Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) is launching a new 8-week Class A CDL program, and starting November 2, 2026, it will be the only program DDA offers. Classes meet four hours a day, Monday through Friday, so students can train for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) while keeping their current jobs.
What Is Changing at DDA
The new 8-week program replaces two classes:
- The 4-week Basic CDL course
- The Advanced CDL class
Both classes are being retired into the 8-week program. From now on, every new DDA student will enroll in the same Class A CDL training program, no matter which campus they choose.
The Same Training, Spread Over 8 Weeks
The 8-week program follows the same format as DDA’s 4-week course. The only difference is the daily schedule. The 4-week course met 8 hours a day. The new program meets 4 hours a day for 8 weeks. Both add up to 160 hours of training.
Students in the 8-week program get:
- Help getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) during the first week
- Classroom training on DOT regulations, hours of service, logbooks, and vehicle inspections
- Range training on DDA’s private driving ranges, including backing, coupling, and vehicle control
- Driving on public roads with a qualified instructor
- Preparation for the CDL written and skills exams
Class Times and Start Dates
Students can pick one of two class times. Both meet Monday through Friday.
- Afternoon class: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Evening class: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The first class starts on Monday, November 2, 2026. After that, new classes start on the first and third Monday of every month. The next start date after November 2 is Monday, November 16, 2026.
Built for Students Who Work
Many people who want a CDL cannot quit their job to train full time. A 4-hour class day leaves time for work. A student who works mornings can take the afternoon class. A student who works a day shift can take the evening class. This way, drivers can keep their income while they earn their Class A CDL.
Offered at All Three DDA Campuses
The 8-week program is available at every DDA campus. Each campus teaches the same program.
- Shreveport campus: 3523 Greenwood Rd., Shreveport, LA
- Baton Rouge campus: 8067 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA
- Monroe campus: 243 Sterling Ave, West Monroe, LA (affiliate of the Baton Rouge campus)
What Students Learn in DDA’s ELDT-Compliant Training
DDA’s 8-week program follows the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules list the skills every new Class A driver must learn. DDA is listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, which means its training has been registered as meeting these federal standards.
Training is split into three parts.
Classroom training. Students learn the rules and knowledge every truck driver needs, including:
- Basic truck operation and safe driving practices
- Vehicle systems and how to spot and report problems
- Hours of service rules and logbooks
- Trip planning and cargo handling
- Handling hazards, bad weather, and emergencies
Range training. On DDA’s private driving range, students practice the skills tested on the CDL skills exam:
- Pre-trip, en route, and post-trip vehicle inspections
- Straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley dock backing
- Parallel parking
- Coupling and uncoupling a trailer
Public road training. With a qualified instructor in the cab, students drive on real roads and learn:
- Shifting, turning, lane changes, and curves
- Driving up and down hills
- Railroad crossings and intersections
- Watching for hazards and checking mirrors
- Managing speed and space around other traffic
Instructors must confirm that each student can do every required skill before training is complete. After finishing the program, students are ready to take the CDL skills test. More details about the steps to a CDL are on DDA’s How to Get a CDL in Louisiana page.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements have not changed. To enroll, students must:
- Have a current, valid driver’s license
- Be at least 21 years old by their graduation date
- Have a clean driving record
- Pass a DOT physical exam
- Pass a drug test
Students do not need a CLP before enrolling. DDA helps students get one during the first week.
Paying for Training
DDA offers financial aid options for students who qualify, including several grants, tuition reimbursement, and other helpful opportunities. DDA’s financial aid staff help each student find out what they qualify for and guide them through the process.
Help Finding a Job After Graduation
Graduates of the 8-week program have access to DDA’s job placement team. The team connects graduates with local and national trucking companies that are hiring. It also offers resume help, interview prep, and on-campus hiring events. Job placement help is available for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need truck driving experience to join the 8-week program?
No. The program is built for people with no prior trucking experience.
What can a driver operate with a Class A CDL?
A Class A CDL lets a driver operate tractor-trailers and other vehicle combinations weighing 26,001 pounds or more, when the trailer being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This covers most over-the-road and regional trucking jobs.
What kinds of jobs can graduates apply for?
Graduates can apply for over-the-road (OTR), regional, and local or city driving jobs. Some drivers later become owner-operators.
Does DDA guarantee a job after graduation?
No. DDA’s job placement team connects graduates with carriers that are hiring, but a job is not guaranteed.
Can students apply to trucking companies before they finish training?
Yes. Many carriers accept applications from students, and DDA’s job placement team starts working with students before graduation.
How do students apply for the 8-week program?
Students start by contacting DDA admissions online or by calling (800) 551-8900. Admissions reviews the requirements, class times, and the next start date with each student.
Apply for the 8-Week Class A CDL Program
The first 8-week Class A CDL class starts Monday, November 2, 2026, at all three DDA campuses. Students can choose the class that works best with their schedule. To get started, apply with DDA admissions today.