Texas Truck Driving Schools

Texas is in need of truck drivers, which is why now is an excellent time to get your Class A CDL permit, become a truck driver in Texas, and join a growing industry.

Where can I find a truck driving school?

Trucking schools and community colleges are some of the most popular organizations that offer Class A CDL training. Many of these schools have offered CDL programs for decades and are well known among trucking companies for supplying fresh job candidates for truck driving jobs that need to be filled. Most truck driving schools are located near the large cities in Texas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio.

Below you will find a list of truck driving schools in Texas with their contact information. You can also use our map to find any schools that are near your physical location.

Truck Driving School Format

Most schools offer Class A CDL training over a three to four week period. Because most students are already employed, classes and training usually take place in the evenings on weekdays or on weekends. Training is a mix of classroom lecture as well as hands on training with tractor-trailers on the driving range and on the road. During training you will learn:

• Safety and mechanical parts of a tractor-trailer (semi-truck)
• Rules of the road for the state of Texas
• Driving techniques necessary to properly operate a tractor-trailer

How much does it cost to go to a CDL school?

CDL programs in Texas can range anywhere from $1,000 – $10,000 depending on the certification and level of training. However most fall within the $3,000 – $8,000 range. Costs can vary based on the amount of time spent with the program (classroom, range, and driving time), whether or not lodging is included with the program, reputation of the program, and equipment options.

Truck driving schools may be able to refer you to grants and scholarships offered for Texas residents. Ask them about any state and federal grant programs that their students will use for their programs – it’s well worth your time and can save you quite a bit of money.

While cost is a major factor when choosing a truck driving school, it shouldn’t be the only factor to consider.

Reputation of the CDL school

A good truck driving school in Texas will be able to help you on your job hunt once you graduate from their program and receive your CDL license. Many schools have been in operation for a long time and have strong connections with trucking companies across the state of Texas.

When meeting with the schools, ask them about their industry connections, their job placement and graduation rates, and how long their instructors have been involved with their program. Read online reviews and try to talk with people who have gone through the program. Talk with other truckers to see if they know of anyone who has gone through the CDL school.

Distance from Home

The best CDL school in Texas may not be the closest one to your location. You may be lucky enough to live near a great school, however you may want to consider living near the school’s location.

Most training programs last 3-4 weeks, which is not a short period of time to be away from home. However many programs offer accommodation as well as meals as a part of their program. This can drive up the cost of attending a CDL school, but it may be worthwhile in the long-run.

Facilities and equipment

Not all CDL schools offer the same level of training. Many have new tractor trailers, driving simulators, and new equipment that other schools may not be able to offer.

As you begin connecting with truck driving schools, be sure to ask a lot of questions and take your time. You may be tempted to sign up with the first school that you meet, however it’s likely a good idea to interview at least three different schools to get a sense of any key differences between schools.