CLASS A CDL - MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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 A MANUAL TRANSMISSION?: This specifies the type of gear system the training vehicle uses. While many modern trucks use automatic or automated manual transmissions (AMTs), many older vehicles still use traditional manual transmissions (typically 9, 10, or 13 gears) that require the driver to use a clutch pedal and physically shift gears. DOTS utilizes 10 speed manual transmission vehicles for this course program.

MANUAL CDL (UNRESTRICTED): If you pass your CDL skills test in a vehicle with a manual transmission, you will receive a full, unrestricted CDL. This license allows you to legally operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with: 

• Manual transmissions
• Automatic transmissions
• Automated manual transmissions (AMTs) 

This provides maximum job flexibility and ensures you won't be disqualified from roles that require operating older trucks or specialized equipment, such as some dump trucks or heavy haul rigs, which often use manual transmissions.

TO QUALIFY: Applicants for this training program must possess a valid driver's license from their state of residence and have held a driver's license for more than one year with an acceptable driving record. 

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 student's in person training start date.

In addition, prior to the student's in person training start date, all students must complete the online FMCSA approved and compliant third-party ELDT Theory course and attain their Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from their states' motor vehicle department. To attain a CLP, you must pass 3 written exams at your state's local motor vehicle department: 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 by any approved medical examiner before you can take out your CLP. 

If you need help or would like more information on this process, please contact Loretta Benitez with Student Services at (505) 721-9071 or by email at: loretta@dreamonetruckingschools.com

ELDT COURSE CURRICULUM: 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 Class A (tractor-trailer) combination vehicle with a manual transmission 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.   

Program objectives include but are not limited to: 

• Introduce students to the current Department of Transportation laws and regulations and the new FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training rule.  
• 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. 
• 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: The (WEEKDAYS) course design is (1) week online and (3) 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 (1) week online and (4) 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) = 6 (Online) 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 

Week 3 - Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 4pm = up to 18 (Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours

Week 4 - Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 4pm = up to 18 (Lab/Range/Road) and 6 (Home Study) course hours

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (ONLINE/HOMESTUDY) COURSE HOURS = 57

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 54

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  Up to 113

(WEEKENDS CLASS SCHEDULE)

Week 1 - Monday through Friday (hours will vary) = 6 (Online) and 15 (Home Study) course hours

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 15 (Home Study) course hours

Weekend 4 - 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 = 69

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 48

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  Up to 119     

TUITION COST: $5,500.00 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. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 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. 

These are NON-REFUNDABLE third-party fees, which prices will vary from state or facility. These third-party fees are the sole responsibility of the student and must be paid directly to each entity and not the school.