CDL or Commercial Driver’s License is a license that allows you to drive a commercial vehicle, bus or truck. All drivers who drive a commercial vehicle need to own a Commercial Driver’s License. Commercial driving is a very crucial job as it requires you to drive big heavy vehicles with multiple passengers or goods. Commercial trucking companies are always on the lookout for good drivers, which makes commercial driving, a secure profession. Most jobs are based on the number of hours you put in. As a licensed commercial driver you can expect to earn around $500 a week.
10 Places to Get free CDL Training in Houston
Contents
The best part about Commercial Driver’s License training is that many corporate companies hire you and then train you along the way either for free or for a certain part of your salary. We have combined a list of 10 best Commercial Driver’s License training schools and companies in Houston for you. If you want to know more, read on:
FFE Transportation
FFE was established over 50 years ago and is one of the best trucking companies in the industry at the moment.
Fee: The FFE commercial driver’s license program is absolutely free for their employees. If you bag a job with the company, they will train you for free. Unlike other companies who deduct a small amount from your paycheck each month, FFE imparts absolutely free training to all its employees. They do provide compensation along the way!
Duration: The free CDL course is for a duration of 18 days.
Requirements to Join:
- Texas Resident
- Minimum 21 Years old
- Good Driving Record
- Pass Drug Screen test
- Physical Examination
Contact us: You can contact the company here: 800-569-9232 or apply here
https://intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/kllmdrivingacademy?uri_b=ia_kllmdrivingacademy_372504968
A & B CDL Training School
A & B CDL Training School is Commercial Driver License Training school in Houston, Texas that provides specialized courses for commercial truck drivers. Their courses include road laws, inter-state driving information, etc.
Fee and Duration: All courses require a $200 nonrefundable deposit at the beginning of each course. You can choose between three packages:
- 8 hours Box Truck/ Truck and Trailer for $1200
- 6 hours Box Truck/ Truck and Trailer for $1000
- An hourly rate of $150
You can expect to spend between $3,000 to $10,000 to complete the entire training and obtain your license. However, you can check out the FAFSA requirements for sponsorship here www.hccs.edu/earlyfafsa.
Requirements to Join:
- Minimum 21 Years old
- Clean Driving and Criminal Record
- High School Diploma or GED
- Knowledge of English
- Physical Examination
Contact Us: You can reach out to the school at (713) 370-6498 or email them at info@houstondrivingschool.net
Stevens Transport
Stevens Transport was established over 35 years ago and has worked with America’s top Fortune 500 companies. The company has now partnered with Lone Star College to offer commercial driver’s license training in Houston, Texas.
Fees: While the school has not mentioned the exact costs on their website, they do offer scholarships of up to $7500 in tuition reimbursements as long as the drivers are working for them. The scholarship also includes training, lodging, meal money and transportation and commuting costs to the academy.
Course Calendar: New batches are held every Monday and classes are conducted Monday to Friday
Requirements to Join:
- Minimum 22 years old
- A valid driver’s license in last 12 months
- Pass a DOT physical and drug test
- No DUI/DWI in the last 5 years
- Clean Driving and Criminal Record
Contact Us: For more information, contact here: 800-333-8595
Pam transport
Pam transport was established in 1980 and offers commercial driver’s license training to drivers in Texas.
Fees: Pam Transport offers drivers fully sponsored commercial driver’s license training as well as employment opportunities with great salaries.
Course type: Pam transportation offers two types of courses:
CDL Jobs with No Experience: Pam offers paid training program for recent CDL- school graduates with no experience yet. The mentorship gives you the opportunity to refresh your skills and knowledge.
Company-Sponsored CDL Training: Fully sponsored commercial driver’s license training for new students.
Requirements:
- Minimum 21 Years old
- Clean Driving and Criminal Record
- High School Diploma or GED
- Good Driving Record
Contact us: You can fill the online form here: https://pamdrivingjobs.com/training/need-cdl/?utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=corporate_leads&utm_source=home_student
AAA CDL School
The AAA CDL School offers a range of online exams and courses for free or at sponsored rates.
Fees: While the school does not provide free training, there are many tuition reimbursement programs that pay tuition money of up to $6,000 that can range between $150 to $240 per month until paid in full. You can also sponsor your course from Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services or DARS.
Course type: You can choose between Premium Elite, Elite and Basic course that can range between 67 hours to 187 hours in total.
