CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer

South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program helps prepare you to pursue a career in commercial driving and transportation. This program provides instruction on the skills to be a driver and member of the team and fulfill Texas CDL requirements. Our CDL Training program emphasizes hands-on learning and road safety. STVT is proud to offer a CDL Training Program in South Texas.

The CDL Training: Class A truck driver training curriculum provides students with training to inspect and operate tractor trailers, and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. All training, instruction, and testing is done at school facilities or in school-provided equipment.

*Individuals holding a Class A license may operate Class B or C vehicles, provided they meet the endorsement criteria for the specific vehicles under the B or C classification. The CDL Class A program does not include training for obtaining these additional endorsements.

• Specialized Experiences. An education, just like your career goals, is deeply personal to you. As part of our commitment to our students, we work together to create a plan that works for you so you can create the future you want using the skills you learned at STVT.
• Affordable Education. Our Financial Aid team is here to help guide you through your options.* You can submit your FAFSA to explore eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships and we can help you understand what’s available.
• Quick Program Timelines. At STVT, we understand that education means more than textbooks. That’s why we provide hands-on experience, practical support, and guidance designed to help you succeed.
• Career Services Support. Our Career Services team is here to support you throughout your vocational training and beyond. From resume building to interview preparation and job search guidance, we offer resources that help you prepare to enter the workforce.
• An Accredited Education. STVT is proud to be an accredited career institute that provides quality training programs for careers like dental assisting, automotive service, and more.

The admission procedure requires an exchange of information between the applicant and an Admissions Representative, who conducts a personal interview with each applicant. Commercial Truck Driving is regulated by both the U.S Department of Transportation and the state. All applicants must have a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) before starting their program and must meet the school's motor vehicle record (MVR) requirements. Applicants are responsible for confirming their CDL eligibility with their state licensing agency before enrollment.

Day schedule (4 weeks). Day shift – 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The program requires 160 clock hours (40 lecture and 120 lab hours).

Start dates. The CDL academic calendar contains each scheduled date a class can begin; dates may not be offered based on enrollments, equipment or instructor limitations. Remaining 2026 day start dates: 2026-10-26 (ends 2026-11-19); 2026-11-09 (ends 2026-12-04); 2026-11-23 (ends 2026-12-17); 2026-12-07 (ends 2026-12-31); 2026-12-21 (ends 2027-01-14).

Campus hours. Monday–Thursday 8am–7pm, Friday 8am–5pm.

Program charges (McAllen, 2026-2027 catalog). Tuition $3,500; total program charges $3,500.

The DOT Physical and Drug Screen are included in the cost of the program. The CLP is paid by the student, but they can submit for reimbursement. The school will provide a motor vehicle for one commercial driver’s license skills test at no charge to students who have successfully completed the program. Any additional skills tests will be granted and scheduled at the discretion of the campus. Fees and/or program expenses associated with retest(s) will be the responsibility of the student. Tuition amount charged may vary for students whose program cost is being contracted/paid by external partner/employer.

CDL Tuition Assistance. It takes fewer than 300 hours to complete this program, therefore, CDL Training is not eligible for Title IV funding. Options may include workforce agency funding (state and federal tuition assistance through grants and programs), veterans funding (GI Bill®), third-party lending (Paramount Capital Group offers students a private financing option), cash payments, scholarships, and vocational rehabilitation programs. These options will vary by state and by campus.

FAFSA school code. 015669 (McAllen campus). Net Price Calculator: https://www.stvt.edu/NetPrice/McAllen/

Graduates of our CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program have found work as:

• CDL Class A Driver
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Heavy Machinery Operator
• OTR Driver
• Truck Driver
• Bus Driver

*Graduates of the CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program must obtain a Commercial Driver License to be employed in the field.

Graduation and employment rates. As reported to ACCSC in the 2025 Annual Report (report date July 1, 2025) for CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer (1 Month format) at the McAllen campus, report period 3/24 – 2/25: graduation rate 84% (66 of 79 students available for graduation); employment rate 73% (48 of 66 graduates available for employment); licensing exam pass rate 95% (62 of 65 graduates attempting). These disclosed employment rates reflect historical outcomes of graduate employment and should not be relied on as a representation or promise of future employability.

• Hands-On Learning. We believe the best way to learn is by doing. Our labs, shops, and training spaces are designed to feel like the real thing.
• Supportive Instructors. You’ll be guided by instructors who know the field and genuinely care about your success.
• Flexible Scheduling. We get it—life is busy. That’s why we offer day and evening options so you can balance school, work, and family.
• Career Services. From mock interviews to résumé help, our team is here to support your job search after graduation. (Employment not guaranteed.)