qualify for high-paying Halliburton, Schlumberger, or Texas oil field gigs.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Hazmat / Tanker Prep

Nights & Weekends

Quick Facts: CDL Training in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, TX?

Students comparing CDL schools in San Antonio, 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 27 training programsserving the San Antonio area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

27 CDL Schools Near San Antonio

CDL Training Market in San Antonio, TX (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

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

Aspiring truck drivers in San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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.

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Top Picks in San Antonio

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

TOP GUN TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Castle Hills, TX

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

brothers cdl training llc

san antonio, TX

class_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_road

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Coastal Bend College Pleasanton

Pleasanton, TX

Call Now

brothers cdl training llc

san antonio, TX

7.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Coastal Bend College Pleasanton

Pleasanton, TX

30.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - San Marcos Yard

San Marcos, TX

41.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

San Marcos, TX

44.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - San Marcos Classroom

San Marcos, TX

45.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cdl Tutorial Center LLC (san antonio)

San Antonio, TX

2.3 miles away

AAG CDL Training LLC

San Antonio, TX

4.1 miles away

Reyna CDL Driver Training

SAN ANTONIO, TX

4.2 miles away

SAGE Truck Driving Schools- San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

4.6 miles away

South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT)

San Antonio, TX

4.7 miles away

Star Career Training Inc

San Antonio, TX

5.7 miles away

Star CDL Training LLC

San Antonio, TX

5.7 miles away

Roadmaster Drivers School (SAN)

San Antonio, TX

6 miles away

CDL Training (Alamo Truck Driver Training SA)

San Antonio, TX

6.2 miles away

Goodwill Clearance Center and Donation Station

San Antonio, TX

8.1 miles away

Labatt Food Service San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

8.3 miles away

Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio North

San Antonio, TX

8.4 miles away

william mondragon

San Antonio, TX

8.8 miles away

First Mile CDL Driving School

San Antonio, TX

9.2 miles away

Southern CDL Training

San Antonio, TX

10.5 miles away

Showing 20 of 26 schools

CDL Training in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas has 27 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio

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 San Antonio: 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 San Antonio

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - San Marcos - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - San Marcos Classroom FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - San Marcos Yard FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class AHazmat		View Details
AAG CDL Training LLC FMCSA Verified	San Antonio	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ancora for Alamo Colleges District San Antonio Palo Alto Campus FMCSA Verified	San Antonio	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
brothers cdl training llc FMCSA Verified	san antonio	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL Training (Alamo Truck Driver Training SA) FMCSA Verified	San Antonio	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
CDL Truck Services FMCSA Verified	Spring Branch	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Cdl Tutorial Center LLC (san antonio) FMCSA Verified	San Antonio	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Coastal Bend College Pleasanton FMCSA Verified	Pleasanton	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
D'Hanis isd FMCSA Verified	D'Hanis	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Excel Driver Services, LLC (San Antonio, Texas) FMCSA Verified	Converse	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	San Marcos	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
First Mile CDL Driving School FMCSA Verified	San Antonio	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Goodwill Clearance Center and Donation Station FMCSA Verified	San Antonio	Class AClass B	Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in San Antonio

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 San Antonio

Required for your CDL medical card

Industrial Medicine Associates - San Antonio

2051 Corporate Way, San Antonio

(254) 579-6942

4.8

$102-$153

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - San Antonio

5118 Health Plaza, San Antonio

(817) 497-4330

4.6

$65-$116

Concentra Urgent Care

3600 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio

(210) 736-2444

3.8

$75-$125

View All 11 Clinics in San Antonio 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 San Antonio

12002 Toepperwein Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 531-1000

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the San Antonio Mega Center. CDL testing by appointment

Visit San Antonio 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 San Antonio

How long does CDL training take in San Antonio?

CDL training programs in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio CDL schools offer endorsement training bundled with Class A programs.

Complete CDL Training Guide for San Antonio Area Residents

While CDL training options directly in San Antonio 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 San Antonio and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