What Is It Known For?
Diesel Driving Academy was founded in 1972 and has since established itself as a premier truck driving school. With campuses in Little Rock, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, the academy offers a variety of Class A CDL training programs that cater to both beginners and experienced drivers. The school is known for its flexible scheduling, small class sizes, and job placement assistance, ensuring students are well-prepared for their careers.
Although specific enrollment numbers are not available, Diesel Driving Academy has trained tens of thousands of students over the years. Their nationally recognized, ELDT-compliant programs allow individuals with no previous trucking experience to begin a rewarding career in as little as three weeks.
Degrees & Certifications
Diesel Driving Academy offers three Class A CDL training programs designed to prepare students for a successful career in trucking.
The programs available include:
- Advanced CDL Driver Training Program
- Basic CDL Driver Training Program
- CDL Prep Driver Training Program
Class Schedules
Diesel Driving Academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on training using modern equipment in their training yards. This practical approach ensures students gain real-world skills needed for the trucking industry.
The academy offers both day and night classes to fit different schedules. For example, the Advanced CDL training takes 20 weeks for day students and 30 weeks for night students. While online classes aren’t available due to the hands-on nature of the program, the school provides job placement assistance to help graduates start their careers.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Diesel Driving Academy is a reputable institution. It is fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Acceptance Rate
Diesel Driving Academy in Baton Rouge has a 100% acceptance rate, reflecting its open admission policy and commitment to providing opportunities for aspiring truck drivers.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs at Diesel Driving Academy vary depending on the program you enroll in and your eligibility for financial aid or carrier sponsorship. While the exact tuition is not listed on the school’s website, estimates suggest it ranges from $10,000 to $14,000 per year, depending on the course. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- CDL
Campus Locations
Shreveport 3523 Greenwood Rd. Shreveport, LA 71109
Baton Rouge 8067 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Little Rock 11001 I-430 Little Rock, AR 72209
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Diesel Driving Academy has a mixed reputation with a variety of feedback spanning many years.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Effective and Hands-on Training: Many graduates, including those from decades ago, credit the academy with providing them with a great start to their careers. More recent graduates also praise the hands-on training, stating that they felt well-prepared and that the program helped them get their careers started.
Supportive Instructors: A number of positive reviews mention specific instructors, describing them as amazing, patient, and genuinely dedicated to helping students succeed.
Responsive Ownership: The owner is very active in responding to both positive and negative reviews, often engaging directly with the feedback and offering to address concerns.
Common Criticisms
Allegations of Unprofessionalism and Mistreatment: This is a recurring and serious theme. A recent review alleges that a student was cussed out, threatened, and degraded by an instructor. Other reviews claim that instructors were not competent and that administration does not care. A former instructor also complains about a lack of retirement plan and low pay.
Poor Communication and Organization: Several reviews mention issues with communication over the phone. One from a few years ago describes the school as “thrown together,” “unorganized,” and “overcrowded.”
Conflicting Information and Business Practices: One review from a few years ago mentions a US Department of Education investigation. An owner’s response from five years ago denies that a reviewer was ever a student, which raises questions about the school’s record-keeping and how it handles negative feedback.
Momentum
The reviews for Diesel Driving Academy are highly mixed and span a long period. Both very positive and very negative reviews appear within the last year, so there is no clear trend. The negative feedback is often detailed and serious, while the positive reviews are primarily from past graduates who had a successful career start or from new graduates who had a good experience with their specific instructors.