The process of CDL training in Louisiana can be quite complicated, unless you take the time to understand it fully and confidently. Getting a commercial driver’s license is perfect for Louisiana drivers who wish to operate large commercial vehicles in the state, which cannot be done normally under a standard driver’s license. Thus, Louisiana CDL school exists in order to teach students about the differences between driving a commercial and standard vehicle in the state, and to prepare them for their eventual driving and information exams. This type of license is regulated by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), and this organization works with dozens of different smaller companies and institutions in order to prepare drivers for what to expect.

Taking truck driving school in Louisiana is often a long, yet rewarding process. This is because these services aim to teach you everything that you need to know about your eventual CDL, which can be hard to pick up on without a formal educational setting. However, you are never expressly required to take a certain amount of this training, and should only take as much as properly prepares you for your exams. This article will focus on commercial driver’s license strategies for Louisiana drivers, and how you can prepare to get the license that you need in the state.

What is CDL training in Louisiana?

Class A CDL training in Louisiana is designed for drivers in the state who would like to drive vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds and haul over 10,000 pounds.

This is a very common form of CDL, but it is also one of the most sophisticated licenses available. This means that you will need additional training for this type of license, as bigger commercial vehicles can be harder to manage than smaller ones.

LA Class B CDL training is a bit different, in that it is designed for commercial vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds, but are not meant to haul more than 10,000 pounds.

This is meant for drivers in the state who are sure that they will not need the additional coverage in a Class A license. Finally, you can also get a Class C license if you have an endorsement to transport hazardous materials, or if you are trying to transport 16 or more people in your commercial vehicle.

Each of these types of licenses has a different application process, and therefore requires a different kind of training program to successfully pass their tests.

Is CDL school required in Louisiana?

CDL prep in Louisiana is certainly important, but it is not legally necessary in order to take the tests that are required to get your CDL. If you choose, you may take the tests at any time, and demonstrate your commercial driving skills and knowledge with any amount of training.

Unlike in many other states, the Louisiana OMV does not require training even after you receive your CDL, even if you have special endorsements. However, this can mean that it is harder to pass your tests without the proper amount of preparation and knowledge, which can be most easily attained through a training course.

Curriculum of Louisiana CDL Classes

LA CDL courses can be comprised of many different elements, which are designed around giving drivers the best information for the money that the programs cost.

As discussed below, these courses are designed to match up perfectly with the OMV’s driving and knowledge tests, which means that the information that you will be learning is practical and applicable to getting the CDL that you need.

In-Class Instruction for the CDL Written Test

While getting your LA CDL training online may seem like the ideal solution, there is no replacement for a classroom setting in order to learn the best driving tips, rules, laws and more.

Louisiana CDL programs offer small, tailored programs that can let you ask questions to qualified instructors, and learn more about:

• Driving commercial vehicles around standard vehicles.
• Understanding the laws around where commercial vehicles can and cannot go.
• The many different street signs that apply to commercial vehicles, and more.

Passing the CDL general knowledge test through the Louisiana OMV is challenging, but these training programs cover all of the relevant information you need. They also often offer practice exams, which can prepare you for what to expect upon sitting down for your official test.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction for the CDL Driving Test

The other type of CDL test in Louisiana involves driving skills, and so it is equally as important to solidify those before attempting to get your CDL.

Driving a commercial vehicle is different to driving a small car in many different ways, including matters as simple as turning, pulling onto roads, merging in traffic and parking. You can learn about all of these processes online, but the best way to prepare for your driving test is to utilize the hands-on services of a training program.

How long is CDL training in Louisiana?

Louisiana CDL classes can take a while to complete, but taking the time to learn about commercial driving in detail will allow you to breeze through your tests and into a commercial driving career.

Courses in the state can usually last between four and eight weeks of training, but this timeframe can extend much longer depending on how frequently classes occur, how extensive of a program you are in and more.

While you can pass your test at any time through the LA OMV, going through an entire training program will best prepare you.

Best CDL Schools Near Me in Louisiana

Contemplating “Where is a truck driving school near me in Louisiana?” is common for many drivers in the state. Luckily, there are a number of great options to choose from, which can all be found and applied to online.

Some of the most popular Louisiana programs include:

• Diesel Driving Academy. This program is one of the more comprehensive CDL services in Louisiana, as they offer different tracks depending on how much preparation you want. Their four-eight week basic program helps drivers to learn the basics of CDL, while they also have a 20-30 week advanced course that will go over every possible method of CDL driving in order to ensure that their students pass the tests.
• Coastal Truck Driving School. This is also among the best CDL schools in LA, based on customer reviews. Many types of individuals can use this service, between individuals who want commercial employment, veterans, business owners in need of capable drivers and more.
• South Louisiana Community College. Unlike some other programs, this is structured similarly to a traditional school course. However, they offer 7-week day programs and 10-week night programs to give students more flexibility and shorter learning sessions.

There are also many other options that you can choose from, to get the best preparation for all of your CDL needs.

Benefits of Completing Louisiana Truck Driving School

You can also get CDL jobs more quickly and easily if you have the proper training. Not only do some commercial driving employers require a certain amount of training to work in the state, but your training program may also have a direct pipeline to certain driving companies.

There are many ways to find the commercial driving position that is right for you, but getting an opportunity directly after finishing your training is one of the fastest methods available.

CDL Training Costs in Louisiana

The final CDL training cost in Louisiana that you will be responsible for is mostly based on where you choose to have your training.

Different programs offer a different quality and length of education, and so it makes sense that many will have different tuition fees. On average, you can be expected to pay around $4,000 to $6,000 for a training program, although tuitions can vary widely.

This may seem like a lot, but many courses also offer tuition assistance and payment programs in order to alleviate these costs for their students who qualify.

How to Self-Prep for Louisiana CDL Exams

Taking a CDL practice test in LA is a common thing to do before taking on the real thing, as it is crucial to be as prepared as possible in order to save time and money.

These practice exams can be found with any of the programs listed above, and some tests can even be found online. You may also choose to review the Louisiana CDL handbook found online, which has a breakdown of all of the information that will prepare you for your tests.

Taking the time to prepare on your own is extremely important, but pairing that time with a training program will ensure that you are able to quickly get your CDL and begin driving commercially in Louisiana.

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out