Many people in Louisiana want a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), but they can’t quit their job to get one. Most CDL programs in the state meet all day, Monday through Friday. That schedule works for some students, but it leaves out people with a day job, a family to support, or bills that cannot wait.

This guide compares Class A CDL training options across Louisiana. It covers program length, class times, and post-training support. It also explains why 91ľ«Ć·â€™s (DDA) 8-week Class A CDL program is a strong choice for students who need to keep working while they train.

Why the Class Schedule Matters

Since February 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required every new Class A driver to finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Schools need to cover the same core skills:

• Classroom theory
• Range practice
• Driving on public roads

The biggest difference between programs is often when the training happens.

A full-day program can finish faster, but it usually means 8 or 9 hours of class each weekday. For a student who works a day shift, that means giving up income for several weeks. A shorter class day spread over more weeks lets a student keep a job and still earn a CDL. DDA has written more about balancing CDL training with life commitments.

91ľ«Ć· Class A CDL Program at a Glance

Starting November 2, 2026, the 8-week program is the only program DDA offers. It replaces ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s 4-week Basic CDL course and its Advanced CDL class. The training is the same as the 4-week course. It is simply spread out over more weeks.

Two Class Times, Five Days a Week

Classes meet four hours a day, Monday through Friday. Students choose one of two times:

• Afternoon class: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Evening class: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A student who works mornings or evenings can take the afternoon class. A student who works a day shift can take the evening class. Both options add up to 160 hours of training.

Offered at All Three DDA Campuses

Every DDA campus teaches the same 8-week program:

• Shreveport campus, 3523 Greenwood Rd., serving Northwest Louisiana and the ArkLaTex
• Baton Rouge campus, 8067 Airline Hwy, serving the Capital Region
• Monroe campus, 243 Sterling Ave, serving Monroe and Northeast Louisiana (affiliate of the Baton Rouge campus)

What Students Learn

The program covers classroom training on DOT rules, hours of service, logbooks, and inspections. Students practice backing, coupling, and vehicle control on ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s private driving ranges. They also drive on public roads with a qualified instructor and prepare for the CDL written and skills exams. DDA is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

Students do not need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before they enroll. DDA helps each student get one during classroom training. DDA explains the steps on its How to Get a CDL in Louisiana page.

How Other Louisiana CDL Programs Compare

Community and Technical College Programs

• Bossier Parish Community College offers its CDL program at its Natchitoches campus, not its Bossier City campus. Classes run 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for six weeks.
• Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College holds classes at Camp Minden.
• Baton Rouge Community College offers day classes at its Port Allen site, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for six weeks.
• South Louisiana Community College offers 5-week daytime and 8-week night classes in Crowley, New Iberia, and Lafayette.

Most of these programs require students to already have a Class A learner’s permit, a DOT physical, and a drug screen before the first day. Bossier Parish Community College and Baton Rouge Community College both list the permit at $15, and Baton Rouge Community College estimates the physical at $60 and the drug screen at $65. Most also start on fixed dates a few times a year.

Private CDL Schools

Private schools in Louisiana include 91ľ«Ć·, Coastal Truck Driving School and 160 Driving Academy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Information comes from each school’s website as of October 2026 and may change.

What the Comparison Shows

Community colleges are a good fit for students who can train full-time. Some require more total training hours. They also accept students as young as 18, while DDA requires students to be 21 by graduation.

For students who need to keep working, the picture changes. DDA is the only program in this comparison that offers both a 4-hour afternoon class and a 4-hour evening class at every campus. DDA does not require a permit before enrollment. Its three campuses also cover north and south Louisiana, from Shreveport to Monroe to Baton Rouge.

Ways to Pay for CDL Training

Cost is only part of the picture. How a student pays for training matters too.

Many college CDL courses are short job training courses. Their CDL pages usually point students to state job training funds, such as WIOA or the M.J. Foster Promise Program. Most of these pages do not list federal student aid, such as Pell Grants. Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College also says it does not offer a payment plan.

Private schools vary. Coastal Truck Driving School lists its own financing, WIOA funding, and GI Bill benefits.

DDA lists a wide range of ways to pay on the financial aid page. Students who qualify may use Federal Pell Grants, other federal grants, and federal student loans. DDA also accepts WIOA funding, Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation, payment plans, and VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. A DDA financial aid officer meets with each student to go over options. DDA explains more in its guide on ways to pay for truck driving school.

Help Finding a Job After Training

Earning a CDL is the first step. The next step is finding a driving job.

Most college CDL pages do not describe job placement help. Some colleges have campus career centers, so students should ask whether those services cover CDL courses.

DDA graduates can use ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s job placement team for life. The team connects graduates with trucking companies that are hiring, helps with resumes and interviews, and holds hiring events on campus. Major carriers such as Stevens Transport, Werner Enterprises, and Schneider National actively recruit students. DDA does not guarantee a job. Students can start working with the team before they graduate, so they can keep their current job until they are ready to start driving.

Taking the Next Step

The right CDL program depends on each student’s schedule, budget, and goals. For Louisiana students who want to keep their current job while they train, ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s 8-week afternoon and evening program is built for that need. DDA admissions can explain class times, funding, and the next start date. Students can contact DDA admissions online or call (866) 540-8353.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do new 8-week classes start at DDA?

The first class starts Monday, November 2, 2026. After that, new classes start on the first and third Monday of every month.

Do students need truck driving experience to enroll at DDA?

No. The 8-week program is built for people with no prior trucking experience.

What can a driver operate with a Class A CDL?

Under federal rules, a Class A CDL lets a driver operate vehicle combinations rated at 26,001 pounds or more when the towed trailer is rated over 10,000 pounds. This covers most over-the-road, regional, and local trucking jobs.

Can drivers under 21 drive across state lines in Louisiana?

No. Federal rules require interstate truck drivers to be at least 21, so drivers under 21 with a Louisiana CDL can only drive within the state.

Does DDA help pay the Louisiana CDL license fee?

Yes. DDA pays back up to $61.50 with a receipt, which matches the standard Louisiana OMV license fee.

Can students add a HazMat endorsement at DDA?

Yes. Students can add HazMat endorsement training to their Class A CDL training.

Can students apply to trucking companies before they finish training?

Yes. Many carriers accept applications from students, and ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s job placement team starts working with students before graduation.

How soon should a student file the FAFSA for CDL training?

A student should file the FAFSA a few weeks before the planned start date. DDA needs the FAFSA results before it can finalize federal aid.

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Most students at 91ľ«Ć· pay for CDL training with a mix of sources. That mix might be a federal grant, workforce funding, VA benefits, a payment plan, or money paid back by a trucking company after hire. The order matters, because some programs take weeks to approve. The steps below show how to set up funding for Class A CDL training, from the first phone call to the first paycheck.

For a full list of the payment options DDA accepts, see ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s financial aid page.

Step 1: Contact DDA Admissions and Financial Aid

The first step is a conversation with DDA staff. A student does not need to know which options they qualify for before calling. Staff will review the student’s work history, military service, income, and goals. Then they explain which funding sources to look at and which campus and start date fit.

Students can call one of ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s three campuses or contact us online.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Having documents ready speeds up every application. Most students need:

• A valid driver’s license
• A Social Security number
• Recent tax information for the student, and for a parent if the student is a dependent

Some students need extra records:

• Veterans and service members: military discharge papers (DD-214) or proof of service
• Laid-off workers: a layoff notice or separation papers
• Students with a disability: medical or disability records

Step 3: Find the Funding Sources That Fit

Most students start with sources that generally do not have to be repaid. These include grants, workforce funding, and VA benefits. Loans and payment plans then cover what is left.

Common combinations:

• A laid-off worker applies for WIOA and files the FAFSA in the same week. One works as a backup for the other.
• A veteran uses GI Bill® benefits first, then covers any balance with a grant or a payment plan.
• A working adult with no other aid uses a DDA payment plan, then picks a carrier that offers tuition reimbursement.

