Yes, the Government Will Pay for Your CDL Training in 2025–2026
And most truck drivers have no idea that grants for CDL training exist.
We spent two days digging through FMCSA grant notices, DOL workforce reports, and state budget documents. The verdict? There’s literally millions of dollars sitting unclaimed right now for people who want a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and most of it never has to be paid back.
The trucking industry is short of truckers by approximately 80,000 drivers. And that number is growing. The government is desperate to close that gap and bring on more certified drivers. That means right now is the easiest time in a decade to get grants for CDL training.
We’ve heard of people who walked into a workforce office on Monday and started a free 4-week CDL program the following Monday. No exaggeration. Then companies like Pace Drivers will help you find a job in no time.
If you or someone you know has ever thought about getting a CDL-A or CDL-B, but couldn’t stomach the $4,000–$8,000 price tag, share this article. The money is real, it’s available today, and the application process is simpler than you think. You’ll need to select a certified training provider from the FMCSA website.
Where the Money Is Coming From Right Now (2025–2026)
We’ve done the legwork for you. Below is a list of the grants for CDL training, the amounts available, who it is targeted to help, and the typical coverage.
| Program | Amount Available Nationally | Who It Helps Most | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) | Billions (administered locally) | Unemployed, underemployed, SNAP recipients, dislocated workers | 80–100% of tuition + books & testing |
| FMCSA CDLPI Grants | Up to $44 million/year | States & training providers → flows to students | Partial to full tuition at partner schools |
| CMVOST Grant | $3–$3.5 million/year | Veterans, former inmates, rural residents, refugees | Full tuition at participating colleges |
| Federal Pell Grant | Up to $7,395 (2025–2026) | Low-income students at eligible CDL programs | Non-repayable grant (not a loan) |
| State-Specific Grants (examples) | Varies by state | Residents of that state | Often 50–100% reimbursement |
Here are some real-world examples of grants for CDL training that we recently found:
- Wisconsin is reimbursing up to $3,000 per student (providers just got another round of funding)
- Iowa community colleges are getting millions for new CDL simulators and free training slots
- Missouri SkillUp and Voc Rehab are covering 100% for eligible participants
- Kansas City’s “Great Jobs KC” program even throws in childcare and bus passes
Here are a few ways you can try to get money:
- Fill out the FAFSA form available at studentaid.gov. This site unlocks Pell Grants and tells your state if you qualify for WIOA. That’s the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
- Call or walk into your local American Job Center, which you can find at careeronestop.org While you’re there ask, “Do you have WIOA or SkillUp funding for CDL training?” Most counselors can tell you right away if it’s available, and if so, may even be able to approve funding the same week.
- Only choose schools on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. This is non-negotiable for federal and most state grants.
- Ask the school’s financial aid office: “Which grants or WIOA vouchers do you accept?” The best programs already have relationships with the workforce board and will work with you to handle the paperwork.
Truck Driving is a Great Career
If you are currently unemployed or underemployed, you should definitely consider this great paying career path. If you are a veteran, you have priority for most of these funds. Or maybe you are looking for a career change and want to recession-proof your income. If you are a workforce professional who wants to help your community, share this article.
The grant money won’t be around forever, so make the decision and go for the cash.
If you want the exact links for your state, reach out to us to request a full list.
