Frequently Asked Questions with Commercial Driving Academy

A CDL is a commercial drivers license that allows a person to drive as part of their profession.

There are three different types of CDL:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

Class A CDL training prepares you for work with large tractor-trailers, or combination vehicles, with heavy trailers. Class B training teaches you the skills you need to know to handle single, heavy vehicles.

Anyone who wants to drive a commercial vehicle needs to get a CDL. This includes someone driving:

• Vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds
• Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers
• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials

Depending on the class of CDL that you obtain, that determines what kind of job you can have. A few of the careers you can have with a CDL are:

• Truck Driver
• Bus Driver
• Delivery Driver
• Heavy Equipment Operator

No. At CDA, our students do not need prior experience before starting training.

To start CDL training at CDA, you’ll need to meet the federal requirements to be a commercial driver:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving)
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
• Have a clean driving record
• Pass a DOT Physical and drug screening

At CDL, depending on the class of CDL that you choose, will determine how long your CDL training will take. Many of our students finish Class A CDL training in as little as four weeks, and Class B in as little as two weeks.

ELDT, also known as Entry-Level Driver Training is a federally required training that all new CDL holders need to go through in order to obtain their license.

No. Here at CDA we help our students get their commercial learner’s permit.

CDA currently offers endorsements in HazMat, Passenger, and Manual Restriction Removal.

No. Class B CDL training is currently only offered at our Duncan, South Carolina campus.

Yes, we can help you upgrade your CDL. This requires taking the Class A CDL training course, just like other students wanting to earn their Class A.

Yes – Our admissions team will work with you to see what tuition assistance you qualify for. Some students even pay as little as zero out-of-pocket.

Here at CDA, we currently only offer full-time training for our students, taking place Monday through Friday.

With flexible training schedules, our students are able to continue working while attending CDL training.

If you’re ready to get started with CDL training at Commercial Driving Academy, our admissions team will walk you through the application process. Just fill out a form to get started.

Many of our students are able to start their training as early as the following week, with regular class start dates helping students get their CDL quickly.

During CDL training, students will receive highway training, helping them to get more comfortable driving with interstate travel, which you have to be 21 to do.

Yes. CDL training at CDA will prepare you for the CDL skills test.

Yes, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all new CDL drivers complete Entry-Level Driver Training.

Yes. CDA works with local, regional, and over-the-road companies to help our students find careers once they’ve finished their CDL training.

At CDA we work with a variety of employers that offer careers in Local, Regional, and Over-the-road positions.

The first week of CDL training will be spent in the classroom, ensuring you’re ready for the written test, as well as getting the background information you need to become a confident driver.

Students need to be able to climb in and out of trucks multiple times a day throughout the training process.

To get more information about Commercial Driving Academy, connect with us at one of our five locations.