CDL school in Texas usually costs several thousand dollars, but tuition is only part of the financial picture.
Depending on the program, students may also need to pay for registration, a DOT physical, drug screening, a Commercial Learner Permit, testing, licensing, and other required fees. Some schools include these costs in one published total. Others advertise tuition first and charge certain expenses separately.
For example, MT Training Center currently lists $5,685 in tuition and $6,495 in total program costs for its Class A CDL program after its published fees are included.
This guide explains what CDL school can cost in Texas, which expenses to look for, how Class A and Class B programs compare, and what financial assistance may be available before you enroll.
How Much Does CDL School Cost in Texas?
There is no single statewide price for CDL training in Texas. Each school sets its own tuition based on factors such as:
- CDL class
- Total training hours
- Classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
- Day or evening schedule
- Testing preparation
- Equipment and facilities
- Fees included in the program
- Additional services provided to students
The most useful number to compare is not always the advertised tuition. It is the total amount you may need to spend to complete training and move through the licensing process.
MT Training Center currently publishes the following cost breakdown for its Class A CDL training program:
| Expense | Current Listed Cost |
| Registration | $100 |
| Tuition | $5,685 |
| Examiner fee | $500 |
| DOT drug test | $48 |
| DOT physical | $68 |
| Commercial Learner Permit | $25 |
| Licensing fee | $61 |
| Motor Vehicle Record | $8 |
| Total Program Cost | $6,495 |
These are MT Training Center’s published program costs, not a Texas-wide average. Students should confirm current pricing before enrolling because school and state fees can change.
If you are also comparing how quickly you can complete training, see how long CDL training takes in Texas.
CDL Tuition vs. the Total Cost of Getting a CDL
CDL school tuition and the total cost of getting your CDL are not necessarily the same thing.
A school may quote tuition without including every expense needed before you are licensed.
Your total cost could include:
- School tuition
- Registration fees
- DOT physical examination
- Drug screening
- Commercial Learner Permit fees
- Skills testing or examiner fees
- CDL licensing fees
- Motor Vehicle Record fees
- Retesting, if required
- Additional driving practice, if needed
Texas DPS currently lists the original Commercial Learner Permit fee at $25. State licensing fees are separate from school tuition unless the school specifically includes them in its program total.
When comparing schools, ask for a written breakdown of all required costs. A lower tuition price does not automatically mean a lower total cost.
How Much Does Class A CDL Training Cost in Texas?
Class A training prepares drivers for qualifying combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers.
At MT Training Center, the current Class A CDL program includes 160 clock hours and is offered on a four-week day schedule or seven-week evening schedule.
The school currently publishes:
Tuition: $5,685
Total listed program cost: $6,495
The program includes ELDT theory and practical preparation involving vehicle inspections, backing, basic vehicle control, road safety, and commercial vehicle operation.
Program pricing can vary significantly between schools, so compare more than the final dollar amount. Look at the number of training hours, what is included, and whether the program prepares you for the license and type of work you actually want.
If you are still learning how Class A licensing works, read MT Training Center’s step-by-step guide to getting a Class A CDL in Texas.
How Much Does Class B CDL Training Cost?
Class B CDL training prepares drivers for qualifying single commercial vehicles rather than the combination vehicles typically associated with Class A.
MT Training Center currently lists its Class B CDL training program at 240 clock hours, with a six-week day schedule or ten-week evening schedule.
Its currently published tuition and total program costs are also:
Tuition: $5,685
Total listed cost: $6,495
This illustrates an important point: program cost does not always increase or decrease based only on training length.
The right program depends on the vehicle class and career path you need, not simply which course is shorter or cheaper.
For a broader explanation of CDL classes and job options, see the CDL Training and Commercial Driving Careers in Texas guide.
What Additional CDL Costs Should You Ask About?
Before enrolling, ask the school exactly what is included in the quoted price.
DOT Physical and Drug Screening
Commercial drivers may need to meet federal medical requirements. Find out whether the DOT physical and required screening are included in your program cost or paid separately.
CDL Testing Fees
Ask whether examiner or skills-testing fees are already included.
Permit and Licensing Fees
State fees may be separate from tuition. Confirm who is responsible for paying them and when payment is due.
Retesting
If you do not pass part of the CDL examination, you may face additional testing or training expenses. Ask about the school’s retest policy in advance.
Additional Driving Practice
Some students need more time behind the wheel before testing. Find out whether extra practice is included or charged separately.
A school should be able to explain these costs clearly before you commit.
Does ELDT Cost Extra?
For many first-time CDL applicants, Entry-Level Driver Training is part of the licensing process.