Step 4: File the FAFSA

Every student should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if another program may cover tuition. The FAFSA is the only way to apply for federal aid, and it gives a backup if other funding falls through. DDA offers federal aid for eligible programs, and the financial aid office confirms what applies to each program and start date.

Federal aid through the FAFSA can include:

• Federal Pell Grant. This need-based grant usually does not have to be repaid. For the 2026-27 award year, the largest award is $7,395.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This grant is for students with the greatest need. Funds are limited, so filing early helps.
• Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. These are federal loans that must be repaid.
• Federal Direct PLUS Loans. These are loans parents of dependent students can take out. They require a credit check.

To file:

1. Create a account. A parent who needs to give information makes one too.
2. Pick the correct FAFSA year. The 2026-27 FAFSA covers training between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
3. List DDA on the form. ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s financial aid office provides the right school code for each campus.
4. Submit the form, then watch for messages from StudentAid.gov and DDA asking for more information.

Step 5: Apply for Outside Funding at the Same Time

Outside programs often take longer than federal aid. Students should apply for these in the same week they file the FAFSA, not after.

WIOA. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act pays for job training for eligible adults, laid-off workers, and youth. In Louisiana, the Louisiana Workforce Commission runs WIOA through local Business and Career Solutions Centers.

1. Register on , the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s job site.
2. Visit the nearest Business and Career Solutions Center to meet with a counselor.
3. Bring any documents the center requests.

If WIOA approves a student, the program pays DDA directly.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). TAA is closed to new petitions. Workers covered by a petition certified on or before June 30, 2022, may still qualify. These workers should confirm eligibility at a Business and Career Solutions Center.

VA education benefits. DDA accepts VA education benefits for CDL training at its Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Monroe campuses.

1. Apply for education benefits on VA.gov.
2. Save the Certificate of Eligibility or decision letter that VA sends.
3. Give a copy to DDA admissions.

¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s blog covers how to use the GI Bill® for CDL training in more detail.

Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) helps people with disabilities prepare for work, and job training can be part of that help.

1. Apply at the nearest LRS regional office.
2. Meet with a counselor, who decides eligibility.
3. If approved, build an Individualized Plan for Employment that includes CDL training.

For every outside program: Share the counselor’s or agency’s contact information with DDA, so staff can coordinate paperwork and a start date.

Step 6: Review the Funding Plan and Cover Any Balance

Once results come back, DDA staff review each funding source and any amount the student still owes. If there is a balance, the student can cover it with a DDA payment plan, a federal loan, or both. A payment plan spreads the cost over time but does not lower the total.

Step 7: Finish Paperwork Before Class Starts

Funding should be confirmed before the first day of the 8-week Class A CDL program. During this step, students sign enrollment and payment plan documents and confirm their start date with admissions.

This is also a good time to work on the other requirements for getting a CDL in Louisiana, such as the commercial learner’s permit and DOT medical card.

Step 8: Ask Carriers About Tuition Reimbursement After Graduation

Some trucking companies pay back part of a new driver’s training cost after hire. This money does not lower what the student pays before class. It helps pay down a payment plan or loan once the driver starts earning. Each company sets its own terms, and payments often come in smaller amounts over the driver’s first months or year on the job. Many companies require the driver to stay for a set period to receive the full amount.

¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s job placement team connects graduates with hiring carriers. When comparing job offers, graduates can ask each carrier:

• Does the company offer tuition reimbursement?
• How much does it pay, and how often?
• How long does a driver need to stay to receive the full amount?
• What records does the company need, such as proof of tuition paid?

Get Started

Funding takes time to arrange, so the best time to start is before choosing a class date.

• Call DDA: 1-(866) 584-8620
• Request information online: Contact DDA
• Visit a campus: Shreveport, Baton Rouge, or Monroe
• See all payment options: DDA financial aid

Frequently Asked Questions

Do WIOA, VA, or Vocational Rehabilitation funds have to be paid back?

No. These programs generally do not have to be repaid, as long as the student follows each program’s rules.

Can a veteran use GI Bill® benefits and federal student aid together?

Yes. ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s financial aid staff can explain how VA benefits and federal grants or loans work together for each student.

Can someone who is currently working qualify for WIOA?

Yes, in some cases. Eligibility depends on income, job status, and local rules, and a Business and Career Solutions Center makes the final decision.

What happens if a student is denied WIOA or another outside program?

The student can still use federal aid if eligible, a DDA payment plan, or both. Filing the FAFSA at the same time as other applications keeps those options open.

Does a student need to choose a trucking company before training to get tuition reimbursement?

No. Reimbursement comes from the carrier that hires the driver after graduation, and ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s job placement team helps graduates compare carriers.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at .

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Our first 8-week Class A CDL course started on Monday, November 2, 2026. New classes start on the first and third Monday of each month. Contact us using the form on this page or learn more by reading this article!

What Is Changing at DDA

The new 8-week program replaces two classes:

• The 4-week Basic CDL course
• The Advanced CDL class

Both classes are being retired into the 8-week program. From now on, every new DDA student will enroll in the same Class A CDL training program, no matter which campus they choose.

The Same Training, Spread Over 8 Weeks

The 8-week program follows the same format as DDA’s 4-week course. The only difference is the daily schedule. The 4-week course met 8 hours a day. The new program meets 4 hours a day for 8 weeks. Both add up to 160 hours of training.

Students in the 8-week program get:

• Help getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) during the first week
• Classroom training on DOT regulations, hours of service, logbooks, and vehicle inspections
• Range training on DDA’s private driving ranges, including backing, coupling, and vehicle control
• Driving on public roads with a qualified instructor
• Preparation for the CDL written and skills exams

Class Times and Start Dates

Students can pick one of two class times. Both meet Monday through Friday.

• Afternoon class: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Evening class: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The first class starts on Monday, November 2, 2026. After that, new classes start on the first and third Monday of every month. The next start date after November 2 is Monday, November 16, 2026.

Built for Students Who Work

Many people who want a CDL cannot quit their job to train full time. A 4-hour class day leaves time for work. A student who works mornings can take the afternoon class. A student who works a day shift can take the evening class. This way, drivers can keep their income while they earn their Class A CDL.

Offered at All Three DDA Campuses

The 8-week program is available at every DDA campus. Each campus teaches the same program.

• Shreveport campus: 3523 Greenwood Rd., Shreveport, LA
• Baton Rouge campus: 8067 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA
• Monroe campus: 243 Sterling Ave, West Monroe, LA (affiliate of the Baton Rouge campus)

What Students Learn in ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s ELDT-Compliant Training

¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s 8-week program follows the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules list the skills every new Class A driver must learn. DDA is listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, which means its training has been registered as meeting these federal standards.

Training is split into three parts.

Classroom training. Students learn the rules and knowledge every truck driver needs, including:

• Basic truck operation and safe driving practices
• Vehicle systems and how to spot and report problems
• Hours of service rules and logbooks
• Trip planning and cargo handling
• Handling hazards, bad weather, and emergencies

Range training. On ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s private driving range, students practice the skills tested on the CDL skills exam:

• Pre-trip, en route, and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley dock backing
• Parallel parking
• Coupling and uncoupling a trailer

Public road training. With a qualified instructor in the cab, students drive on real roads and learn:

• Shifting, turning, lane changes, and curves
• Driving up and down hills
• Railroad crossings and intersections
• Watching for hazards and checking mirrors
• Managing speed and space around other traffic

Instructors must confirm that each student can do every required skill before training is complete. After finishing the program, students are ready to take the CDL skills test. More details about the steps to a CDL are on ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s How to Get a CDL in Louisiana page.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements have not changed. To enroll, students must:

• Have a current, valid driver’s license
• Be at least 21 years old by their graduation date
• Have a clean driving record
• Pass a DOT physical exam
• Pass a drug test

Students do not need a CLP before enrolling. DDA helps students get one during the first week.

Paying for Training

DDA offers financial aid options for students who qualify, including several grants, tuition reimbursement, and other helpful opportunities. DDA’s financial aid staff help each student find out what they qualify for and guide them through the process.

