CLASS A CDL

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.

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. 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 their start date.

In addition, in order to qualify 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 or by email at: loretta@dreamonetruckingschools.com. 

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 Class A (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 135 hours of combined classroom, lab, range, and road driver training.   

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: This course design is three (3) weeks, two to five (2-5) days per week. Training schedules may vary each week throughout the program depending on class size.  

TRAINING HOURS: Mon-Fri between the hours of 10am to 4pm (hours will vary for each location).

CLASS SCHEDULE: The following class schedule is based off of a full capacity class of 12 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.

Week 1 - Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm = up to 30 (Lab/Range/Road) course hours 

Week 2 - Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm = up to 30 (Lab/Range/Road) course hours

Week 3 - Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm = up to 30 (Lab/Range/Road) course hours

Weeks 1-3 - Monday through Friday (hours will vary) = up to 45 (Classroom) Home Study course hours

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (CLASSROOM) COURSE HOURS = up to 45

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 88

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  Up to 135     

TUITION COST: $4,500.00 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.