CLASS A CDL - ADVANCED LONG HAUL SKILLS

WHAT IS A CLASS A CDL?: A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is a type of driver's license in the United States that allows the holder to operate combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds. This license is typically required for drivers of large trucks, tractor-trailers, and other heavy commercial vehicles.

WHAT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION?:  An automatic transmission CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) is a large truck, bus, or heavy equipment vehicle where the gear shifts are handled automatically by the vehicle's internal computer system, without requiring manual input from the driver via a clutch pedal and gear stick. DOTS utilizes automatic transmission vehicles for this course program.  

AUTOMATIC CDL (RESTRICTED): If you take and pass your CDL skills test in a vehicle with an automatic or automated manual transmission, your license will have an "E" restriction (or a similar state-specific code). This restricted license only allows you to legally operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with:  

• Automatic transmissions
• Automated manual transmissions (AMTs) 

You are prohibited from driving any CMV with a manual transmission. Violating this restriction can result in significant fines, license suspension, or disqualification.

While many large fleets are moving to automatic trucks, having an unrestricted manual CDL keeps all potential job opportunities open. If you have an "E" restriction and later want to drive a manual truck, you must retake the entire skills test in a manual transmission vehicle to have the restriction removed. . 

TO QUALIFY: Applicants for this training program must meet one or a combination of the following prerequisites:

• Drivers who already hold a Class A CDL, or
   
• Recent graduates who want extra long-haul readiness before starting OTR work
   
• Drivers returning to OTR who want structured coaching beyond a basic refresher

Applicants must possess a valid DOT physical card by an approved medical examiner and provide a copy of the results to the school prior to the student's in person training start date.   

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  The Class A CDL (Long Haul Skills) program is an advanced, skills-focused course built for drivers preparing for OTR (Over-the-Road) / long-haul operations. This program emphasizes real-world decision-making, trip planning, compliance habits, and higher-difficulty vehicle control scenarios that drivers face on the road beyond entry-level training.  

Program objectives include but are not limited to: 

 1) OTR Safety, Compliance & Professional Habits

• Hours-of-Service basics and practical trip-day planning habits (dispatch mindset)
   
• Driver logs / ELD best practices (workflow, violations to avoid, “audit-proof” routines)
   
• Roadside inspection readiness: paperwork organization + professional conduct
   

2) Advanced Vehicle Control (Range + Road)

• High-precision backing refresh (setup, sight-side/blind-side concepts, goal use)
   
• Coupling/uncoupling efficiency + error-proof checks
   
• Space management: tight-yard navigation, controlled turns, hazard anticipation
   
• “Long-haul reality” driving scenarios (traffic pacing, lane strategy, safe following)
   

3) Weight, Balance & Route Execution

• Weight distribution fundamentals (how poor loading changes handling/stopping)
   
• Scale approach basics + planning to avoid common weight/route mistakes
   
• Route planning fundamentals for height/weight restrictions (OTR-prep mindset)
   

4) OTR Operations & Life-on-the-Road Readiness

• Shipper/receiver workflow: appointments, check-in, dwell-time management
   
• Defensive driving patterns for fatigue-risk times (night/early morning routines)
   
• Breakdown/incident basics: safe stops, triangles, documentation, next step

COURSE LENGTH: The (WEEKDAYS) course design is (2) weeks in person (3) days per week (excluding home study course hours which are (5) days per week). Training schedules may vary each week. 

The (WEEKENDS) course design is (3) weekends in person (2) days per weekend (excluding home study course hours which are (5) days per week). Training schedules may vary each weekend. 

CLASS SCHEDULE: The following class schedule is based off of a full capacity class of 8 students. School policy states the school may alter at any given time, the class schedules, times, and dates if the class is not at full capacity. The class will either be rescheduled to start at a later date or the class schedule will be amended according to the number of students currently enrolled. Final class schedules will be decided and given during the student's orientation. Class schedules will vary for each location or individual class.

(WEEKDAYS CLASS SCHEDULE)

Week 1 - Monday through Friday (hours will vary) = up to 18 (Classroom/Lab/Range) and 15 (Home Study) course hours

Week 2 - Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 4pm = up to 18 (Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours 

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (CLASSROOM/HOMESTUDY) COURSE HOURS = 42

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 36

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  Up to 80  

(WEEKENDS CLASS SCHEDULE)

Weekend 1 - Saturday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm = up to 12 (Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours 

Weekend 2 - Saturday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm = up to 12 (Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours

Weekend 3 - Saturday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm = up to 12 (Lab/Range/Road) and 3 (Home Study) course hours

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (ONLINE/HOME STUDY) COURSE HOURS = 45

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 24

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  Up to 71       

TUITION COST: $2,800.00 USD - 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.