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 Waco, TX?

CDL training in Waco, 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 Waco?

Most CDL training programs in Waco 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 Waco, TX?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Waco 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 Waco 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 17 verified training programs serving the Waco, Texas area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Waco, TX

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Waco?We have identified 17 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Waco area (Pop: 139,236).

Quick Stats

17 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 139,236

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Waco, 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 Waco, TX?

Students comparing CDL schools in Waco, 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 17 training programsserving the Waco area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

17 CDL Schools Near Waco

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Top Picks in Waco

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

North Texas School Services - Abbott

Abbott, TX

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

North Texas School Services - Abbott

Abbott, TX

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Get Your CDL Quick

Woodway, TX

Call Now

CLAIMED

North Texas School Services - Abbott

Abbott, TX

23.5 miles away

Verified PartnerFMCSA ELDT Verified

Get Your CDL Quick

Woodway, TX

4.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Texas School Services - West

West, TX

18.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Texas School Services - Aquilla

Aquilla, TX

21.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hill College

Hillsboro, TX

32.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Get Your CDL Quick!

Thornton, TX

35.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Get Your CDL Quick

Groesbeck, TX

36.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Academy ISD

Little River-Academy, TX

40.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Southern Careers Institute - Waco

Waco, TX

2.6 miles away

ACE Driving Academy-Waco

Waco, TX

5.3 miles away

Texas State Technical College (W)

Waco, TX

7.2 miles away

Roadhaul Logistics LLC

Waco, TX

7.3 miles away

Whitney ISD

Whitney, TX

30.6 miles away

Belton ISD

Belton, TX

37.7 miles away

ATDS

Killeen, TX

45.3 miles away

Mad Monkey CDL Training

KILLEEN, TX

45.4 miles away

Troops Into Transportation - Fort Cavazos

Fort Cavazos, TX

49.5 miles away

CDL Training in Waco, Texas

Waco, Texas has 17 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. Average CDL driver salary in Texas is about $56,800 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $85,000. The energy, agriculture & cross-border trade sector creates critical demand for qualified CDL holders near Waco, and major freight corridors such as I-35/I-10/I-20 NAFTA corridors connect graduates to local, regional, and long-haul work. Every school listed on this page is tied to FMCSA Training Provider Registry review, which matters because ELDT completion must come from a registered provider before a first-time CDL applicant can take the skills test.

Why Get CDL Training Near Waco?

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 Waco

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 Waco: 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 Waco

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Academy ISD FMCSA Verified	Little River-Academy	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
ACE Driving Academy-Waco FMCSA Verified	Waco	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
ATDS FMCSA Verified	Killeen	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Belton ISD FMCSA Verified	Belton	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Get Your CDL Quick FMCSA Verified	Woodway	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Get Your CDL Quick FMCSA Verified	Groesbeck	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Get Your CDL Quick! FMCSA Verified	Thornton	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Hill College FMCSA Verified	Hillsboro	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Mad Monkey CDL Training FMCSA Verified	KILLEEN	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
North Texas School Services - Abbott FMCSA Verified	Abbott	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
North Texas School Services - Aquilla FMCSA Verified	Aquilla	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
North Texas School Services - West FMCSA Verified	West	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Roadhaul Logistics LLC FMCSA Verified	Waco	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Southern Careers Institute - Waco FMCSA Verified	Waco	Class A		View Details
Texas State Technical College (W) FMCSA Verified	Waco	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Waco

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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CDL Testing & DPS in Waco

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

Find DPS Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Waco

How long does CDL training take in Waco?

CDL training programs in Waco, 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 Waco without quitting my job?

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

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

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Texas

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Waco, TX

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Waco, TX

How should students compare CDL schools in Waco, TX?

17 CDL Schools Near Waco

Top Picks in Waco

North Texas School Services - Abbott

North Texas School Services - Abbott

Get Your CDL Quick

North Texas School Services - Abbott

Get Your CDL Quick

North Texas School Services - West

North Texas School Services - Aquilla

Hill College

Get Your CDL Quick!

Get Your CDL Quick

Academy ISD

Southern Careers Institute - Waco

ACE Driving Academy-Waco

Texas State Technical College (W)

Roadhaul Logistics LLC

Whitney ISD

Belton ISD

ATDS

Mad Monkey CDL Training

Troops Into Transportation - Fort Cavazos

CDL Training in Waco, Texas

Why Get CDL Training Near Waco?

CDL Training Costs in Texas

Trucking Jobs Near Waco

Compare CDL Schools in Waco

Tuition Costs in Waco

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Texas

CDL Testing & DPS in Waco

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Waco

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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