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 Eau Claire, WI?

CDL training in Eau Claire, WI 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 Eau Claire?

Most CDL training programs in Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire, WI?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 13 verified training programs serving the Eau Claire, Wisconsin area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Eau Claire, WI

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Eau Claire?We have identified 13 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Eau Claire area (Pop: 69,421).

Quick Stats

13 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 69,421

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Eau Claire, WI

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 Eau Claire, WI?

Students comparing CDL schools in Eau Claire, WI 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 13 training programsserving the Eau Claire area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

13 CDL Schools Near Eau Claire

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Top Picks in Eau Claire

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Colfax Public School

Colfax, WI

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Augusta High School

Augusta, WI

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC. (INDEPENDENCE)

Independence, WI

Call Now

Colfax Public School

Colfax, WI

17.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Augusta High School

Augusta, WI

19.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC. (INDEPENDENCE)

Independence, WI

31.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Chippewa Valley CDL Academy LLC

Holcombe, WI

35.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Dark Horse CDL School Holcombe

Holcombe, WI

35.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Barron Area Schools

Barron, WI

43.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cochrane Fountain City School

Fountain City, WI

45 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bluff Country School Bus Service INC.

Lake City, MN

46 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI

3.3 miles away

River Run CDL Training School

Chippewa Falls, WI

12.1 miles away

SKY Truck School

Wilson, WI

35 miles away

RL

Rice Lake, WI

47.6 miles away

Dark Horse CDL School

Ladysmith, WI

48.8 miles away

CDL Training in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Eau Claire, Wisconsin offers 13 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 Eau Claire?

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

CDL Training Costs in Wisconsin

CDL training in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Trucking Jobs Near Eau Claire

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Wisconsin

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Wisconsin

Top employers hiring near Eau Claire: 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 Eau Claire

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 13 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Augusta High School FMCSA Verified	Augusta	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Barron Area Schools FMCSA Verified	Barron	Class AClass BTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
Bluff Country School Bus Service INC. FMCSA Verified	Lake City	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Chippewa Valley CDL Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Holcombe	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Chippewa Valley Technical College FMCSA Verified	Eau Claire	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Cochrane Fountain City School FMCSA Verified	Fountain City	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Colfax Public School FMCSA Verified	Colfax	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Dark Horse CDL School FMCSA Verified	Ladysmith	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Dark Horse CDL School Holcombe FMCSA Verified	Holcombe	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC. (INDEPENDENCE) FMCSA Verified	Independence	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
River Run CDL Training School FMCSA Verified	Chippewa Falls	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
RL FMCSA Verified	Rice Lake	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
SKY Truck School FMCSA Verified	Wilson	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Eau Claire

Avg. Private School

$4,800

Avg. Public School

$3,200

Price Range

$2,700 - $6,200

Excellent community college options.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near Eau Claire

Required for your CDL medical card

MedPro Occupational Health - East Eau Claire

9057 Professional Dr, Eau Claire

(715) 640-8282

4.3

$99-$171

Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care - West Eau Claire

8143 Commerce Blvd, Eau Claire

(262) 118-8641

4.2

$68-$133

View All 2 Clinics in Eau Claire 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 & DMV in Eau Claire

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

Find DMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Eau Claire

How long does CDL training take in Eau Claire?

CDL training programs in Eau Claire, WI 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 Wisconsin?

CDL training costs in Wisconsin 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 Eau Claire without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 Wisconsin?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Wisconsin: 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 Eau Claire?

The CDL driver job outlook near Eau Claire, WI is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Wisconsin 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 Eau Claire?

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 Eau Claire 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 Wisconsin, including training programs in Eau Claire 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 Wisconsin

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Eau Claire, WI

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Eau Claire, WI

How should students compare CDL schools in Eau Claire, WI?

13 CDL Schools Near Eau Claire

Top Picks in Eau Claire

Colfax Public School

Augusta High School

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC. (INDEPENDENCE)

Colfax Public School

Augusta High School

PAPE SCHOOL BUS, INC. (INDEPENDENCE)

Chippewa Valley CDL Academy LLC

Dark Horse CDL School Holcombe

Barron Area Schools

Cochrane Fountain City School

Bluff Country School Bus Service INC.

Chippewa Valley Technical College

River Run CDL Training School

SKY Truck School

RL

Dark Horse CDL School

CDL Training in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Why Get CDL Training Near Eau Claire?

CDL Training Costs in Wisconsin

Trucking Jobs Near Eau Claire

Compare CDL Schools in Eau Claire

Tuition Costs in Eau Claire

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Wisconsin

DOT Physicals Near Eau Claire

MedPro Occupational Health - East Eau Claire

MedExpress Urgent Care - West Eau Claire

CDL Testing & DMV in Eau Claire

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Eau Claire

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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