Class A Commercial Driver's License Training

Class Information : Class A Commercial Driver Training

In just a few short weeks, you could be earning an excellent living as a Class A commercial vehicle driver. This four-week course includes one week of convenient, self-paced online theory, followed by up to three weeks of fast-paced skills training in lab and open-road settings. Upon completion, students take a CDL skills test with an Idaho DOT-approved tester.

The course fee includes vouchers for a DOT physical and drug screen, Class A theory, HazMat theory, Class A skills training, and one Idaho skills test.

NIC is an FMCSA-registered, ELDT-compliant training provider. Learn more about federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements on the U.S. Department of Transportation Training Provider Registry.

Residency and Eligibility

At this time, North Idaho College accepts only Idaho residents into the Class A Commercial Driver’s Training program. Call the Workforce Development team at 208-769-3264 with questions about eligibility for residents of other states.

Students from Idaho aged 18–20 are welcome to participate; however, Idaho does not permit drivers under the age of 21 to drive in an interstate capacity at this time.

Required Documentation

Students must provide the following documentation by the class orientation date:

• Idaho Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit with Airbrakes and Combination endorsements
• Current valid Idaho Driver’s License
• Driving Record for the past three years
• DOT Physical Exam and Drug Screen (voucher provided)

Students are responsible for all permitting fees. Contact your local Department of Licensing with questions about obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit before the course begins.

Requirements Before Training Begins

At the start of theory and skills training, students must:

• Be registered and paid in full, or have an approved payment-plan arrangement
• Have completed all prerequisite documentation required of CDL students
• Complete a DOT physical exam and drug screen at NIC’s approved provider (fees covered by the program)
• Hold a valid Idaho Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit with no equipment-related restrictions (must train on equipment with airbrakes)

Schedule and Orientation

Theory begins the first day of class. Students have four days to complete the required modules.

A mandatory in-person orientation is held from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday after the class starts at the NIC Sandpoint Center, 515 Pine St, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 (view map).

Upon completion of training, students will be signed off by instructors. The Workforce Development team will assist in scheduling skills tests in Idaho at the state proctor’s earliest availability.

Funding Assistance

Find information on funding assistance at NIC Workforce Training Center Payment Options.

Important

All required documentation must be submitted by the class orientation date. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the class. Before registering, consider your progress in gathering the necessary documentation. The Learner’s Permit typically takes the most time to obtain.

The standard 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. Please review the Workforce Training Center Refund Policy for details.