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 30 verified training programs serving the Española, New Mexico area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Española, NM

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Española?We have identified 30 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Española area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

30 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Española, NM

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
30

30 CDL Schools Near Española

Top Picks in Española

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Train 4 Less Santa Fe

Santa Fe, NM

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Santa Fe Indian School

Santa Fe, NM

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SFSWMA-Transfer Station

Santa Fe, NM

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Train 4 Less Santa Fe

Santa Fe, NM
11.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Santa Fe Indian School

Santa Fe, NM
13.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

SFSWMA-Transfer Station

Santa Fe, NM
13.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Premier Distributing Company

Santa Fe, NM
14 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

The Food Depot

Santa Fe, NM
15.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pojoaque Valley Schools

Santa Fe, NM
19.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

SFSWMA

Santa Fe, NM
19.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Espanola Public Schools

Espanola, NM
24.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Espanola Mercantile Company

Espanola, NM
24.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Northern New Mexico College

Espanola, NM
25.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Delancey Street New Mexico

San Juan Pueblo, NM
28 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Los Alamos Public School

Los Alamos, NM
29.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Luna Community College

Las Vegas, NM
29.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

West Las Vegas School District

Las Vegas, NM
31.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

LAS VEGAS CITY SCHOOLS

Las Vegas, NM
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bear's TDS, LLC

Las Vegas, NM
32.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

University of New Mexico - Taos

Ranchos de Taos, NM
41.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Comanche CDL Training and Consulting

Ranchos de Taos, NM
41.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

USDA Forest Service/Carson NF

Taos, NM
44.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Taos Munucipal Schools

Taos, NM
46.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Training in Española, New Mexico

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Española, NM</strong> offers <strong>30 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 NM 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 Española 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 Española?

  • 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 New Mexico often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in New Mexico

CDL training in New Mexico 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 Española

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

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

Top employers hiring near Española: 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 Española

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Bear's TDS, LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
VA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Weekend Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class ATanker
Weekend Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend Classes
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes

Tuition Costs in Española

Avg. Private School
$5,200
Avg. Public School
$3,200
Price Range
$2,800 - $6,500

Affordable Southwest option.

Need Help Choosing?

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

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DOT Physicals Near Española

Required for your CDL medical card

Christus St Vincent Urgent Care

455 St Michaels Dr, Santa Fe
4.5
$70-$135
Walk-ins OK

TruckDoc Medical - Downtown Santa Fe

8056 Commerce Blvd, Santa Fe
4.2
$60-$131
Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care - Santa Fe

8973 Professional Dr, Santa Fe
4
$70-$121
Walk-ins OK

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & MVD in Española

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

Find MVD Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Española

How long does CDL training take in Española?
CDL training programs in Española, NM 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 New Mexico?
CDL training costs in New Mexico 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 Española without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Española 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 Española 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 New Mexico?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in New Mexico: 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 Española?
The CDL driver job outlook near Española, NM is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with New Mexico 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 Española?
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 Española CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.