Class A Commercial Driver's License Training

Class Information Class A Commercial Driver's License 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, you will 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

• Residency Requirement: At this time, North Idaho College accepts only Idaho residents into the Class A Commercial Driver’s Training program.
• Eligibility Questions: For questions about eligibility for residents of other states, call NIC Workforce Development at (208) 769-3264.
• Age Requirement: You must be 18 or older to register.
• Interstate Driving Limitation: If you are 18 to 20 years old, you are welcome to participate; Idaho does not permit drivers under the age of 21 to drive in an interstate capacity at this time.

Required Documentation

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

• Commercial Learner’s Permit: Idaho Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit with Airbrakes and Combination endorsements.
• Driver’s License: Current valid Idaho Driver’s License.
• Driving Record: Driving record for the past three years.
• DOT Physical and Drug Screen: DOT physical exam and drug screen, voucher provided.

You 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, you must:

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

Schedule and Orientation

• Theory Start: Theory begins the first day of class.
• Theory Completion Window: You have four days to complete the required modules.
• Mandatory Orientation: A mandatory in-person orientation is held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday after the class starts at the NIC Sandpoint Center, 515 Pine St, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; View NIC Sandpoint Center in Google Maps for directions.
• Skills Test Scheduling: Upon completion of training, you 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.

Payment Options and Funding Assistance

For payment-related resources, visit Workforce Training Center Payment Options or call Customer Service at (208) 769-3214.

Important

• Documentation Deadline: All required documentation must be submitted by the class orientation date; failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the class.
• Planning Reminder: Before registering, consider your progress in gathering the necessary documentation; the Learner’s Permit typically takes the most time to obtain.
• Refund Policy: 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; review the Workforce Training Center Refund Policy for details.