Class A CDL – Certificate Program
246 Hours – 2 Months
2024-2025 Tuitions Fees: $6,454
Program Start Dates in 2025 & 2026: January 7, 2025, April 7, 2025, July 7, 2025, September 9, 2025, January 6, 2026, and April 6, 2026.
NOTE: You can now customize your CDL training! Contact us at llawson@cpi.edu regarding hourly training rates for CDL.
Admission Requirements
Application Fee, Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance.
Program Description
The Class A CDL Certificate Program (“Program”) is designed to provide the student with industry-current training and knowledge to take a Class A CDL Certification and subsequently gain entry level employment as a CDL operator. The Program features obtaining Learners Permit, instruction on vehicle safety, driving procedures & safety, trip planning, logbook practices and public and employee relations. In addition to classroom instruction, driving skills tests, and practice exams, students receive over-the-road training on rural highway, interstate and city driving.
CDL-056, ELDT and Commercial Learners Permit (Hybrid Training)
The ELDT and Commercial Learners Permit Course will cover the interaction between driver-trainees and the CMV. Driver-trainees will receive instruction in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and will be introduced to the basic CMV instruments and controls. Driver-trainees will learn the basic operating characteristics of a CMV. This section will also teach driver-trainees how to properly perform vehicle inspections, control the motion of CMVs under various road and traffic conditions, employ shifting and backing techniques, and properly couple and uncouple combination vehicles. The Class A curriculum will at a minimum, include the following: Orientation, Control Systems/Dashboard, Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections, Basic Control, Shifting/Operating Transmissions, Backing and Docking, Coupling and Uncoupling, Visual Search, Communication, Distracted Driving, Speed Management, Space Management, Night Operation, Extreme Driving Conditions, Hazard Perception, Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing and Other Emergencies, Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing, Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions, Roadside Inspections, Maintenance, Handling and Documenting Cargo, Environmental Compliance Issues, Hours of Service Requirements, Fatigue and Wellness Awareness, Post-Crash Procedures, External Communications, Whistleblower/Coercion, Trip Planning, Drugs and Alcohol, Medical Requirements, Human Trafficking, CSA, Special Rigs, Crossing the Canadian Border and Basic Business Practices. (56 Lecture Hours — 0 Lab Hours). This Course is conducted On-Line. Students must obtain a minimum score of 80 to proceed with training.
CDV-120 , Air Brakes and Vehicle Systems
The Air Brakes and Vehicle Systems course reviews the fundamentals of Class A air brake systems on commercial vehicles, air compressor systems, air storage tanks, safety valves, and foundation brakes (s-cam, disc, and wedge). Student’s study and practice the inspection of systems and operate CPI equipment equipped with air brake systems. Students also utilize vehicle systems which are specific to various equipment as well as interact with instructors experiencing both on road and off road driving skills. (7 Lecture Hours — 7 Lab Hours)
CVO-166, Combination Vehicles & Operations
The Combination Vehicles & Operations course highlights a combination of vehicles and operations of Class A equipment. Combination vehicle safety, rollover risks, prevention of trailer skids, wide turns, and backing with a trailer are emphasized in CVO-166. Coupling and uncoupling of combination vehicles, vehicle positioning, disconnection of air lines, inspection of combination vehicles and coupling systems are discussed in depth in this course. Students conclude this course by practicing their driving skills both on road and off road. (7 Lecture Hours — 14 Lab Hours)
CDL-160, On and Off Road Including Range
On and Off Road, Including Range, continues the hands-on practice of commercial truck driving. Students’ complete inspections and practice backing, parking, and driving skills. Students work on their skills both on the range and out on the road, including simulation. Students prepare for the skills and driving portions of the Commercial Driver’s License exam. Students will practice on Class A equipment. (7 Lecture Hours — 120 Lab Hours)
CST-200 — Basic Control Skills and Road Test
The Basic Control Skills and Road Test course prepares students for the DOT basic skills and road examination and culminates in the PENNDOT CDL A test. Students practice in the following six components for the PENNDOT examination: straight line back, right offset back, left offset back, conventional parallel park, driver’s side parallel park, and ninety-degree alley dock. At this time, students also prepare for their on-road examination. The driver’s examination consists of a requirement of meeting a minimum of 67 points on a 90-point examination. Students practice with instructors to gain the skills to take their simulated DOT examination. The course concludes with the administration of the DOT examination. During this period, students also prepare for post program employment. Preparation includes meeting with company recruiters, completing employer applications, and utilization of the institution’s Career Connection Placement system. (0 Lecture Hours – 28 Lab Hours)