Help Finding a Job After Graduation

Graduates of the 8-week program have access to DDA’s job placement team. The team connects graduates with local and national trucking companies that are hiring. It also offers resume help, interview prep, and on-campus hiring events. Job placement help is available for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students need truck driving experience to join the 8-week program?

No. The program is built for people with no prior trucking experience.

What can a driver operate with a Class A CDL?

A Class A CDL lets a driver operate tractor-trailers and other vehicle combinations weighing 26,001 pounds or more, when the trailer being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This covers most over-the-road and regional trucking jobs.

What kinds of jobs can graduates apply for?

Graduates can apply for over-the-road (OTR), regional, and local or city driving jobs. Some drivers later become owner-operators.

Does DDA guarantee a job after graduation?

No. DDA’s job placement team connects graduates with carriers that are hiring, but a job is not guaranteed.

How can I pay for CDL Training at DDA?

At DDA our staff will walk you through how to pay for training. Including what financial aid options you qualify for.

Can students apply to trucking companies before they finish training?

Yes. Many carriers accept applications from students, and DDA’s job placement team starts working with students before graduation.

How do students apply for the 8-week program?

Students start by contacting DDA admissions online or by calling (800) 551-8900. Admissions reviews the requirements, class times, and the next start date with each student.

Apply for the 8-Week Class A CDL Program

The first 8-week Class A CDL class starts Monday, November 2, 2026, at all three DDA campuses. Students can choose the class that works best with their schedule. To get started, apply with DDA admissions today.

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CDL training at 91ľ«Ć· takes 8 weeks. Students train 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday, in one Class A CDL program offered at every DDA campus.

Training is only one part of the path to a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Students also need a DOT medical card before class starts, a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) during training, and a passing score on the CDL skills test after training. This guide explains how the 8-week program works, what federal rules require, and what can change the total timeline.

How Long is CDL Training at 91ľ«Ć·?

DDA’s Class A CDL training program lasts 8 weeks. It is the only program the school offers to new students at all of its Louisiana locations: Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Monroe. No prior trucking experience is needed to start.

Daily Schedule and Time Slots

Classes meet 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Students choose one of two time slots:

• 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

That works out to about 20 hours a week. Over 8 weeks, that adds up to roughly 160 hours of training. Both time slots leave part of the day open, so some students keep a job while they train.

What the 8 Weeks Cover

Training follows a set order:

1. Classroom training: Lessons on safety rules, hours of service, vehicle systems, and inspections.
2. Yard (range) training: Practice backing, coupling, and vehicle control on a private training range.
3. On-the-road driving: Driving a tractor-trailer on public roads with an instructor.

Each phase builds on the one before it. The program covers Class A training only. It does not include endorsements, such as hazmat or tanker. Students who want to know what each phase feels like can read about the DDA student experience.

Getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit During Training

DDA helps students get their CLP. A CLP lets a student drive a truck on public roads as long as a licensed CDL holder rides along. To earn a Class A permit, students pass written knowledge tests. These include the general knowledge and combination vehicles tests, plus the air brakes test for trucks with air brakes.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) follows the federal rule that states that a CLP holder cannot take the skills test in the first 14 days after the permit is issued. When the permit is issued early in training, the 14-day wait ends well before the program does. The full list of state steps is on DDA’s how to get a CDL in Louisiana page.

Why CDL Training Lengths Vary

Since 2022, FMCSA has required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for anyone getting a Class A CDL for the first time. The training must come from a provider listed on the , and it must be finished before the skills test.

ELDT has two parts:

• Theory training: Classroom lessons on required topics. Students must score at least 80 percent overall on the theory assessment.
• Behind-the-wheel training: Hands-on driving on a range and on public roads. The instructor must see that each student can do every required skill.

FMCSA’s ELDT rule sets no minimum number of hours for either part. Training is based on skill, not time. This is why program lengths differ from school to school. Some states add their own hour rules on top of the federal standard. DDA’s program is ELDT-compliant and FMCSA-registered.

What Happens After the 8 Weeks

After students finish the program, DDA helps them schedule the CDL skills test with an off-site, third-party tester. Test dates depend on tester availability, so the wait can vary. If a student doesn’t pass one of the parts of the CDL test, they will have to take it again.

Most new drivers then go through carrier hiring and orientation before driving on their own. ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s guide on what happens after CDL training covers these steps in detail. Graduates also get help from ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s job placement team. Students with questions about start dates or time slots can contact ¶Ů¶Ů´ˇâ€™s admissions team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Louisiana commercial learner’s permit valid?

A Louisiana CLP is issued for up to 180 days and can be extended for another 180 days, at no charge, if more training time is needed.

How long does a DOT medical card last?

A DOT medical card lasts up to 24 months. A medical examiner can issue a card for a shorter time based on a driver’s health, and drivers with insulin-treated diabetes are limited to 12 months.

Does adding an endorsement make CDL training take longer?

Yes. Endorsements are not part of DDA’s 8-week program, so each one means more study and a separate knowledge test, and the hazmat endorsement also requires a TSA background check.

Can an experienced driver skip the behind-the-wheel part of ELDT?

No. Federal ELDT rules do not allow students to test out of behind-the-wheel training, so every first-time Class A applicant must show each skill to a registered instructor.

Can ELDT theory training be done online?

Yes. FMCSA accepts theory training taught online, in a classroom, or as a mix of both, but DDA teaches it in the classroom.

How soon does the state see that a student finished training?

Federal rules say training providers must report each student’s completion to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry by midnight of the second business day after training ends. The state checks the registry before it allows the student to take the skills test.

Is Class B CDL training shorter than Class A training?

Yes, Class B training is generally shorter because it covers single trucks rather than tractor-trailers. DDA offers Class A CDL training only.

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Finishing CDL training is a big step, but a new driver still has a few steps left before running a load alone. First, the student passes the CDL skills test. Then each trucking company checks the driver’s record, orders a drug test, and runs a Clearinghouse check. After that, the driver goes through paid orientation and training with an experienced driver. This guide walks through each step for 91ľ«Ć· graduates.

Key Takeaways

• A CDL makes a graduate eligible to apply at trucking companies. Each company still runs its own hiring checks.
• Hiring checks include a driving record review, a DOT physical, a drug test, and a Clearinghouse check.
• Paid orientation and training usually last three to seven weeks, depending on the carrier.
• Some requirements continue after hire, such as medical card renewal and yearly Clearinghouse checks.

Step One: Passing the Skills Test and Getting the CDL

Federal rules require first-time Class A drivers to finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before the skills test. When a student finishes, the school reports it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

A student must hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. In Louisiana, the test is given by an OMV-approved third-party tester. It has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road drive. After passing, the driver gets the CDL from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Step Two: Applying to a Carrier

A graduate applies directly to a trucking company. Many students start this step before they finish CDL training. DDA’s job placement team connects students and graduates with carriers that are hiring, such as Stevens Transport, TMC Transportation, Schneider, and Werner Enterprises. Some carriers make a conditional job offer first. The hiring checks come after that offer.

Step Three: Passing the Hiring Checks

Federal rules set the checks every carrier must run. Each carrier can also add its own standards on top of them.

Driving record and work history

The carrier reviews the driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR) for the past three years. It also checks safety records from any past employers who hired drivers under DOT rules. Some carriers set stricter limits. TMC, for example, allows no more than three moving violations in five years and no DUI in the last ten years.

DOT physical

The driver must pass a DOT physical from a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. A medical card lasts up to 24 months, but an examiner can issue a shorter card based on the driver’s health. DDA explains more about why health matters for a CDL.

Drug test

The person applying for the job needs to have a negative drug test result before the new hire can drive a commercial truck.

Clearinghouse check

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a database of driver drug and alcohol violations. Before hiring, the carrier must search it with the driver’s consent. The driver gives that consent online through a Clearinghouse account.

Step Four: Paid Orientation and Training

No federal rule sets how long orientation lasts, so each carrier sets its own schedule. Most carriers pay new drivers during this time, but pay and length vary by company.

