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.

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 all instruction and training throughout the program, including four hours with an instructor and the use of a Shasta College truck for the DMV driving test. 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.

Requirements Before Registering

• Must be 18 years of age
• Successful completion of a required FMCSA approved Entry Level Driving Training (ELDT) theory course
• DOT Physical - Approximately $100 - DOT Physical Certified Medical Examiners List (PDF)
• CDL Permit from DMV
• Driver's License

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.

Refund Policy

Upon payment of the $3,500 non-refundable registration fee, the registrant must submit all required paperwork, including documentation necessary to initiate the mandatory drug test, within five (5) business days. Failure to timely submit the required documentation will render the registrant ineligible to begin training, and no refund will be issued. A one-time transfer request to a future class may be considered if additional time is needed; however, approval is not guaranteed and is granted at the sole discretion of the program. Any registrant who fails or refuses the required drug test will be removed from the program without refund and may reapply only after meeting FMCSA return-to-duty requirements; the registration fee will not carry over. Shasta College is required to report positive drug test results, alcohol test results of 0.04 or higher, and refusals to test to the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 at the bottom of this page and we'll be happy to help!