Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

This license allows the driver to operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. This also includes any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds (provided that the GVWR of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds).Depending on additional endorsements acquired, drivers with Class A CDLs may be able to operate tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, double and triple trailers, tractor-trailer buses, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers and flatbeds.

Class Dates

  • June 10th – August 8th, 2024 | Montgomery Community College Campus

Days: Monday – Thursday
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old. (Graduates under 21 years old can only drive within North Carolina.)
  • Hold a valid North Carolina Driver’s license with no limiting restrictions.
  • Be able to read and speak English well enough to take instructions from highway signs, to converse officials and complete the required reports.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, you will need to take the Reading Accuplacer test and score of 240 or higher.
  • Acquire a North Carolina Class A permit with no limiting restrictions before the highway-driving portion of your training.
  • Pass a DOT physical and/or hold a valid (12-month minimum) DOT medical card.
  • Complete and pass a DOT drug screen.
  • Show proof of permanent residency. All immigrants must have proper paperwork.
  • Provide a current driving record.

Due to the STRICT REQUIREMENTS of most trucking companies, you must also have:

  • A current Motor Vehicle Record with no convictions in the past three years of DUI, refusal to take a chemical test, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, careless and reckless driving, a preventable accident or speeding 15 mph over the limit.

Class Curriculum

This course involves extensive training divided into three parts:

Classroom

  • CDL Permit & Endorsement Instruction
  • Driver Qualification
  • Driver Wellness
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
  • Hours of Service & Map Reading
  • Vehicle Inspection
  • Air Brake Training
  • Defensive Driving
  • Cargo Handling
  • Whistle Blowing Protection

Range Driving

  • Pre-trip Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • Proper Use of Clutch & Gears
  • Proper Backing Techniques
  • Coupling/Uncoupling

Road Driving

  • Defensive Driving
  • Vehicle Control
  • Proper Use of Clutch & Gears
  • Roads & Conditions
  • Observation of Highway Laws
  • Loaded Trailers
  • Night Driving

Course Cost

  • Tuition and fees: $999

Financial assistance may be available.