Orientation usually starts with classroom time. New drivers learn company rules, safety policies, equipment, and paperwork. After that, most carriers pair the new driver with an experienced trainer on the road. The trainer rides along while the new driver handles real loads, plans trips, and follows hours-of-service rules. The training stage ends when the trainer signs off that the driver is ready to run alone.

Graduates should ask each carrier during the hiring process how long orientation and training last and how pay works. DDA’s job placement team can help graduates compare carriers.

Step Five: The First Solo Runs

Once the trainer signs off, the new driver gets a truck and runs loads alone. First jobs may be local, regional, dedicated, or over-the-road (OTR). The route depends on the carrier’s needs and the driver’s preference. Many carriers also assign a coach who checks in during the first weeks of solo driving. DDA’s post on the first year as a truck driver covers what that year is like.

What Do New Truck Drivers Earn?

(BLS) reports a median yearly wage of $58,640 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers across the country as of May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned under $40,140, and the top 10 percent earned over $79,380.

Carriers advertise different pay depending on the route, freight type, and customer. Graduates should compare pay details during the hiring process.

What Requirements Continue After Hire?

A CDL comes with rules that last as long as the driver works in trucking:

• Medical card renewal: A driver must renew the DOT medical card before it expires. If the card expires, the state can downgrade the CDL until a new one is on file.
• Yearly Clearinghouse check: The carrier must search the Clearinghouse for each driver at least once a year.
• Ongoing drug testing: Drivers can be tested at random, after an accident, or when a supervisor has a reason to suspect drug use.

Adding endorsements

Drivers can add endorsements to qualify for more types of jobs. The six endorsements are:

• T (doubles and triples)
• N (tank vehicles)
• H (hazardous materials)
• X (tank and hazardous materials combined)
• P (passenger)
• S (school bus)

First-time H, P, and S applicants must complete ELDT for that endorsement. HAZMAT applicants also need a TSA security check. DDA offers Hazmat endorsement training for drivers who want to add it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a new driver need to register for the Clearinghouse?

Yes. A driver needs a Clearinghouse account to give online consent for a carrier’s pre-hire check.

Can a driver with a speeding ticket still get hired?

Often, yes. Each carrier sets its own limits on moving violations, so the answer depends on the company.

What happens if a new hire fails the pre-employment drug test?

The carrier cannot let the driver operate a commercial truck, and the result goes into the Clearinghouse. The driver must finish a return-to-duty process with a substance abuse professional before driving for any carrier.

What should a new driver bring to orientation?

Most carriers ask for the CDL, the DOT medical card, and ID for hiring paperwork. Each carrier sends its own checklist before orientation starts.

Can a student apply to carriers before finishing training?

Yes. Many carriers accept applications from students, and DDA’s job placement team starts working with students before graduation.

Can DDA help a graduate find a new job after the first carrier?

Yes. DDA’s job placement team helps graduates look for new driving jobs after their first position. DDA also covers what to do if the first carrier isn’t a good fit.

Students and graduates with questions about testing, hiring, or next steps can contact DDA to speak with the admissions or job placement team.

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runs September 13 to 19, 2026. The set this year’s theme as “The Miles They Drive, The Sacrifices They Make.” For most schools and companies, that theme turns into a week of free coffee and social posts. At 91ľ«Ć·, it means something more specific, because DDA has spent over 50 years watching what those miles and sacrifices actually look like in Louisiana.

DDA opened its doors in 1972. Since then, it has trained thousands of drivers who now move freight through Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Monroe, and every stretch of highway between the Gulf Coast and the Arkansas line. Many of the trucks hauling goods along I-10, I-20, and I-49 right now were driven by someone who first learned to shift gears and back up a trailer on a DDA training range. That is not a marketing line. It is a fact that changes how this week should be treated.

What National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Actually Is

The American Trucking Associations started National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in 1988. This year marks the 38th time the industry has set aside a week in September to recognize the people who keep freight moving. The week is not run by any single company or school. It is a way to show support, and companies, families, and driving schools all take part in their own way, from roadside thank-you signs to driver meals at truck stops.

The theme matters because it points at something specific. Miles driven are easy to measure. What is harder to measure is the commitment behind them: choosing a career that keeps the country running, building steady income, and taking pride in work that most people rely on without ever thinking about it. That commitment does mean time away from home at points. It also comes with real rewards, including strong pay, independence on the road, and a career that does not require years of college debt to start.

Why 2026 Is a Different Kind of Year for This Week

A few things are happening in trucking right now that make this year’s appreciation week worth more than a passing mention.

The industry still needs drivers, and good employers want to keep them. The American Trucking Associations estimated a shortage of about 60,000 drivers in 2025 and says the industry will need to hire roughly 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade to replace retiring drivers and keep up with freight demand. Some industry economists point out that the bigger opportunity is connecting new drivers with employers who invest in supporting them, since driver turnover tends to be highest at companies that do not. That is one reason DDA works directly with established carriers that have a track record of retaining drivers, so graduates start their career with an employer built to keep them, not just hire them.

Federal enforcement of English language rules changed in 2025. Since June 25, 2025, a driver who cannot meet federal English proficiency standards during a roadside inspection can be placed out of service immediately. In the second half of 2025 alone, federal inspectors issued more than 12,000 out-of-service orders under this rule, compared with just 14 orders in the two years before it took effect. This matters for anyone considering a CDL career, because it raises the bar on what training has to cover.

Driverless trucks are no longer a future concept. In April 2025, a company called Aurora Innovation began running regularly scheduled driverless truck deliveries between Dallas and Houston, the first commercial self-driving trucking service of its kind on public roads. It is easy to read a headline like that and wonder if truck driving is a career with a shrinking future. It is not. The Aurora model runs hub to hub on a single limited highway corridor. Human drivers still handle the pickup, the delivery, the local roads, the bad weather, and the situations no computer has been trained to expect. That is true almost everywhere else in the country.

Put those three things together and this year’s theme reads differently. The miles are still being driven by people. The sacrifices are still being made by people. And the rules for who gets to drive those miles are getting more serious, not less.

Trucking by the Numbers

A few figures worth knowing, from federal and industry sources:

• Trucks moved more than 72 percent of all domestic freight tonnage in 2024, according to the American Trucking Associations.
• The trucking industry employed 3.58 million professional drivers in 2024.
• The median pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers nationwide was $58,640 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• In Louisiana, about 28,490 people worked as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, with roughly 3,060 job openings projected each year through 2034.
• More than 331 million tons of freight worth over $392 billion moved on Louisiana highways in a single recent year, and almost all freight in the state touches a truck at some point, even freight that starts on a barge or a train.

Louisiana’s freight numbers are not an afterthought here. They are the reason DDA has stayed open for more than 50 years. As long as goods move through Baton Rouge’s port complex, Shreveport’s highway corridors, and Monroe’s regional distribution routes, there will be a steady need for trained drivers, not just this week, but every week.

What the Job Actually Looks Like

Ask most people what a truck driver does and they picture the highway part. That is only part of it. A typical day for an over-the-road driver includes:

• Inspecting their vehicle thoroughly
• Hours of driving on highways, back roads, and city streets
• Constant attention to traffic, weather, and the condition of their goods
• Problem-solving on the fly when something does not go as planned

None of that shows up in a highway photo, which is part of why appreciation week exists in the first place. Along with the discipline it takes to do a physically demanding job safely day after day, drivers also gain something many careers cannot offer: they see the country, work with real independence, and know that what they haul keeps stores stocked, hospitals supplied, and families provided for, including their own.

How DDA Trains the Next Generation of Louisiana Drivers

DDA offers CDL training programs ranging from a 3-week CDL Prep course to a 20-week Advanced program, all built to meet current Entry-Level Driver Training requirements, across campuses in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Monroe. Graduates get lifetime job placement assistance, and DDA maintains hiring relationships with carriers including Stevens Transport, Werner Enterprises, TMC, and Schneider National. Students who need help covering the cost of training can look into financial aid options, including benefits available to veterans.