Requirements:
- Texas residency proof
- Social Security Card
- Proof of U.S. citizenship/ Permanent Residency in the U.S / Work permit valid for more than 9 months
- Clean Driving and Criminal Record
Contact Us: For more information, contact here: (281) 495-9192
Swift Transportation
Swift Transportation is another trucking company that offers CDL training to drivers. The company has a driver’s academy, Swift Academy where regular courses are imparted.
Fees: While the commercial driver’s license training is not free, the academy does provide options for tuition fees reimbursement. The Swift Academy tuition fee is $6,000. However, after a year of employment, the tuition fee is fully reimbursed.
Duration: The program duration is of 3 weeks. The permit class is for an additional week.
Requirements:
- Social Security Number
- Home address history (3 years)
- Current and past drivers license numbers
- Employment history (10 years)
- Criminal Driving history
- Military history (if applicable)
Contact us: For more information, contact here: 866-520-2577 or fill the form here :
https://intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/swiftcomp?r=Swift%20Corporate%20Website%20Direct%20Home%20Page&_ga=2.237477000.98108695.1563796607-610664241.1563796607&uri_b=ia_swiftcomp_1833988249
Houston Community College
Houston Community College has been conducting commercial truck driver training for the last 20 years. Established in 1995 with just one truck and one instructor, the school today has a campus built over 11 acres.
Fees: Students can apply for scholarships and federal and state grants through a FAFSA application here: www.hccs.edu/earlyfafsa
Course Type: Houston Community College currently provides two types of courses
- Professional Truck Driver I
- Professional Truck Driver II
Contact Us: You can fill the application here: https://hccapp.hccs.edu:9200/psc/adm/EMPLOYEE/SA/c/NUI_FRAMEWORK.PT_LANDINGPAGE.GBL?
Or request for more information here: https://hccdistrict.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/create/27
CRST Training Program
CRST training program offers sponsored commercial driver’s license programs in exchange for an eight month employment contract.
Fees: Though the company does not charge you any tuition fee, they do cut out a certain amount from your paycheck every month. If you want, you can pay a total of $2,500 fees upfront or let the company deduct a maximum of $ 40 per week from your paycheck.
Course Type: The program starts with a 4 day orientation program that is followed by an on the job training with a CRST Lead Driver.
Requirements:
- Minimum 21 Years old
- Clean driving and criminal record
- Credit check is not necessary
- Military Experience if any
Contact us: You can apply here: https://www.joincrst.com/totally-brand-new-to-trucking/
Or call 866-296-3063
C R England Trucking Company
C R England is one of the biggest refrigerated trucking companies in America. Established over 90 years ago, the company offers sponsored commercial driver’s license
Fees: The total cost of the program is $4995. The company offers sponsored programs with Eagle Atlantic Financial Services at an 18% interest rate. However if you work with the company for more than three years, you will be reimbursed $1,000 from your tuition fee.
Duration: The course duration is of 17 days with a total of 180 hours company paid training. This is followed by 1 and a half months of phase 2 training.
Requirements:
- Minimum 21 Years old
- Satisfactory employment record
- No DUIs in the last seven years and not more than 2 in total
- An eyesight of 20/40 or better
- Blood pressure of 140/90 or less
- Clean driving and criminal record
Contact Us: You can apply for the course here: https://www.truckingtruth.com/school-info.html?adid=3
Knight Transportation
Founded in the year 1988, Knight Transportation, offers one-on-one commercial driver’s license training that is absolutely free. The training program is based on the job and real time training with a training instructor by your side.
Fees: The Knight Transportation program gives you the opportunity to get paid while you learn. The school gives you a trainee salary while you are being trained.
Duration: The duration of the entire course is 4 to 6 weeks!
Requirements:
- Minimum 21 Years old
- Pass the Drug/Substance Test
- No DUIs in the last seven years and not more than 2 in total
- An eyesight of 20/40 or better
- Blood pressure of 140/90 or less
- Clean driving and criminal record
- No Felonies
Contact Us: You can apply for the course here: https://driveknight.com/get-started-step-1/
Or call 1-888-992-5784.
We hope you like our list of schools for commercial driver’s license training and are able to make your dreams come true with these phenomenal schools. Not only these schools make sure that you learn the skill of commercial driving but also help you find suitable employment after finishing the course.