Since 1982, ATDS has helped thousands of students earn their Class-A CDL and start high-paying careers in the trucking industry. Our training program focuses on safety, hands-on learning, and real-world experience, giving you the skills and confidence to succeed.
Over 40 years of CDL training experience.
From private training ranges to public highways.
Weekday and weekend courses available.
Both manual and automatic trucks available.
Test with our state-approved third-party examiners.
4 weeks, Monday–Friday, 7 AM–6 PM.
10 weekends, Saturday–Sunday, 7 AM–6 PM.
Learn trucking laws, safety procedures, and industry best practices to become a certified professional.
Gain real-world experience by getting behind the wheel on the open road with quality instructors.
Texas Class A CDL, Defensive Driving Certificate, Diploma from ATDS, Community College Certificate
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All students must have a valid Texas Class C driver’s license (standard car license) with no outstanding tickets or warrants. You are also required to complete a DOT physical and drug screen. Your DOT card must be presented to DPS before taking the exams for your learner’s permit. Students must also have an original birth certificate (a passport can replace this) AND a social security card (a W2 or 1099 showing a full social security number can replace this).
ATDS is one of the only schools that does not require a CLP before beginning, although we do encourage you to study before class begins. Your admissions representative will be able to provide you with study guides and you will receive your permit while in class, as it is part of our curriculum.
Since our program is only 20 days long, we expect students to attend every day. However, if you need to miss a day or two, we will schedule extra training days beyond your graduation date to make up for missed time.
ATDS has manual and automatic options, but keep in mind that if you test in an automatic truck, your CDL will have an automatic transmission restriction. If you want to remove this restriction in the future, you will need to take the driving test again in a manual truck.
No. As of February 7, 2022, Federal Motor Carrier law requires that anyone without a current CDL must complete an approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program. There are no exemptions, regardless of experience.
ATDS has third-party testers who are trained by DPS and authorized to administer CDL exams. We also test at DPS locations. Your test location will depend on class size and tester availability.
No, ATDS does not pay students during training. You will start earning money once you graduate, obtain your CDL, and begin working.
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