For anyone who has thought about this career and wondered whether now is a strange time to start because of everything happening in the industry, the honest answer is that now is actually a reasonable time to start. Demand is steady, Louisiana’s freight volume is not going away, and the schools training drivers today are training them to a higher standard than a decade ago.

Ways to Recognize a Driver This Week

• Give trucks extra following distance and room to merge, especially around loading zones and tight turns.
• Say thank you to a driver at a truck stop, rest area, or loading dock.
• Post a message of appreciation using the hashtags #NTDAW26 and #ThankATrucker.
• If you run a business that works with drivers, consider a small gesture during the week, such as a meal, a gift card, or simple public recognition.

Ready to see what a CDL career could look like for you? Learn more about DDA’s training programs or get started on financial aid options today.

The post The Miles They Drive, The Sacrifices They Make: What National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Means in Louisiana appeared first on 91ľ«Ć·â„˘ | Class A CDL Training.

Key Takeaways

• H is the code for the Hazardous Materials endorsement, one of six endorsement codes a CDL holder can earn.
• Earning the H endorsement takes a state knowledge test and a TSA security background check.
• Federal training rules have required first-time hazmat applicants to complete theory training before the test since February 7, 2022.
• The TSA background check costs $85.25, or $41.00 for drivers who already hold a valid TWIC card. The result generally covers five years.
• Louisiana only accepts a completed background check for a license transfer or renewal if it was finished in the last six months.
• Most disqualifying offenses are specific felonies tied to a set time window. A misdemeanor does not disqualify an applicant.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $58,640 for all heavy and tractor-trailer drivers as of May 2025. There’s no separate wage figure for hazmat-endorsed drivers specifically.

A CDL holder can earn six different endorsement codes:

• Doubles/Triples (T)
• Passenger (P)
• Tanker (N)
• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tanker/HazMat (X)
• School Bus (S)

The Hazardous Materials endorsement, or HazMat, is the only one of the six that pairs a knowledge test with a federal security background check. This guide covers what the H endorsement includes, who needs it, and how to get and keep one.

What the HazMat Endorsement Covers

The federal government defines hazardous materials broadly. They’re substances that could pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. To earn the endorsement, a driver has to know:

• The hazardous materials table
• Shipping paper rules
• Marking, labeling, and placarding
• Packaging requirements
• Hazmat definitions and accident reporting
• Tunnel and railroad-crossing rules

H vs. N vs. X: What Sets Each Endorsement Apart

The hazmat endorsement is often confused with the tank vehicle endorsement, since both often involve tank loads. These are two of several endorsement types a CDL holder can carry, and they’re tested differently.

A driver who already holds both N and H is issued the combined X code instead of two separate endorsements.

Who Needs a HazMat Endorsement

A driver needs the endorsement once a load reaches the point where it has to carry a hazard placard. Some materials require a placard no matter how much a driver is hauling. Others only need one once the total weight of the material reaches about 1,001 pounds. A large enough load of a single hazardous material, generally 2,205 pounds or more from one location, needs a placard made for that exact material instead of a general one.

Any driver hauling a placarded load needs the H or X endorsement, including loads of:

• Explosives
• Corrosives
• Gases
• Flammable liquids or solids
• Radioactive material
• Oxidizers or poisons

How to Get a HazMat Endorsement

Getting the H endorsement adds a federal security review to the standard CDL process. The general age, medical, and licensing steps come first, the same ones required for any CDL.

Step 1: Complete ELDT Theory Training

Since February 7, 2022, federal rules have required first-time hazmat applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver training before taking the state knowledge test. This applies no matter how long a driver has already held a CDL. States typically point applicants to the to confirm a school’s registration before the training counts.

Step 2: Pass the State Knowledge Test

Each state runs its own hazmat knowledge test, separate from the standard CDL knowledge tests. Every applicant, new or renewing, must also carry a current TSA background check before the state will issue the endorsement.

Step 3: Complete the TSA Security Background Check

This program runs a fingerprint-based background check against FBI records nationwide. Applicants sign up online or visit an enrollment center in person. The fee is $85.25 for new and renewing applicants, or $41.00 for drivers who already hold a valid TWIC card in a state that accepts TWIC screening instead. To qualify, a driver must be a:

• S. citizen
• lawful permanent resident
• naturalized citizen
• or hold lawful nonimmigrant, asylee, or refugee status.

TSA doesn’t publish an official processing time, but industry sources commonly cite four to eight weeks.

Keeping a HazMat Endorsement Current

TSA generally requires drivers to renew this endorsement every five years, though some states run shorter license cycles that require more frequent review. The $85.25 fee covers five years for new and renewing applicants alike.

Drivers transferring a hazmat endorsement between states generally don’t need a new background check. This holds as long as the new state can issue one that expires within five years of the original check date.

Louisiana: A completed background check only counts as valid for a transfer or renewal if it was finished within the last six months. This applies whether the driver already lives in Louisiana or is moving their license here from another state.

What Can Disqualify a Driver?

TSA’s rule on disqualifying offenses sorts them into three groups.

Permanent offenses disqualify an applicant no matter when they happened. These include espionage, treason, terrorism-related crimes, and the unlawful transport or possession of explosives.

Interim offenses only disqualify a driver for a set window of time. These include certain firearm, fraud, smuggling, immigration, drug distribution, and violent crimes. They disqualify a driver if the conviction happened within the past seven years. They also disqualify a driver who was released from prison within the past five years.

An applicant charged with one of these crimes, or wanted on a warrant for one, is disqualified until the case is resolved.

Misdemeanor convictions do not disqualify an applicant under this rule. TSA can waive most interim offenses and many permanent offenses. Crimes like espionage, sedition, treason, and terrorism generally fall outside that waiver option.

HazMat Endorsement Pay and Demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $58,640 ($28.19 an hour) for all heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers as of May 2025. That figure covers roughly 2.2 million jobs nationwide, with about 4 percent job growth projected from 2025 to 2035. The BLS doesn’t publish a separate wage figure for hazmat-endorsed drivers specifically. Carriers typically pay hazmat-endorsed drivers more for specialized freight, since the extra screening and testing mean fewer drivers can legally haul it. No federal source breaks that pay bump into an exact dollar figure.

Next Step

Drivers who already hold or are working toward a Class A CDL can add the hazmat credential through DDA’s Hazmat Endorsement Training program, offered alongside Class A CDL training at DDA’s campuses. An admissions rep can explain which program length includes both the required training hours and hazmat prep. Our team is ready to help you find the right program for you.

FAQs

What does the “H” on a CDL mean?

H is the code for the Hazardous Materials endorsement, one of six endorsement codes a CDL holder can earn.

How is the HazMat endorsement different from the Tanker (N) endorsement?

The N endorsement only requires a knowledge test and covers bulk liquids or gases in a tank vehicle. The H endorsement adds a TSA background check and covers any placarded hazardous cargo, tank or not.

How long does a HazMat endorsement last before it needs renewal?

TSA generally requires renewal every five years, though some states run shorter license cycles.

What is the TSA background check for a HazMat endorsement?

It’s a fingerprint-based check run under TSA’s Hazmat Endorsement program. TSA checks fingerprints and ID against FBI records and looks for disqualifying convictions before a state can issue the endorsement.

Can a felony conviction keep someone from getting a HazMat endorsement?

It depends on the offense. TSA only disqualifies specific felonies, and most of those only count if they happened within the past seven years.

Does a misdemeanor disqualify a driver from getting a HazMat endorsement?

No. TSA’s disqualifying-offense list applies to felony convictions, pleas, or findings, not misdemeanors.

How much does the TSA background check cost?

The standard fee is $85.25 for new and renewing applicants. Drivers who already hold a valid TWIC card in a qualifying state pay a reduced $41.00 rate.

How long does the whole HazMat endorsement process take?

