In the Cincinnati metro area, the average cost of a CDL-A class is $3,500. The average class length is approximately six weeks.
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The CDL-A program is offered in in a weekday or weekend format. The weekday option meets Monday through Thursday, from 7 am-5:30 pm for four weeks and the weekend option meets Saturday and Sunday, 7 am-5:30 pm for eight weeks. Graduates will be prepared to test for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Students are given the opportunity to take the CDL driving test at their local DMV office in the same vehicle they used to complete their training.
To be accepted into the program, students are required to obtain and submit a South Carolina CDL Permit, a DOT physical, and a DOT drug screen before class starts. A 10-year driving record is obtained from the SCDMV during the application process as well. All paperwork must be completed and submitted before the student can be scheduled for a class. The program has been inspected, approved, and licensed by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. All instructors meet the department’s standards and are certified by the DMV.
No cost info
$4,500 total
First Student Inc. located in Ohio offers a Commercial Truck Driver class. This class offers comprehensive training in the area of commercial truck driving. The program covers topics such as defensive driving skills, loading and unloading, basic vehicle maintenance, and state and federal regulations.
$4,000 total
160 Driving - Cincinnati offers a Commercial Truck Driver class that provides students with the necessary skills to become a professional truck driver. The course is designed to help students become knowledgeable and confident in their ability to safely and competently operate a commercial truck. Upon completion, students will be eligible to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
$6,000 total
Emerge Career offers a comprehensive Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program to help individuals become professional truck drivers. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and behind-the-wheel experience to prepare students for the CDL-A exam. In addition, Emerge Career provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment in the trucking industry.
No cost info
This Class A CDL training course is designed to meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements. It includes sections covering basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities—all essential to obtaining your Class A driver’s license. This CDL course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
$195 total
Petermann LLP offers a comprehensive Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) training program for individuals seeking to become professional truck drivers. The program provides hands-on training and classroom instruction to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to pass the CDL-A exam and become successful truck drivers. Petermann LLP also offers job placement assistance to graduates of the program, helping them secure employment in the trucking industry.
$500 total
NTDT's Commercial Truck Driver class is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a successful career in the trucking industry. The class covers a wide range of topics, including safety, defensive driving, and basic vehicle maintenance. Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the CDL exam and begin their career as a professional truck driver.
No cost info
Butler Tech Career Education - LeSourdsville Campus is a highly regarded vocational school that offers an exceptional Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program. Located in a prime location, the school provides career-specific training that effectively prepares students for successful careers in the trucking industry. The CDL-A program, which is known for its hands-on approach, offers comprehensive instruction and real-world skills. Taught by experienced instructors, the curriculum covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and advanced maneuvering skills. Graduates of the program receive a valuable CDL-A license, opening doors to lucrative job opportunities. Butler Tech's strong industry partnerships often lead to direct job placements for its graduates. With state-of-the-art training facilities, the school exemplifies the effectiveness of vocational education and its commitment to excellence. The unique curriculum delivery embraces complexity and ensures accessibility for all students, regardless of their background or previous experience.
$6,200 total
The 160 Driving Academy in Connersville excels in offering the world-renowned Commercial Driver's License Class A program. The breadth of their syllabus guarantees a thorough understanding of vehicle control, safety measures, advanced gear utilization, mapping routes, and cargo management. With a focus on student achievement, the Academy takes pride in its enviable success rate. Cutting-edge classroom spaces and high-tech driving simulations enhance the educational journey. Teachers at the academy, who are seasoned industry professionals, offer tailored attention to ensure students learn each fine point. A fundamental aspect of their framework, the Academy's devoted career placement team, is instrumental in catapulting graduates onto their future career path. This certification, an essential qualification, paves the way to rewarding prospects.
No cost info
Driving a commercial vehicle can be a rewarding career, offering the chance for travel and the freedom of the open road. One of the keys to starting this career is obtaining a Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A). This blog post will guide you through the basics of CDL-A classes and training requirements to finding a job after certification.
A CDL-A is a type of commercial driver's license in the United States that allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tank vehicles, and livestock carriers.
Enrolling in a CDL-A training program typically requires the following:
Be at least 21 years old (18 years old for intrastate driving)
Possess a valid driver's license
Have good hearing and eyesight
Pass a physical examination
You should also anticipate additional requirements for certain endorsements, such as transporting hazardous materials and other kinds.
When searching for a CDL-A class, it's important to consider the following aspects:
Program Length: Training programs typically last between 4-6 weeks, but this can vary depending on the school and the pace of the course.
Quality of Instruction: Look for schools with experienced instructors who provide both theoretical and practical training.
Job Placement Assistance: Some schools offer job placement assistance, which can be invaluable for finding employment after certification.
Accreditation: Accredited schools have met certain quality standards, making their training more reliable and respected.
A typical day in a CDL-A class usually involves classroom instruction and practical driving practice. Theoretical instruction covers driving laws, vehicle maintenance, and safety procedures. Practical training involves actual driving practice, usually starting on a closed course before moving onto public roads.
The certification process for a CDL-A involves passing a written exam and a skills test. The written exam covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation. The skills test involves demonstrating your ability to inspect a vehicle, perform basic maneuvers, and drive safely on public roads.
Once you've obtained your CDL-A, numerous job opportunities are available, including long-haul trucking, local delivery services, and bus driving. Online job sites, local newspapers, and trade publications are good resources for finding job openings. Networking with other CDL-A holders and industry professionals can also be beneficial. Using platforms like Dreambound is also helpful to get connected to schools and job opportunities through your training providers.
After obtaining a CDL-A, you can pursue several other classes and endorsements to enhance your skills and job prospects. These might include:
Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement: This training allows you to transport hazardous materials like flammable substances, fuels, fireworks, etc.
Tank (N) Endorsement: This qualifies you to drive tank vehicles. It allows the drivers to haul liquids or gases over 1,000 gallons.
Doubles/Triples (T) Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to drive trucks with double or triple trailers.
Having a clean driving record is crucial when pursuing a career as a commercial driver. Employers often perform background checks, and any violations or accidents can impact your employability.
Physical fitness plays a significant role in commercial driving. Long hours on the road can take a toll on your body, so maintaining good health and fitness is essential.
Apart from CDL-A, there are two other types of CDL: B and C. Each class allows you to drive different types of vehicles and carries different requirements.
Technology is increasingly becoming a part of commercial driving. Understanding how to use GPS systems, electronic logging devices, and other tech can enhance your skills and make you more attractive to employers.
Becoming a CDL-A holder opens the door to many rewarding career opportunities. However, obtaining your CDL-A is only the first step. Continuous learning and skills enhancement are essential to keep up with the industry's ever-changing landscape.
For more information about vocational training programs in Ohio, check out the following resources:
Dreambound has an extensive collection of guides that dive deep into how to get started in the field, tailored for various cities. For those based in different locations or planning to move, we recommend exploring our other guides.
Pondering a shift in your career path or exploring different professional avenues? Dreambound has created detailed guides to support you in making informed decisions:
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