| Key Takeaway: Grants for CDL training can cover part or all of the cost of truck driving school for eligible students. The most common CDL training grants include Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, state workforce development grants, veteran education benefits, tribal education assistance, and local workforce programs. Grant funding levels, eligibility rules, and program availability change yearly. This guide reflects the most current programs and figures as of 2026. Always verify details with your career specialist before applying, as funding is often limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. |
The driver shortage hasn’t let up, and in 2026, that’s translating into more grant funding for CDL students, not less. States are expanding workforce development dollars specifically for entry-level driver training, and federal programs like WIOA remain a reliable way to get most or all of your tuition covered. Here’s exactly which programs are active right now, and how to find out what you personally qualify for.
Types of Grants Available for CDL Training
WIOA Funding For Driver Training
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), eligible applicants receive a government grant to attend courses, build their skillset and obtain reliable employment. Numerous graduates of DRC network schools have utilized workforce development, also known as WIOA funds to get their CDL. If you have been laid-off, or received unemployment or SNAP benefits, you may be eligible. Call 800-391-2754 now to talk to a career specialists about a WIOA government grant for truck driving school. Read how one student used the Missouri SkillUp grant to pay for CDL Training.
State and Local CDL Training Grant
There are numerous state CDL training grants in the form of retraining funds. These programs are available to help individuals obtain a skill that will ensure more stable employment. For example, Kentucky and Missouri residents who have worked in the farming industry in the recent two years may be eligible for the Kentucky Farmworkers grant or the Missouri Farmworkers grant. This grant is available to help Kentucky and Missouri residents find a more stable, high-earning vocation.
In addition, Missouri has CDL grants available through the SkillUp program, which will cover the cost of CDL Training. Read how one of our students used this Missouri CDL grant to start a new career. There are numerous state agencies that provide grants for CDL training. Our career specialists can help you determine what funding for truck driver school is available based on your situation.
Another local grant students in St. Louis, MO can take advantage of is the Skill Up SLATE program. They have partnered with MTC Truck Driver Training’s CDL program in St. Louis, MO to help more people in St. Louis become fully-trained and licensed commercial drivers. They offer offer a 4-week Commercial Driver’s License training program to eligible participants at no cost.
Vocational Rehab Training Grant
Students receive funding for CDL school through either state or private Vocational Rehabilitation programs also known as Voc Rehab. If you are an injured worker or are currently in a rehabilitation program, you may be eligible for this type of government grant for truck driver training.
Veterans Post 9/11 GI Bill® for CDL Training
For military veterans, the Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides expanded benefits for CDL training tuition and even an apprenticeship program.* You may be eligible to use your GI Bill® for CDL training and provide additional assistance while you are training. Some carriers, in fact, are members of the Military Apprenticeship Program. With this program, you may be eligible to earn a monthly educational benefit check along with your weekly salary from your new job. For some veterans, this could be as much as $1,400 additional each month. This benefit may also be extended to your spouse or children. Apply now and we’ll help walk you through this process.
Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP)
This program provides education and training for high-demand jobs such as truck driving to veterans who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterans who were previously ineligible for educational benefits, may be eligible for the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). Funds are available for a limited time.
Tribal Education Scholarships for Commercial Drivers
Native American students may be eligible to receive government grants through their tribal council or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Read how one student started a new career using this type of grant for CDL training.
CDL Training Scholarships
Several CDL scholarships are available including:
- Driver Resource Center Future of Trucking Scholarship: This scholarship supports men and women pursuing careers in trucking to attend a DRC network school.
- Women In Trucking Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship supports women pursuing careers in trucking, including those training for their CDL. It’s open to both new students and those seeking to advance their education in the industry.
- Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Scholarship: Offered to students interested in careers within the trucking industry, this scholarship is available to those seeking education beyond high school, including CDL training.
- Folds of Honor Scholarship: Educational scholarships for military families.
These scholarships provide a range of tuition assistance to support students in their journey toward becoming professional truck drivers. Did you know that it is possible to combine a grant and a scholarship? Rick White an MTC Truck Driver Training of Tulsa graduate recently a tribal education scholarship for CDL training and the Driver Resource Center Future of Trucking Scholarship. As a result, Rick had zero out-of-pocket expenses and graduated with a CDL debt-free. Eligibility to stack scholarship and grants is based on the individual program.
| Grant Type | Who It’s For | Typical Coverage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) | Unemployed, underemployed, or laid-off individuals | Up to 100% of tuition | 30–90 days for approval |
| State/Local Workforce Grants(e.g., Missouri SkillUp, Skill Up SLATE) | State residents meeting local workforce criteria | Varies by state; often full tuition | Varies by program |
| Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) | Injured workers or individuals in rehab programs | Varies by case | Case-by-case |
| Veterans’ Post-9/11 GI Bill® | Military veterans | Tuition + potential monthly stipend (up to ~$1,400/mo in some cases) | Varies; apply through VA |
| VRRAP | Veterans affected by COVID-19 economic impact | Full or partial tuition | Limited-time funding — subject to availability |
| Tribal Education Grants | Members of federally recognized tribes | Varies by tribal council/BIA program | Varies |
| CDL Scholarships (DRC, WIT Foundation, TCA, Folds of Honor) | Varies by scholarship — women, military families, general applicants | Varies; can be stacked with grants | Varies by scholarship deadline |
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified for a CDL Training Grant?
