Class A Commercial Driver's License Training

Start Your Career in the Transportation Industry CDL

Ready to begin a career in an industry that keeps America moving? North Idaho College’s Class A Commercial Driver Training program provides accelerated, career-focused training designed to prepare you for the Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills test and a wide range of opportunities in the transportation industry.

In as little as five weeks, you’ll build the knowledge, hands-on skills, and confidence needed to take the next step toward a professional driving career..

Accelerated, Hands-On Training

Our program combines flexible online learning with intensive, hands-on training.

You’ll begin with one week of self-paced online theory, giving you the flexibility to complete required coursework while building a strong foundation in commercial driving. Theory training includes Hazardous Materials (HazMat) instruction and a 2.5-hour forklift training and certification component.

Following theory week, you complete up to four weeks of hands-on training in a controlled lab environment and on the open road. Training focuses on developing the practical skills necessary to safely operate Class A commercial vehicles and prepare for the Idaho CDL skills test.

Throughout the program, experienced instructors will provide individualized instruction, demonstrations, and practical driving experience.

Course Fee: $4,595

Your course fee includes:

• DOT physical and drug screening vouchers
• Class A CDL theory training
• Hazardous Materials (HazMat) theory training
• Hands-on Class A CDL skills training
• Forklift training and certification test
• One Idaho CDL skills test voucher

Upon successful completion of training, you will be signed off by NIC instructors and will work with the Workforce Development team to schedule your CDL skills test with an Idaho DOT-approved tester at the earliest available opportunity.

You will also complete your forklift certification testing with NIC instructors.

Career-Focused Training

North Idaho College is an FMCSA-registered and ELDT-compliant training provider, offering career-focused instruction aligned with federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

This program is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue employment in the transportation industry while gaining an additional forklift certification that can expand your employment opportunities.

Whether you're beginning a new career or looking to expand your professional options, commercial driving can provide opportunities for career growth, mobility, and earning potential.

Residency & Eligibility

At this time, North Idaho College accepts Idaho residents into the Class A Commercial Driver Training program.

Students from Idaho who are 18–20 years old may participate in the program. However, drivers under the age of 21 are currently restricted from operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce under Idaho requirements.

If you have questions about eligibility, including eligibility for residents of other states, call the Workforce Development team at (208) 769-3264.

Required Documentation

All required documentation must be submitted by the class orientation date.

You must provide:

• Valid Idaho Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with Air Brakes and Combination endorsements
• Current, valid Idaho Driver’s License
• Three-year driving record
• Required DOT physical examination and drug screening

A voucher is provided for the DOT physical and drug screening through the program's approved provider.

Important

You are responsible for all commercial learner’s permit and associated licensing fees. Contact your local licensing agency with questions about obtaining your Class A CLP before the program begins.

Requirements Before Training Begins

• Be registered and paid in full
• Complete all required CDL student documentation
• Complete the required DOT physical and drug screening through NIC’s approved provider
• Hold a valid Idaho Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Have Air Brakes and Combination endorsements
• Have no equipment-related restrictions that would prevent training on the program's Class A equipment

Schedule and Orientation

Theory begins on the first day of class. You will have four days to complete the required online modules.

In-person activities during theory week include:

Day 1, Orientation: 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the North Idaho College (NIC) Sandpoint Center in Sandpoint, Idaho
Day 2, Pre-trip Inspection Training: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. hands-on training at the NIC Sandpoint Center
Day 3, Forklift Operator Certification (optional): 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the NIC Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Theory week is followed by up to four weeks of hands-on skills training.

After completing the required theory and skills training, you will be signed off by NIC instructors. The Workforce Development team will then assist with scheduling the CDL skills test in Idaho based on the state proctor’s available testing appointments.

Funding Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to help eligible students cover the cost of training.

Visit Workforce Training Center Payment Options for more information about available funding and payment assistance.

Important Enrollment Information

All required documentation must be submitted by the class orientation date.

Failure to provide the required documentation by the deadline may result in withdrawal from the program.

Before registering, you should begin gathering their documentation as early as possible. The Commercial Learner’s Permit is typically the step that requires the most time, so students are strongly encouraged to begin the permitting process before the class start date.

Refund Policy

The standard Workforce Training Center refund policy applies; no refunds are issued once the Canvas class has been accessed. If the DOT Physical and Drug Screen Voucher has been redeemed, those expenses will be deducted from any refund owed; review the Workforce Training Center Refund Policy for additional policy details.