Class A Commercial Driver's License Training (CDL)

Class A Commercial Driver’s License Training (CDL) - $3500

This comprehensive training program is delivered through a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliant curriculum that meets the Entry Level Driving Training (ELDT) requirements. Students can expect to receive the instruction and hands-on driving practice needed to obtain a Commercial Class A Driver’s License, emphasizing safe operations, pre-operations inspections, training in backing exercises, and on-road driving skills. This course can fulfill the behind-the-wheel section of Entry Level Driver Training requirements.

Requirements Before Registering

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Successful completion of a required FMCSA approved Entry Level Driving Training (ELDT) theory course such as Shasta College’s CONS 140A – Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit Preparation class- Approx $150
  • DOT Physical-Approx $100
  • CDL Permit from DMV

Class Content Includes

Led by experienced instructors with industry experience, students will have access to modern trucks, hands-on training, and expert guidance through all training components, including DMV appointment coordination, and test-day preparation. Depending on the learner’s dedication and pace, this class can be completed in as little as two weeks, but no more than four weeks. Students can expect training in the following areas.

  • Walk-around inspections
  • In-cab brake checks
  • A minimum of 15 hours behind the wheel training
  • Complete backing and highway components
  • Operation of 6-speed manual transmission
  • DMV appointment logistics
  • Step-by-step guidance through all training components
  • Strategies and options to accelerate learning and prepare for the DMV test
  • Classes are 2-weeks, or 10 days, long and start approximately every 3 weeks

*The course fee of $3500 excludes additional fees that are required prior to registration. This fee includes the use of a Shasta College truck and instructor for four hours. There is an additional $500 fee for each additional attempt to pass the DMV driving test.

**Shasta College does not guarantee students will pass the DMV driving test after completion of this class. It is the student's responsibility to understand and track their own eligibility and completion of ELDT and DMV requirements.

How to Complete Your ELDT (Entry- Level Driver Training)

  • Shasta College offers multiple options- pick the path that fits your schedule and budget!!
    • Shasta College offers an 8-week online course - CONS 140A –Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit Preparation class every semester. You may apply Financial Aid to this course, if approved. If you are not eligible for Financial Aid, this course is approximately $150.
    • Shasta College also offers a short online ELDT course through Ed2Go. Please note: Financial Aid does not apply to this option but you may have other funding resources available to you such as Department of Rehabilitation (see eligibility requirements) or Affirm.
  • Not the right fit? Here's another option! Just go to the FMCSA website and you'll find a list of approved online providers to choose from — ELDT.com is a popular one. You’ll work through the material at your own speed, so there's no pressure to keep up with a class schedule. Financial Aid won't cover this route, but check out other funding options in the “Funding & Payment Options” section.

Funding & Payment Options

  • Financial Aid does not apply to the $3,500 fee for behind-the-wheel CDL program, however other funding resources might be available to you:
    • America's Job Center of California (AJCC) - may be able to fund eligible training programs. SMART Workforce Center is a great place to start!
    • Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) - if you have a disability that affects your ability to work, DOR may cover training costs (see eligibility requirements).
    • “Buy Now, Pay Later”- providers like Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay - let you split the cost of your training into monthly installments, which may make the program more financially accessible. However, terms, fees, and approvals are determined entirely by the provider. Shasta College does not endorse, sponsor, or have any partnership with these or any other third-party financing services — this information is provided for your convenience only.

We've done our best to answer your questions right here on this page! Before reaching out, take a moment to browse our FAQ section below — your answer may already be there. Still can't find what you're looking for? No worries submit the interest form below and we'll be happy to help!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that Financial Aid cannot be used toward the CDL behind-the-wheel program. Check out the Funding & Payment Options section below to explore other resources that may be available to you.

Please note that the full program fee is due at the time of enrollment — payment plans are not offered directly through Shasta College. However, there are outside resources that may help, including 'Buy Now, Pay Later' options. See the Funding & Payment Options section below to learn more.

No. The $3,500 only covers the behind-the-wheel training.

You're all set — congratulations! Having your Driver's License, DMV CDL Permit, DOT Physical, and theory course completed means you meet all of the requirements to join our CDL program. Go ahead and submit your information using this link here and we'll reach out to get you enrolled in the next available session! Don’t forget to attach the required documents!

Also known as “Theory Course”. ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. CONS- 140A is a Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit Preparation class that is offered through Shasta College. This theory class is a mandatory Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirement effective February 7, 2022, for individuals obtaining a Class A or B commercial driver's license (CDL). It ensures consistent training standards—theory and behind-the-wheel—to enhance safety. The theory class will guide you through the California Department of Motor Vehicles Drivers Handbook to prepare you for the Commercial Learners Permit written exam.

Great question! ELDT and CONS 140A are actually the same thing — you will not need to do both. The difference is in how you take it. CONS 140A is Shasta College's version, offered as a 2-unit, 8-week online course every semester, and financial aid may be able to cover the cost if you qualify. ELDT through an outside provider is a shorter, self-paced option, but financial aid does not apply. See our Funding & Payment Options section for resources that may help cover the cost. Please refer to our How to Complete Your ELDT section for more information on how to complete your theory course.

CONS 140A (Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit Preparation class) is a 2-unit, 8-week online course offered at Shasta College each semester.

The timeline varies depending on which provider you choose. Since outside providers ELDT courses are self-paced, some students are able to finish in just 1 to 2 days! Take some time to research your options online and find the one that works best for you.

That's great news — you're already one step ahead! Having your CLP means one less thing to check off your list. To move forward, we'll still need you to complete your theory course (if you haven't already) and obtain your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical before you can enroll in the behind-the-wheel program.

You're all set — congratulations! Please attach your documents to this form. Having these requirements completed means you meet all of the criteria to join our CDL program. Go ahead and submit your information using this link here and we'll reach out to get you enrolled in the next available session! Don’t forget to attach the required documents!