While the availability of CDL grants is undoubtedly exciting, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria to determine if you qualify. Eligibility can vary depending on the type of grant and the specific program. Often times filling out a grant application is the first step. Here are some common factors that may affect your eligibility:
– Employment status (e.g., laid-off, unemployed)
– Participation in government assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, unemployment benefits)
– Military service (for veterans’ programs)
– Injury or participation in rehabilitation programs
– Tribal affiliation (for tribal education grants)
To find out if you are eligible to receive a grant, we recommend reaching out to the relevant program or contacting our career specialists. They can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances, ensuring you make the most of the opportunities available to you.
How to get a Grant for CDL Training?
Now that you’ve determined your eligibility, it’s time to explore the application process for CDL grants. Here’s a general overview of the steps you might need to follow:
1. Research Available Grants: Start by researching grant opportunities that match your eligibility criteria. Each grant may have specific requirements and application deadlines, so make sure to gather all relevant information. You can also call a Driver Resource Career Specialist to review what grants you may be eligible for.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form for the grant you’re interested in. Be thorough and accurate in providing all requested information.
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Many grants may require additional documentation, such as proof of unemployment, military service records, or proof of tribal affiliation. Ensure you have these documents readily available.
4. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application and supporting documents by the specified deadline. It’s essential to meet all deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving the grant.
5. Follow Up: After submitting your application, stay in contact with the grant program administrators. They may have additional questions or require further information from you.
6. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on your email and phone for updates on your application status. Be responsive and provide any requested information promptly.
7. Prepare for Training: Once you’ve secured a CDL grant, it’s time to prepare for your training. Enroll in a reputable CDL training program, like through a Driver Resource Center Network School and embark on your journey toward becoming a skilled truck driver.
Learn More
Every week our Career Specialists help prospective students identify funding sources they may qualify for. Many students combine multiple funding options such as a workforce grant and a scholarship to reduce or eliminate their out-of-pocket tuition costs.Take the first step and call now or fill out an interest form and they will contact you to discuss eligibility.
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Trademark_Terms_of_Use.asp
Frequently Asked Questions About Grants For CDL Training
Do I have to pay back a CDL training grant?
No. Unlike a loan, a CDL training grant does not need to be repaid. Programs like WIOA are government-funded to help eligible individuals gain skills for in-demand jobs like truck driving, with no repayment obligation as long as you meet the program’s requirements. This is different from tuition reimbursement or company-sponsored training, which may require you to work for a specific employer for a set period or repay a portion if you leave early.
How to find grants for CDL Training?
To qualify for a grant for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, individuals typically need to meet specific criteria set by the granting organization or government agency offering the grant. While the exact requirements may vary, some common eligibility requirements include location and financial need. If you would like to use a grant for CDL training, the easiest way to find available grants is to speak with a DRC Career Specialists. They can help you determine grants in your area, as each may have unique eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Does a CDL grant cover the full cost of training, or just part of it?
It depends on the program, but many CDL grants, including WIOA and several state workforce grants, can cover most or all of entry-level driver training (ELDT) costs. Some programs cover 100% of tuition, while others (like certain state-administered aid programs) cover a portion, such as 50%, with the remainder offered as a forgivable loan. A Driver Resource Center career specialist can tell you the exact coverage amount for programs in your state.
Can I combine a CDL grant with a scholarship?
Yes, in many cases. Whether you can stack a grant and a scholarship depends on the specific programs involved, but it’s a common strategy. For example, one DRC student combined a tribal education scholarship with the Driver Resource Center Future of Trucking Scholarship and graduated with zero out-of-pocket costs. Check with each program’s administrator to confirm whether combining funding sources is allowed.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL training grant?
Common disqualifiers include not meeting a program’s employment status requirements (for example, being currently employed full-time when a grant targets unemployed applicants), attending a CDL school that isn’t on your state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), missing application deadlines, or failing to provide required documentation such as proof of unemployment or military service records. Eligibility rules vary by program, so it’s worth confirming requirements directly with the grant administrator or a career specialist before applying.
What's the difference between a CDL grant, a scholarship, and tuition reimbursement?
A CDL grant is funding, usually government-issued through programs like WIOA and is awarded based on eligibility criteria such as employment or veteran status, and does not need to be repaid. A scholarship is typically awarded competitively based on merit, background, or an application/essay process, also without repayment. Tuition reimbursement works differently: you pay for training upfront (or an employer covers it), and it’s paid back or reimbursed after you complete training and often after you commit to working for that employer for a set period. Grants and scholarships can sometimes be combined; reimbursement is usually tied to a specific employer agreement.