CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 61 verified training programs serving the Detroit Lakes, Minnesota area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Detroit Lakes, MN

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Detroit Lakes?We have identified 61 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Detroit Lakes area (Pop: 9,834).

Quick Stats

61 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 9,834

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Detroit Lakes, MN

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000 – $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
61

61 CDL Schools Near Detroit Lakes

Top Picks in Detroit Lakes

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Daggett Truck Line, Inc.

Frazee, MN

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Anderson Bus and Coach

Frazee, MN

Call Now
#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Callaway, MN- NPGA

Callaway, MN

Call Now

Daggett Truck Line, Inc.

Frazee, MN
8.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Anderson Bus and Coach

Frazee, MN
9.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Callaway, MN- NPGA

Callaway, MN
12.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Sherbrooke Turf, Inc

Pelican Rapids, MN
12.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Arvig

Perham, MN
19 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Z Transportation LLC

Perham, MN
20.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ballards Repair LLC

Pelican Rapids, MN
21.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pelican Bus Company LLC

Pelican Rapids, MN
21.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hawley Public Schools

Hawley, MN
22.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Menahga Public School, ISD 821

Menahga, MN
24.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

HC Transport Perham

Ottertail, MN
26.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ulen-Hitterdal Public School

Ulen, MN
26.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Carrs Tree Service

Ottertail, MN
30.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

New York Mills School District 553

New York Mills, MN
31 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

rothsay public school independent district 850

Rothsay, MN
31.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bob's Lakeside Septic Services

Battle Lake, MN
32.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Red River Valley CDL

Glyndon, MN
34.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Girtz Excavating

Park Rapids, MN
34.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mahnomen Public Schools #432

Mahnomen, MN
34.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Elsner Well Drilling

Menahga, MN
34.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 49 schools

CDL Training in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Detroit Lakes, MN</strong> offers <strong>61 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in MN earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Detroit Lakes schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Detroit Lakes?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Minnesota often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Minnesota

CDL training in Minnesota typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Detroit Lakes

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Minnesota
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Minnesota

Top employers hiring near Detroit Lakes: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Detroit Lakes

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
A-P Concrete LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Weekend Classes
Ada Borup West 2910
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Arvig
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Ballards Repair LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend Classes
Barnesville Bus Co.
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Callaway, MN- NPGA
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Carrs Tree Service
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Weekend Classes
Class AClass BTanker
City of Ada
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
Elsner Well Drilling
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Detroit Lakes

Avg. Private School
$5,200
Avg. Public School
$3,500
Price Range
$3,000 - $6,600

Good community college system.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

CDL Testing & DVS in Detroit Lakes

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local DVS office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find DVS Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Detroit Lakes

How long does CDL training take in Detroit Lakes?
CDL training programs in Detroit Lakes, MN typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Minnesota?
CDL training costs in Minnesota range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Detroit Lakes without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Detroit Lakes area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Detroit Lakes is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Minnesota?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Minnesota: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Detroit Lakes?
The CDL driver job outlook near Detroit Lakes, MN is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Minnesota experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.
Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Detroit Lakes?
The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Detroit Lakes CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.