CLASS A CDL

TO QUALIFY - Applicants for this training program must possess a valid driver's license (or a valid driver's license from your official state of residence) that you have held for the period of one year with an acceptable driving record (MVR). Applicants must also pass a DOT physical exam by an approved medical examiner and provide a copy of the results to the school prior to the start of their training date.

In order to qualify for the reduced tuition rate, you must attain your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) before you can start your training. To attain a CLP, you must pass 3 written exams at the MVD: 1. General Knowledge 2. Air Brakes 3. Vehicle Combinations.

To take out your CLP the cost will be $10 (other states' fees will vary). You must pass a DOT Physical before you can take out your CLP. If you need help or more information on this process, please contact Loretta Benitez with Student Services at (505) 721-9071.

ELDT CERTIFIED COURSE - The curriculum standards of this course incorporate the curricular recommendations set forth by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA), new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule; effective on February 7, 2022, which established new minimum training standards for certain individuals applying for their commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time; an upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time. These individuals are subject to the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements and must complete a prescribed program of instruction provided by an entity that is listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR).    

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES - The primary objective of this certificate program is to prepare students with the necessary skills to handle a commercial tractor-trailer combination vehicle in a safe and professional manner sufficiently to pass a state skills exam and become a licensed commercial driver. This objective will be met by providing a solid curriculum that includes a combination of theory and behind the wheel instruction. Students will receive up to 70 hours of combined classroom, lab, range, and road driver training.   

Program objectives include but are not limited to: 

 • Develop driving skills in maneuvering tractor-trailer equipment as required by the trucking industry and federal DOT regulations.

 • Acquaint students with safety regulations and precautions throughout the training program. 

• Introduce students to the current Department of Transportation laws and regulations and the new FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training rule. 

• Develop the proper attitude of responsible employees who will perform their duties in a manner that will be a credit to the trade and industry. 

• Provide a general overview of the trucking industry, how it functions and what to expect as new entry-level commercial drivers. 

• Acquaint students with driving on public road and highways through applied experience maneuvering in various traffic conditions. 

• Adopt an effective and detailed approach to driver records, and trip planning, including map reading, route selection, cargo restrictions, paper, and e-logs.  

COURSE LENGTH - This course design is four (4) weeks, three (3) days per week. The first week consists of theory classes. The student must complete this course section within the first week from the start of their class date, pass a DOT Physical Exam, submit a copy to the school, and obtain their Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from their state of residence prior to attending the in person behind the wheel portion of their course program. 

Students will have received actual behind-the-wheel instruction and practice at our range training facilities prior to driving on public roads and highways.  

TRAINING SCHEDULES (location dependent)

ABQ:

Classroom hours (Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 2pm). 

Range hours (Monday through Wednesday from 10am up to 4pm). 

Road hours (Monday through Wednesday hours will vary between 10am and 4pm in 2-hour blocks per day). 

GLP:

Classroom hours (Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm). 

Range hours (Thursday through Saturday from 10am up to 4pm). 

Road hours (Thursday through Saturday hours will vary between 10am and 4pm in 2-hour blocks per day). 

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (CLASSROOM) COURSE HOURS = 25

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 42

TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS (RECRUITERS/PRESENTERS/ETC) COURSE HOURS = *1

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  Up to 70 

"Special Scheduling" of off days, evening, and weekend class sessions are subject to the approval of the Chief Operations Manager and the availability of the instructors and/or equipment or resources.     

TUITION COST: $2,800.00 USD (with CLP), $3800.OO USD (without CLP) - There is a non-refundable $100.00 USD registration fee assessed to each student to help defer administrative costs associated with application and student assessment review. This fee is included with the tuition paid to the School. 

Students are advised that the costs of the State Exam ($200), DOT Physical Exam ($80-$150), and Commercial Learner's Permit fee ($10-$30), ARE NOT INCLUDED with the tuition paid to the school, are NON-REFUNDABLE third-party fees, will vary from state or facility, and are the sole responsibility of the student.