Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, DOTS holds the required federal, state, and local jurisdictional credentials in order to offer professional level commercial driver training and to be in full compliance of the FMCSA's new Entry-Level Driver Training rule effective on February 7, 2022.

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). DOTS is listed on the FMCSA's TPR.

Applicants for these training programs 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.

A commercial driver must be 21 and over in order to cross states lines (interstate). However between, the ages of 18 and 21 a student can obtain a commercial driver’s license and drive within their state of residence (intrastate) until they reach the age of 21 or over. 

No, we accept students from all US States.

Mon-Sun between the hours of 8am to 8pm. (hours will vary for each location).

A typical course training schedule for the weekdays class is Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. Weekends are generally 10am to 4pm both days.

Evening and weekend class sessions are subject to approval and the availability of instructors and/or resources.

You must not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony or DUI within three years of the date of application. Some exceptions apply. 

During initial consultation, disclosure of any felony convictions or excessive traffic violations must be disclosed. In order for DOTS to properly serve the student's best interests, it is important that the School have knowledge to the fullest extent of their driving and/or possible criminal history.  

The student must understand that DOTS uses this information to aid in the decision to determine their ability to benefit from our training programs. All companies that employ commercial drivers, various state agencies, and the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) have strict guidelines and high safety standards which govern the qualifications necessary to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).  Anyone that does not meet these standards will not qualify for a CDL and therefore will not have the ability to benefit from the courses. 

Understand that this statement is not all inclusive and if at a later date additional information regarding a student’s driving record and/or criminal history is discovered the student may be expelled or forced to withdraw from the program without refund. 

Instruction and curriculum material is only offered in English. Any non-native English speaking students seeking to enroll into any course offering, must be able to provide verification of their ability to be able to read, write, and speak English sufficiently enough to converse with the general public; to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make legible entries on reports and records in the English language. 

DOTS does not provide an interpreter and no modification of the training programs will be made to accommodate any other language in addition to English.

All state administered skills exams are in English only. 

DOTS recognizes that some applicants may not meet all of the general admissions requirements, but still may be able to secure gainful employment. In addition, DOTS understands some applicants may be taking training for their own personal fulfillment or for a private business. 

The above requirements serve to notify applicants that companies who hire through the School's job placement assistance services will not hire recent ex-offenders, alcohol/substance abusers, and applicants with certain physical limitations as defined by Federal D.O.T. Physical requirements, or applicants with poor driving records.  Job placement assistance with these conditions will be unavailable to the applicant. Therefore, providing the applicant can meet all requirements to obtain a CDL license and the applicant understands and signs the "Job Placement Assistance Waiver Release" form; admittance to the School can be considered.