Industry estimates put the TSA background check at four to eight weeks, done alongside the state knowledge test. TSA doesn’t publish an official processing time.

Do I need to take a class before the HazMat knowledge test?

Yes. Federal rules in effect since February 7, 2022 require first-time hazmat applicants to complete registered theory training before taking the state knowledge test.

Does a HazMat endorsement pay more?

While the BLS doesn’t publish a hazmat-specific wage figure, carriers generally pay more for hazmat-endorsed drivers because fewer drivers qualify for the work.

Sources: 49 CFR 383.153, 383.121, 172.504, 1572.103, and 1515.7; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025); Transportation Security Administration; Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

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Autonomous trucks are already hauling freight in Texas. If you’re weighing CDL training, it’s fair to ask whether that changes the value of a Class A CDL. Companies like Kodiak and Torc (a Daimler Truck subsidiary) are also running real trucks on real highways. Before you decide whether a CDL still makes sense, it helps to know what these trucks can and can’t do right now.

Key Takeaways

• Every autonomous truck running commercial freight today is Level 4. That means it only drives on fixed highway routes in clear weather. No company has a Level 5 truck on the road.
• There are no federal safety rules yet for driverless trucks. Writing those rules takes years, and the 35 states that allow testing don’t agree on how it should work.
• The trucking industry is short more than 80,000 drivers. McKinsey expects that number to double by 2030. Carriers are hiring CDL holders right now.
• Autonomous trucks can’t handle last-mile delivery, city driving, hazmat loads, construction zones, or talking to customers. Those jobs still need a person.
• New jobs like remote truck monitors, AV safety drivers, and last-mile specialists are showing up. A Class A CDL is the entry ticket for both classic driving jobs and these new tech-adjacent ones.
• Endorsements like hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples cover loads that will be some of the last ones automated. Earning them now protects your career for longer.

A CDL earned in 2026 sets you up for decades of work. Most of the country still requires a human driver by law, and that isn’t changing soon.

Where Autonomous Trucks Actually Stand in 2025-2026

SAE Levels of Driving Automation: Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 Explained

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) lays out six levels of driving automation. Three of them matter for trucking:

Every autonomous truck running commercial freight today is Level 4. No company has shown a Level 5 truck working commercially.

Aurora in Texas, Daimler Truck’s Investment, and What They Actually Cover

Aurora Innovation added a second driverless route in Texas. It runs 600 miles between Fort Worth and El Paso, launched six months after its Dallas-to-Houston route. The company has now passed 100,000 driverless miles on public roads, with five driverless trucks delivering customer freight on a regular schedule.

Daimler Truck, a company based in Germany, is investing in this technology through its subsidiary, Torc Robotics. The company expects autonomous driving to bring in more than €3 billion in revenue by 2030. Daimler Truck and Torc plan to bring SAE Level 4 trucks to the U.S. market by 2027, covering highway hub-to-hub runs only.

Why Level 4 Trucks Still Only Run Fixed Highway Routes in Good Weather

Aurora says its next round of hardware will handle all-weather driving with better sensor cleaning. That hardware is still being tested, and full production isn’t expected until 2027.

Level 4 trucks drive set interstate routes in good conditions. They can’t handle city streets, tricky intersections, or heavy snow and ice. The technology keeps improving, but the rules haven’t caught up, and that gap is slowing down wider use.

Federal and State Rules Are Still Years Away From Allowing Fully Driverless Trucks

“None of us in the automobile or IT industries are close to achieving true Level 5 autonomy. We are not even close.”

— Gill Pratt, CEO of the Toyota Research Institute

Autonomous trucks run in a few corridors today, but a mix of federal and state rules controls where they can go. That patchwork of rules is one of the biggest reasons full driverless trucking is still far off.

No unified federal safety rules exist for autonomous trucks yet. The is still in the early stages of updating its rules. It asked the public which safety regulations “may need to be amended, revised, or eliminated” to safely allow autonomous trucks. In short, FMCSA is still asking questions, not writing rules.

A bill in Congress (Rep. Fong’s AV trucking provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act) would push FMCSA to update its rules by 2027, but it hasn’t passed yet. Right now, 35 states allow some kind of autonomous truck testing. Other states have stricter or conflicting rules.

States don’t agree on the rules, either. Colorado passed a bill that would have required a CDL holder to be in any truck running an automated driving system and ready to step in if needed. The bill set fines of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for a second. The governor vetoed it, but lawmakers pushing for it shows real pushback against driverless trucks.

For anyone thinking about a CDL in 2026, this means federal safety rules for driverless trucks don’t exist yet, and writing them takes years. Human drivers will keep being a legal requirement across most of the country for a long time.

The Driver Shortage Is Still Growing, and Carriers Are Still Hiring

Rules are slowing autonomous trucks down. Meanwhile, the driver shortage keeps growing.

More Than 80,000 Drivers Short, and McKinsey Says It Will Double by 2030

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reports a shortage of more than 80,000 drivers, and that number hasn’t turned around. McKinsey’s research points to the same shortage and expects it to double by 2030. The ATA also projects the industry will need 1.1 million new drivers over the next decade. That’s about 110,000 a year, just to replace retiring drivers and keep up with growth.

Why an Aging Workforce and High Turnover Keep Demand Strong

The average truck driver in the U.S. is 47 years old, and retirements are accelerating. Women make up only 4.1% of truck drivers. These numbers show the shortage isn’t a short-term blip. It’s built into the structure of the industry.

How Schools With Carrier Relationships Get Graduates Hired Now

Schools with real carrier hiring relationships can connect graduates directly to jobs. DDA has trained CDL drivers for more than 50 years. In that time, plenty of new technology has come and gone, from CB radios to electronic logging devices (ELDs) to autonomous trucks. Carrier partners like Stevens Transport, Werner Enterprises, TMC Transportation, and Schneider still hire DDA graduates. That track record answers the worry that the jobs won’t be there.

High demand explains why jobs are open. What autonomous trucks still can’t do explains why they’ll stay open.

Autonomous Trucks Cannot Handle Most Real-World Trucking Work

That’s a narrow slice of what trucking really involves.

Last-Mile Delivery, City Driving, Tight Backing, and Talking to Customers

Researchers at UC Berkeley’s Labor Center expect it will take decades before driverless trucks can handle local streets full of cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and road work. Humans are also needed to hook up tractors and trailers, fuel the truck, do inspections, fill out paperwork, talk with customers, and load and unload freight.

A 30-year trucking veteran put it this way in a USA Today column: “A machine can drive a truck on the turnpike or some other controlled environment,” but “good outcomes in the most critical moments still depend on an experienced human operator making the right decisions.”

Weather, Construction Zones, Hazmat Loads, and Oversized Hauling

Cost is also a factor. Trucking companies aren’t eager to spend money on technology that might not work well in snow, ice, or fog. Hazmat loads, oversized hauling, and construction zones all call for human judgment that today’s autonomous systems don’t have.

The Airline Autopilot Comparison

Aviation offers a useful comparison. Modern planes already use AI for maintenance checks, navigation, and spotting potential conflicts. Even so, the pilot’s role as the final decision-maker becomes more important, not less, as that AI gets better. Trucking looks to be heading the same way. Future drivers may spend part of their time monitoring an automated system instead of gripping the wheel the whole time.

Safety and Liability Questions That Keep Humans in the Cab

Who’s responsible when an autonomous truck from one company is involved in a crash with a truck from another? That’s still an open question. Until the legal side catches up, carriers have good reason to keep trained drivers in the cab.

These same limits are creating new jobs that still require a CDL to get started.

New Roles Are Emerging That Require a CDL as the Entry Credential

“Human drivers would take care of non-driving tasks and navigate complicated local streets, then swap trailers with self-driving trucks at an autonomous truck port (ATP) next to the highway.”

— Steve Viscelli, Sociologist, University of Pennsylvania

As autonomous trucking grows, carriers and logistics companies need people who understand both the freight side and the tech side. Those jobs are being built right now, and they all start with the same requirement: a CDL.

