Registered apprenticeships
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas DPS issues commercial driver licenses. You start with a learner permit, take federally required training, then pass the driving test.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 26, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
What CDL drivers do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by Texas DPS
Pass the knowledge and vision tests to practice with a CDL holder beside you. $25.
Required training from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, before your first Class A or B driving test.
Issued by Texas DPS
After 14 days on your permit and the training, pass the pre-trip, basic control and road tests. $97, good for eight years. 18 to drive only in Texas, 21 across state lines.
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $22.51 – $30.97 | $27.33 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $23.60 – $35.11 | $28.62 |
| San Antonio | $22.44 – $30.55 | $25.79 |
| Austin | $22.71 – $30.83 | $27.46 |
| All of Texas | $22.44 – $31.17 | $27.06 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers). bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
Next deadlines not announced yet
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
Make a free account, tell us your licenses, and we'll show you your next step and the jobs that fit it.
Sign up with your phone →Nationally recognized certifications that can help you get hired or move up. Optional unless an employer asks for one.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
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Text your trade and city to 424-5TR-ADES (424-587-2337). English or Spanish.
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Schools and programs within 25 miles, nearest first. Ask each one about cost, start dates and help paying.
CDL Professional Truck Driver (CE)
Alamo Community College District · San Antonio · 1.9 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: CDL
PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING
ST PHILIPS COLLEGE · San Antonio · 2.5 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: CDL
Class A CDL Truck Driver Training Program
SAGE TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL TEXAS · San Antonio · 4.7 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: Class A CDL License
Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
Miller-Motte College-STVT-San Antonio · San Antonio · 4.8 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person
CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute San Antonio · San Antonio · 4.8 mi
Other / no data · In-person
Commercial Truck Driver Training
Roadmaster Drivers School · San Antonio · 6.1 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: Certificate of Completion