Many people in Louisiana want a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), but they can’t quit their job to get one. Most CDL programs in the state meet all day, Monday through Friday. That schedule works for some students, but it leaves out people with a day job, a family to support, or bills that cannot wait.
This guide compares Class A CDL training options across Louisiana. It covers program length, class times, and post-training support. It also explains why Diesel Driving Academy’s (DDA) 8-week Class A CDL program is a strong choice for students who need to keep working while they train.
Why the Class Schedule Matters
Since February 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required every new Class A driver to finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Schools need to cover the same core skills:
- Classroom theory
- Range practice
- Driving on public roads
The biggest difference between programs is often when the training happens.
A full-day program can finish faster, but it usually means 8 or 9 hours of class each weekday. For a student who works a day shift, that means giving up income for several weeks. A shorter class day spread over more weeks lets a student keep a job and still earn a CDL. DDA has written more about balancing CDL training with life commitments.
Diesel Driving Academy Class A CDL Program at a Glance
Starting November 2, 2026, the 8-week program is the only program DDA offers. It replaces DDA’s 4-week Basic CDL course and its Advanced CDL class. The training is the same as the 4-week course. It is simply spread out over more weeks.
Two Class Times, Five Days a Week
Classes meet four hours a day, Monday through Friday. Students choose one of two times:
- Afternoon class: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Evening class: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
A student who works mornings or evenings can take the afternoon class. A student who works a day shift can take the evening class. Both options add up to 160 hours of training.
Offered at All Three DDA Campuses
Every DDA campus teaches the same 8-week program:
- Shreveport campus, 3523 Greenwood Rd., serving Northwest Louisiana and the ArkLaTex
- Baton Rouge campus, 8067 Airline Hwy, serving the Capital Region
- Monroe campus, 243 Sterling Ave, serving Monroe and Northeast Louisiana (affiliate of the Baton Rouge campus)
What Students Learn
The program covers classroom training on DOT rules, hours of service, logbooks, and inspections. Students practice backing, coupling, and vehicle control on DDA’s private driving ranges. They also drive on public roads with a qualified instructor and prepare for the CDL written and skills exams. DDA is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Students do not need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before they enroll. DDA helps each student get one during classroom training. DDA explains the steps on its How to Get a CDL in Louisiana page.
How Other Louisiana CDL Programs Compare
Community and Technical College Programs
- Bossier Parish Community College offers its CDL program at its Natchitoches campus, not its Bossier City campus. Classes run 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for six weeks.
- Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College holds classes at Camp Minden.
- Baton Rouge Community College offers day classes at its Port Allen site, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for six weeks.
- South Louisiana Community College offers 5-week daytime and 8-week night classes in Crowley, New Iberia, and Lafayette.
Most of these programs require students to already have a Class A learner’s permit, a DOT physical, and a drug screen before the first day. Bossier Parish Community College and Baton Rouge Community College both list the permit at $15, and Baton Rouge Community College estimates the physical at $60 and the drug screen at $65. Most also start on fixed dates a few times a year.
Private CDL Schools
Private schools in Louisiana include Diesel Driving Academy, Coastal Truck Driving School and 160 Driving Academy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Program | Location | Length | Class times |
| Diesel Driving Academy | Shreveport, Baton Rouge, West Monroe | 8 weeks (160 hrs) | 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. |
| Bossier Parish CC | Natchitoches | 6 weeks | 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Northwest LA Technical CC | Camp Minden | 6 to 8 weeks | Not published |
| Baton Rouge CC | Port Allen | 6 weeks | 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| South Louisiana CC | Crowley, New Iberia, Lafayette | 5 weeks day, 8 weeks night | Night: 4 to 9 p.m. or 6 to 11 p.m. |
| Coastal Truck Driving School | Multiple campuses | 4 weeks day, 8 weeks night or weekend | Day, night, weekend |
| 160 Driving Academy | Shreveport, New Orleans | 4 weeks | Full-time weekdays |
Information comes from each school’s website as of October 2026 and may change.
What the Comparison Shows
Community colleges are a good fit for students who can train full-time. Some require more total training hours. They also accept students as young as 18, while DDA requires students to be 21 by graduation.
For students who need to keep working, the picture changes. DDA is the only program in this comparison that offers both a 4-hour afternoon class and a 4-hour evening class at every campus. DDA does not require a permit before enrollment. Its three campuses also cover north and south Louisiana, from Shreveport to Monroe to Baton Rouge.
Ways to Pay for CDL Training
Cost is only part of the picture. How a student pays for training matters too.
Many college CDL courses are short job training courses. Their CDL pages usually point students to state job training funds, such as WIOA or the M.J. Foster Promise Program. Most of these pages do not list federal student aid, such as Pell Grants. Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College also says it does not offer a payment plan.
Private schools vary. Coastal Truck Driving School lists its own financing, WIOA funding, and GI Bill benefits.
DDA lists a wide range of ways to pay on the financial aid page. Students who qualify may use Federal Pell Grants, other federal grants, and federal student loans. DDA also accepts WIOA funding, Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation, payment plans, and VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. A DDA financial aid officer meets with each student to go over options. DDA explains more in its guide on ways to pay for truck driving school.
Help Finding a Job After Training
Earning a CDL is the first step. The next step is finding a driving job.
Most college CDL pages do not describe job placement help. Some colleges have campus career centers, so students should ask whether those services cover CDL courses.
DDA graduates can use DDA’s job placement team for life. The team connects graduates with trucking companies that are hiring, helps with resumes and interviews, and holds hiring events on campus. Major carriers such as Stevens Transport, Werner Enterprises, and Schneider National actively recruit students. DDA does not guarantee a job. Students can start working with the team before they graduate, so they can keep their current job until they are ready to start driving.
Taking the Next Step
The right CDL program depends on each student’s schedule, budget, and goals. For Louisiana students who want to keep their current job while they train, DDA’s 8-week afternoon and evening program is built for that need. DDA admissions can explain class times, funding, and the next start date. Students can contact DDA admissions online or call (866) 540-8353.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do new 8-week classes start at DDA?
The first class starts Monday, November 2, 2026. After that, new classes start on the first and third Monday of every month.
Do students need truck driving experience to enroll at DDA?
No. The 8-week program is built for people with no prior trucking experience.
What can a driver operate with a Class A CDL?
Under federal rules, a Class A CDL lets a driver operate vehicle combinations rated at 26,001 pounds or more when the towed trailer is rated over 10,000 pounds. This covers most over-the-road, regional, and local trucking jobs.
Can drivers under 21 drive across state lines in Louisiana?
No. Federal rules require interstate truck drivers to be at least 21, so drivers under 21 with a Louisiana CDL can only drive within the state.
Does DDA help pay the Louisiana CDL license fee?
Yes. DDA pays back up to $61.50 with a receipt, which matches the standard Louisiana OMV license fee.
Can students add a HazMat endorsement at DDA?
Yes. Students can add HazMat endorsement training to their Class A CDL training.
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 soon should a student file the FAFSA for CDL training?
A student should file the FAFSA a few weeks before the planned start date. DDA needs the FAFSA results before it can finalize federal aid.