Remote Truck Monitors, Fleet Coordinators, and AV Safety Drivers ($55K-$85K)

The most likely setup has local drivers bringing trailers to “autonomous truck ports” outside cities, where the trailers get swapped onto autonomous tractors for the highway leg. The process runs in reverse on the other end. That setup creates jobs for remote monitors, fleet coordinators, and AV safety drivers. Programs like Pima Community College’s autonomous vehicle operations certificate are already training people for roles like Autonomous Truck Test Driver and Autonomous Vehicle Operations Specialist. These roles typically pay between $55,000 and $85,000.

First-Mile and Last-Mile Specialists Fill the Gaps Autonomous Trucks Can’t

Automation should bring long-haul costs down, and customers still expect fast delivery. Together, those trends should increase the need for local drivers who move loads to and from autonomous truck ports and get goods to customers’ doors.

Why a Class A CDL Sets You Up for Both Paths

You can earn a Class A CDL through programs that range from a 3-week exam prep course to 20 weeks of hands-on training. That credential works for both classic driving careers and the new tech-adjacent roles. Either way, the CDL is the starting point.

The next step is making sure that CDL is positioned to reach these roles for the long run.

How to Future-Proof a CDL Career Starting Now

A CDL earned in 2026 opens more than one career path. How you build on it, through endorsements, specializations, and technical skills, decides how well that career holds up as the industry changes.

Earn a Class A CDL First

A Class A CDL is still the baseline credential for almost every job in commercial trucking, automated or not. Completing entry-level driver training at an school that is compliant is the first step in the process. Learning the rules of the road and getting comfortable behind the wheel. This is the foundation for any successful CDL-holder, and can be completed in a short period of time.

Add Endorsements Autonomous Trucks Can’t Touch: Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples

A standard Class A license covers dry van freight. Moving from around $55,000 up to $80,000 or more usually means adding endorsements. Hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsements open the door to specialized loads, and those loads will likely be among the last ones automated because of safety and regulatory hurdles. DDA offers Hazmat Endorsement Training as an add-on to Class A CDL training.

Get Comfortable With ELDs, GPS, and Digital Fleet Tools

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) connect to a truck’s engine and record driving time automatically, which makes hours-of-service logs more accurate. Drivers who are already comfortable with ELDs, GPS routing, and digital fleet tools will have an easier time moving into tech-adjacent roles as they open up.

Focus on the Work AVs Won’t Touch: Local Delivery, Specialized Hauling, and Construction

Logistics work today goes beyond moving freight from point A to point B. On jobs like data center construction, drivers and logistics crews help with installation, handle sensitive loads, and keep build schedules on track. Work like this needs human judgment, a physical presence, and direct customer contact, things autonomous systems can’t offer.

The Investment Calculation: Program Cost vs. 20-30 Years of Career Runway

The roles opening up around autonomous trucking, from remote monitoring to fleet coordination, are the kind of growth that tends to create jobs rather than cut them. Measured against 20 to 30 years of career runway across both traditional and emerging roles, DDA’s tuition is a solid trade.

Drivers who start now have time to build endorsements and specializations before autonomous trucks reach wider use. DDA connects graduates with carriers that are actively hiring, both for traditional driving roles and the emerging tech-adjacent positions covered above. Talk to an admissions rep about programs, schedules, and what to expect on day one.

FAQs

Which trucking jobs are most at risk from automation?

Long-haul highway routes carry the most near-term risk, since that’s the only setting autonomous trucks can currently handle. Local delivery, hazmat hauling, oversized loads, and any driving involving city streets or customer contact are not at risk right now.

Can autonomous trucks handle situations that need human judgment, like unbalanced cargo or a dangerous driver nearby?

No. Today’s systems can’t manage tasks like coupling trailers, fueling, inspections, or customer communication.

Which states allow driverless freight trucks?

About 35 states currently allow some form of autonomous truck testing or use, but the rules vary widely from state to state. There’s no federal safety standard yet, so each state sets its own approach.

How can truck drivers stay competitive as the technology advances?

Drivers can build their skill set with endorsements like hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples, and get comfortable with ELDs, GPS routing, and digital fleet tools. Both make it easier to move into new tech-adjacent roles as they open up.

Are CDL drivers still in high demand?

Yes. Carriers are actively hiring CDL holders to close a well-documented driver shortage that isn’t going away anytime soon.

The post Autonomous Trucks: Should You Still Pursue Your CDL in 2026? appeared first on 91ľ«Ć·â„˘ | Class A CDL Training.

The first time a student climbs into the driver’s seat of an 18-wheeler, nerves and excitement usually flood their brain. The mirrors stretch wider than anything in a car, the gear shift feels foreign under the hand, and the engine rumbles louder than anything most students have driven before. Conquering these nerves takes three things: time, effort, and a good team to train you. DDA has trained Louisiana drivers since 1972, so students follow a process that’s been refined for decades, one that turns first-day nerves into a license and a new career. Here’s how a student can go from all nerves to a confident driver in just a few weeks.

Step One: Talking with Admissions

Choosing a campus is the first step, and DDA makes it easy no matter where a student starts. Locations in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Monroe all follow the same application process, so students can research and choose on their own or simply call the admissions team for guidance. Those conversations are personal. The admissions team asks questions, listens to each student’s goals, and helps figure out which campus and schedule fit best. From there, students receive a clear list of next steps, including which documents to bring and what to expect on enrollment day. It’s a relationship built from the very first phone call, one where the admissions team genuinely wants to see each student succeed. Full details on requirements and next steps are available on the how to get a CDL page.

Cost is an early concern for most new students. DDA offers financial aid options, including grants, loans, and funding for veterans, and the financial aid team walks students through what they qualify for before training starts. Just like the advisors, the financial aid team takes a case-to-case approach to every student, gaining an understanding of their whole situation before deciding how best to help them get the next chapter of their career started.

Once enrolled, students go through a short onboarding process to get oriented with the campus, meet their instructors and classmates, and review the training schedule. These introductions will lay the groundwork for the community they’ll be immersed in for the next few weeks. Most students don’t need a Commercial Learner’s Permit before starting, DDA helps with that during the first week so they can focus on getting comfortable at the campus.

Step Two: Starting in the Classroom

Classroom time gives students the crucial skill foundations they need before ever getting behind the wheel. Lessons cover the rules that govern the trucking industry, including DOT regulations, hours of service, and how to keep accurate logbooks. Students also learn the basics of vehicle systems and pre-trip inspection procedures, which are covered on both the CDL written exam and the skills test.

Classrooms at DDA are built to keep students engaged rather than just lecturing at them. Instructors bring real trucking experience to the material, so lessons connect to situations students will actually run into on the road. This groundwork makes the hands-on portion of training easier to pick up, since students already understand the reasoning behind each maneuver before they try it. The small class sizes ensure that no student is left in the dark on anything. Students get to experience a classroom environment that feels more like a conversation between a small group than a lecture, letting them ask questions and build a rapport with their instructor.

Step Three: Safety in the Yard

Safety is one of the most important parts of CDL training, and DDA treats it as a skill to practice, not just a lecture to sit through and forget. Students learn how to handle situations like skid control, emergency maneuvers, and hazard perception so the information is second nature by the time they’re driving for real.

The goal isn’t to scare new drivers away from the job, it’s really to make sure they know how to react calmly when something unexpected happens on the road. Instructors walk through real-world scenarios so students understand not just what to do, but why it matters for keeping themselves, their cargo, and other drivers safe. The rapport they build with instructors makes this training all the more comfortable; advice is personally tuned to the student driver.

Step Four: Practice Behind the Wheel

Classroom lessons only go so far, at some point, a student has to get behind the wheel. That’s where DDA’s training range comes in. Students spend real time in a tractor-trailer, learning skills like backing up with a trailer attached, coupling and decoupling trailers, turning through tight corners, and starting and stopping smoothly without shifting the load.

These skills separate a confident driver from someone who’s just memorized the rulebook. Instructors work one-on-one with students on the range before they move into on-road driving under actual traffic conditions.

