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CDL training in New Mexico

Free and low-cost CDL training in New Mexico

Public colleges with CDL programs, grants that can pay your tuition, and companies that will train you for free, with the official New Mexico links you need.

Minimum ageAsk the licensing agency; federal rules require 21 for interstate driving
Licensing agencyNew Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department)
Study guideOfficial New Mexico CDL manual
Find a job centerAmerican Job Center finder
Diesel this week$5.912/gal (Gulf Coast average)

Public colleges and career centers with CDL training

These 3 public programs were checked on their own websites. Prices and schedules change, so confirm before you apply.

Clovis Community College

Clovis, NM
Class A

Business & Industry Training; WIOA may offset costs; Aug-Sep 2026 starts.

Program page ↗

Dona Ana Community College (NMSU)

Las Cruces, NM

DACC Truck Driving Academy: CDL training, skills exams, hazmat. Class not stated on page.

Program page ↗

San Juan College

Farmington, NM
Class B

Class B CDL listed as eligible for state GRO Fund tuition coverage.

Program page ↗

Ways to get your CDL paid for

  1. WIOA grant. Visit a local American Job Center and ask about WIOA training funds. If you qualify (often people who are unemployed, laid off or on a low income), the grant can cover tuition at a school on the state’s approved training provider list.
  2. Company-paid training. The carriers below train new drivers. You usually agree to drive for them for 6 to 12 months, and may owe part of the cost if you leave early.
  3. Paid Class B training. School districts, transit agencies and bus companies in New Mexico often pay you while you train.
  4. GI Bill. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved non-college programs, including truck driving school.

Trucking companies that train new drivers

Swift TransportationCompany CDL training available (work commitment required) · Nationwide; terminals in most statesSchneider NationalTuition reimbursement for CDL school · Nationwide (HQ Green Bay, WI)Prime Inc.CDL training paid back through a work commitment · Nationwide (HQ Springfield, MO)Werner EnterprisesPartners with CDL schools · Nationwide (HQ Omaha, NE)J.B. HuntDriver academy in some areas · Nationwide (HQ Lowell, AR)Roehl TransportPaid CDL training with commitment · Midwest, Southeast, Northeast (HQ Marshfield, WI)Old Dominion Freight Line$0 · Nationwide service centers (HQ Thomasville, NC)Estes Express Lines$0; school available to employees · Nationwide (HQ Richmond, VA)FedEx Freight$0 · NationwideSaia$0 · Nationwide, growing fast (HQ Johns Creek, GA)Stevens TransportSponsored training with commitment · Nationwide (HQ Dallas, TX)TMC Transportation$0 · Nationwide (HQ Des Moines, IA)C.R. EnglandCDL school cost repaid through employment · Nationwide (HQ Salt Lake City, UT)CRSTTraining ($3,000–$7,000) paid by CRST with a 6–12 month commitment · Nationwide (HQ Cedar Rapids, IA)Averitt Express$0; paid training · Southeast and South Central (HQ Cookeville, TN)Maverick Transportation$0; paid orientation · Nationwide (HQ North Little Rock, AR)XPO$0; earn-while-you-learn school · NationwideABF Freight (ArcBest)$0 · Nationwide (HQ Fort Smith, AR)

Local jobs that train you for a CDL

Foodservice Delivery$0 · NationwideBeverage Route Driver$0 · NationwideSchool Bus Driver$0; training usually paid · Every school districtCity Transit Bus Operator$0; paid training · Cities with public transitZūm$0; CDL training usually paid · School districts in CA, WA, IL, TX, NE and other states

Questions about getting a CDL in New Mexico

Can I get a CDL at 18 in New Mexico?

Federal rules require you to be 21 to drive across state lines. Check with New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department) about in-state driving under 21.

Is there free CDL training in New Mexico?

Often, yes. If you qualify, a WIOA grant from your local American Job Center can pay tuition at an approved school. Several trucking companies also train new drivers for free in exchange for a work commitment, and many school districts and transit agencies pay you while you train for a Class B.

How much does CDL school cost in New Mexico?

Prices vary by school. Community college programs usually cost less than private truck schools. Ask whether the price includes testing, the DOT physical and the road test truck.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

Most full-time Class A programs take 3 to 8 weeks. You also need a DOT medical card and a learner’s permit before behind-the-wheel training, and a skills test at the end.

Before you enroll: make sure the school is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Since 2022, first-time Class A and B drivers must finish Entry-Level Driver Training with a registered provider before taking the skills test.
See New Mexico on the driver map

Fuel prices, CDL schools, freight corridors and carriers near you.

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Sources: official New Mexico licensing and workforce pages linked above, each school’s own program page, FMCSA, and EIA fuel prices (week of Nov 2, 2026). Checked Nov 9, 2026. Programs, prices and dates change, so confirm with the school before you apply.

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