Federal ELDT requirements generally apply when someone is:
- Getting a Class A CDL for the first time
- Getting a Class B CDL for the first time
- Upgrading from Class B to Class A
- Obtaining certain endorsements for the first time
Required training must be completed through a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
When comparing CDL school prices, ask whether ELDT theory and required behind-the-wheel training are already included.
MT Training Center explains the requirement in more detail in What Is ELDT and Why Does It Matter for CDL Students?.
Can Financial Aid Help Pay for CDL School?
Financial assistance may be available, but the options depend on the specific program, funding source, and student’s eligibility.
MT Training Center provides information about resources such as:
- Federal student aid for eligible programs and students
- VA education benefits for eligible students
- Workforce-related assistance
- Private financing options
- Other forms of educational funding
Do not assume that every type of financial aid applies to every CDL program.
Before enrolling, ask the financial aid office:
- Which funding options apply to this program?
- What eligibility requirements must I meet?
- What costs can the funding cover?
- Will I still owe a balance?
- Are there repayment requirements?
Students can review MT Training Center’s financial assistance information before discussing their specific options with the school.
Can You Get CDL Training for Free in Texas?
Some students may qualify for programs that reduce or cover training costs, but “free CDL training” can mean different things.
Possible options may include:
Workforce funding: Eligible students may qualify for workforce training assistance.
Veteran benefits: Qualified veterans or dependents may be able to use approved education benefits.
Employer-sponsored training: Some trucking companies pay for training in exchange for an employment commitment.
Employer-sponsored programs can reduce upfront expenses, but read the agreement carefully. Ask how long you must work for the company and whether you would owe money if you leave early.
A better question than “Is this training free?” is:
Who is paying for it, and what obligations come with that funding?
Should You Choose the Cheapest CDL School?
Not automatically.
A lower-priced school can be a good value if it provides the training you need. But choosing only by headline price can cause you to overlook important differences.
Compare:
- Total program cost
- Number of training hours
- ELDT coverage
- Behind-the-wheel practice
- Testing preparation
- Instructor access
- Day and evening scheduling
- Additional fees
- Retest policies
- Training-provider credentials
- Financial assistance options
The goal is not simply to find the cheapest program.
It is to find the right training at a cost you fully understand.
Is CDL School Worth the Cost?
Whether CDL training is worth the investment depends on your finances, career goals, and whether commercial driving is a good fit for you.
For context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a $57,440 median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in May 2024. BLS also projects approximately 237,600 openings per year, on average, from 2024 to 2034.
Those figures represent national occupational data. They are not a guarantee of salary, employment, or earnings after graduation.
If you are still comparing hands-on career paths, MT Training Center’s article on what students learn in an HVAC technician certificate program provides another look at vocational training.
Know the Full Cost Before You Enroll
CDL school can be a significant investment, so compare programs using more than tuition alone.
Before enrolling:
- Ask for a complete written cost breakdown.
- Confirm which fees are included.
- Understand the retesting policy.
- Check whether ELDT is part of the program.
- Review available financial assistance.
- Choose the CDL class that matches your career goal.
- Compare training quality along with price.
MT Training Center offers Class A, Class B, CDL Prep, and advanced CDL training options for students with different career goals and levels of preparation.
The best next step is to review the program that matches your intended CDL class and speak with admissions or financial aid about the current total cost and funding options that may apply to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CDL school cost in Texas?
There is no single statewide tuition rate. CDL school generally costs several thousand dollars, depending on the program, CDL class, training hours, and included fees. MT Training Center currently lists $5,685 in tuition and $6,495 in total published costs for its Class A program.
How much does a CDL permit cost in Texas?
Texas DPS currently lists the original Commercial Learner Permit fee at $25. This may be included in a school’s total program price or paid separately.
Does CDL school include the DOT physical and drug test?
It depends on the training provider. MT Training Center currently includes listed charges for the DOT physical and drug test within its published Class A program total. Always ask what your specific school includes.
Can financial aid pay for CDL school?
Financial assistance may be available depending on the student, specific CDL program, and funding source. Contact the school’s financial aid office to confirm which grants, benefits, workforce programs, loans, or financing options apply.
Can I get free CDL training in Texas?
Some eligible students may receive workforce funding, veteran education benefits, or employer-sponsored training that reduces upfront expenses. These options can have eligibility requirements or employment obligations, so review the terms carefully.
Is the cheapest CDL school the best option?
Not necessarily. Compare total cost, training hours, ELDT coverage, hands-on practice, testing preparation, additional fees, and the license the program prepares you for before choosing a school.