On-road training can seem intimidating, but by this point in the training, students have had plenty of practice in a controlled environment; they have to get a real skills test in now. The instructors they know quite well by now sit right with them and make sure they are safe, giving feedback when needed. By the end of on-road training the once-nervous student driver feels confident in a truck.

For many students, this is the part of training that matters most when deciding where to enroll. It’s one thing to read about backing a trailer into a dock or driving on the open road but it’s another to have already done it several times with an instructor coaching along the way.

Step Five: Passing the CDL Exam

After classroom instruction and hands-on practice, students take the state’s CDL exam, which includes both a written and a skills portion. Exams usually come with a lot of anxiety, but DDA students tend to be relaxed going in. Instructors stay involved right up through test prep, answering questions and reviewing weak spots so students walk in prepared instead of guessing.

It’s the finale to a student’s CDL journey, but it doesn’t feel like a grand challenge. Students realize that their real tests of skill have already happened with their trainers, long before the exam. The exam is closer to a victory lap than crossing the finish line.

Step Six: Getting Your First Job After Graduation

Graduation marks the shift from student to professional driver, and DDA’s job placement team is there to help make that transition smoother. Just like every other step of their journey, graduates get lots of personal support. The job placement team connects them with hiring carriers and provides resume and interview prep to see their grads succeed. DDA works with national carriers such as Stevens Transport, Werner Enterprises, TMC Transportation, and Schneider, all of whom hire directly from DDA’s graduating classes.

Job placement assistance doesn’t end on graduation day. Support is available for as long as a graduate needs it, whether that means help landing a first job or making a move later in a trucking career.

If you’re ready to start taking these steps yourself, get in touch with our team. We’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does CDL training take at DDA?

Program length ranges from 3 to 30 weeks depending on the path that best fits a student’s situation. The admissions team helps figure out which option fits a student’s schedule, goals, and finances.

Can I do CDL training while working a job?

Yes. DDA offers both day and evening class options at select campuses, so students don’t have to put a job on hold to start training.

Do I need a permit before I start training?

No. DDA helps students get their Commercial Learner’s Permit during the first week of class.

Does DDA help graduates find jobs?

Yes. DDA’s job placement team connects graduates with hiring carriers and offers resume help and interview prep at no added cost.

Can I get Hazmat endorsement at DDA?

Yes. Students can add Hazmat endorsement training to their Class A CDL program at DDA.

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Anyone who wants to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) has two main training options: attending an independent CDL school or enrolling in a company-sponsored training program. Both paths can lead to a career in truck driving, but they work very differently. Understanding the differences helps a future driver make an informed choice.

What is a CDL School?

A CDL school is an independent, licensed training institution that prepares students to earn a CDL. These schools offer classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice, and they prepare students for the CDL skills test administered by the state.

Independent CDL schools are not tied to any single trucking company. Students learn on training equipment, complete the program, pass the state CDL exam, and then apply for jobs with whichever employer they choose. Some schools are accredited by national organizations such as the or hold membership in the , which are markers of program quality and accountability.

Many CDL schools offer scheduling options to fit different situations, including:

• Full-time day programs
• Evening classes
• Weekend training

Financial aid, veteran assistance programs, and job placement services are also commonly available at independent schools.

What is Company-Sponsored CDL Training?

Some large trucking companies operate their own CDL training programs. These programs are designed to recruit new drivers directly into the company’s workforce. A student attends training approved or organized by that company and, if they pass, is typically hired into their fleet after graduation.

Company-sponsored programs vary widely in length, structure, and quality. Some are thorough and well-organized. Others focus on moving new drivers onto the road as quickly as possible. The defining feature of company training is the direct link between completing the program and working for that specific company.

CDL School: Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

Freedom to choose an employer. Graduates of an independent CDL school can apply to any trucking company after passing the CDL exam. This means a driver can compare job offers from multiple carriers and choose based on:

• Pay
• Route type
• Home time
• Benefits

Access to financial aid. Many CDL schools offer financial aid options including federal grants, payment plans, and guidance on employer tuition reimbursement. Veterans and active-duty service members may qualify for education benefits through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can be applied at eligible CDL schools.

Flexible scheduling. Independent CDL schools often offer multiple class schedules. Students who are working or have other obligations can frequently find a full-time, evening, or weekend program that fits their availability.

Job placement support. Many CDL schools maintain relationships with regional and national carriers and offer job placement assistance to graduates. Many connect students with potential employers before training is even finished.

No employment contract. Graduating from an independent CDL school does not obligate a driver to any employer. A driver is free to accept any job offer or change employers at any point in their career.

Drawbacks

Tuition costs. Independent CDL school tuition typically ranges from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000, depending on the program length and location.

No guaranteed job. Unlike company training, an independent CDL school does not guarantee employment. Graduates are responsible for securing their own jobs, though placement services at many schools reduce this burden.

Company Training: Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

Low or no upfront cost. Many company-sponsored programs charge minimal tuition at the start. Instead, the cost of training is recovered through payroll deductions after a driver is hired. This removes a financial barrier for students who cannot pay for school out of pocket or do not qualify for aid.

Training on the job’s actual equipment. Students train on the same trucks they will drive after they are hired. This can reduce the adjustment period when a driver starts working, since they are already familiar with the equipment and company procedures.

A job offer at the end. Students who complete a company training program in good standing typically have a job waiting for them. This can reduce stress and uncertainty for people who want a clear path from training to employment.

Drawbacks

Employment contracts. Most company-sponsored programs require graduates to stay with that employer for a set period, often one to three years. Drivers who leave before the contract period ends are usually required to repay some or all of the training costs. This creates a significant financial risk for anyone who changes their mind.

No choice of employer. A driver who trains through a company is committed to working for that company. They cannot compare starting pay, routes, or benefits against other carriers before making that commitment.

Variable program quality. Company training programs are not held to the same accreditation standards as many independent CDL schools. Quality varies significantly between companies, and it can be difficult to evaluate a program before enrolling.

Limited scheduling flexibility. Company programs generally run on a fixed schedule. They rarely offer the evening or weekend options that many independent CDL schools provide.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Option Makes More Sense?

The right path depends on a driver’s financial situation, career goals, and personal priorities.

Company training tends to suit someone who cannot cover upfront tuition costs, is comfortable committing to one employer for a year or more, and wants a confirmed job at the end of training.

An independent CDL school tends to suit someone who wants the freedom to choose their employer, needs flexible scheduling, or wants access to financial aid and veteran education benefits. The ability to shop multiple job offers after graduation often results in better starting pay and more favorable working conditions.

There is no single right answer. A driver should weigh the financial terms, training quality, scheduling needs, and long-term career flexibility of each option before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL School vs. Company Training

What is the main difference between CDL school and company training?

CDL school is an independent program where students earn their CDL and can apply for jobs with any employer. Company training is run by a specific trucking company and typically requires graduates to work for that company for a set period.

Is company-sponsored CDL training really free?

Not always. Most programs charge no money up front, but graduates typically repay the training cost through payroll deductions or owe the full amount if they leave before their contract ends.

Can a CDL school graduate get hired faster than someone in company training?

Yes, in many cases. CDL schools with active job placement services can connect students with multiple employers who are actively hiring, sometimes before graduation is complete.

How long does CDL school take compared to company training?

Full-time CDL school programs generally run three to seven weeks. Part-time and evening programs take longer. Company training programs vary but are often similar in length to full-time school programs.

What happens if someone leaves a company training program early?

Most company training contracts require graduates to repay some or all of the training cost if they leave before the contract period ends. The specific terms vary by company and should be reviewed carefully before enrolling.

Can someone with no trucking experience attend CDL school?

Yes. Most CDL schools accept students with no prior commercial driving experience. Programs are designed to build skills from the ground up and prepare students to pass the state CDL exam.

What should someone look for when choosing a CDL school?

Key factors include accreditation status, available financial aid, job placement services, scheduling options, and the school’s history of graduate employment rates.

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