Commercial Driving
Many businesses and industries today are looking for drivers to help them meet their multiple transportation needs. From Stewart’s Shops to D.A. Collins, from small businesses to large corporations, there are opportunities all around our region for commercial drivers.
Our Commercial Driving courses will help you earn your commercial driving license, giving you the chance to get plugged into these many job opportunities.
- Entry Level Driver Training
- Commercial Driver’s License A Driving Session
- Commercial Driver’s License B Driving Session
- CDL - Hazmat
Steps to getting your CDL
(Steps 1 and 2 are interchangeable)
Step 1: CDL-Entry Level Driver Training (this is interchangeable with Step 2)
The first step in obtaining your CDL is to complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory course as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Your Entry Level Driver Training Certificate is valid for one year.
Click here to see Entry Level Driver Training offerings.
For those who have held or were issued a CDL or S, P, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022 click here for additional information.
Starting 7/1/23 we will only be accepting students onto our In The Cab waitlist who have taken ELDT Theory (Class A and Class B) with WSWHE BOCES. School Bus and Passenger theory will be accepted from a training provider listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
Step 2: Commercial Learner's Permit (this is interchangeable with Step 1)
Next is to obtain your CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Once you complete CDL Entry Level Driver Training, schedule a permit test with DMV to take the written exam in the class you desire (Class A or Class B). CLPs are valid for 1 year only. A CLP cannot be renewed. After your CLP expires, you will be required to apply for a new CLP. This may include retaking any required knowledge tests. Click here for the DMV CLP webpage.
Step 3: DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
Each student must have a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876) and send it to the NYS DMV. This is required to be able to schedule and take your road test. Once you have your CDL, you will be responsible for keeping your MCSA-5876 current with the NYS DMV. For directions on how to schedule your physical and provide a copy of the certificate to the NYS DMV, click here.
Next is to obtain your CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Once you complete CDL Entry Level Driver Training, schedule a permit test with DMV to take the written exam in the class you desire (Class A or Class B). CLPs are valid for 1 year only. A CLP cannot be renewed. After your CLP expires, you will be required to apply for a new CLP. This may include retaking any required knowledge tests. Click here for the DMV CLP webpage.
Step 3: DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
Each student must have a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876) and send it to the NYS DMV. This is required to be able to schedule and take your road test. Once you have your CDL, you will be responsible for keeping your MCSA-5876 current with the NYS DMV. For directions on how to schedule your physical and provide a copy of the certificate to the NYS DMV, click here.
**Please note that the DMV will not remind you when your DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate or Medical Variance is about to expire unless you are enrolled in the Electronic Reminders program (sign up for the reminders program can be found by the link provided above).
Step 4: Behind-The-Wheel Road and Range In The Cab Training
Next is to complete the Behind-the-Wheel Road and Range curriculum from a training provider certified by the FMCSA.
To be added to the waitlist for our CDL In-Cab Driver Training (below), please call (518) 581-3555 and email your ELDT Certificate; your valid NYS Driver's License; your valid Commercial Learner's Permit; and your valid DOT Medical Certificate (MCSA-5876) to [email protected]. Please also include your phone number and your availability for lessons in the email. You will be placed on the waitlist to be matched with an instructor..
CDL "In The Cab" Driver Training - Class A
30 Hours of one on one in-cab instruction
30 Hours of one on one in-cab instruction
Tuition: $3,500
CDL "In The Cab" Driver Training - Class B
15 Hours of one on one in-cab instruction
15 Hours of one on one in-cab instruction
Tuition: $1,750
*In-cab training is not a pre-scheduled class, rather training that occurs based on a students and instructors availability.
Step 5: DMV Road Test
As a part of your purchased in-cab drive time, an instructor will accompany you to your DMV road test in our equipment.
Please note all DMV fees are separate.
Want to Teach?
If you are interested in being an instructor for this program, take a look at our employment opportunities by clicking here.
If you are interested in being an instructor for this program, take a look at our employment opportunities by clicking here.
Testimonials
"I would like to thank everyone involved in helping me brush up on my CDL driving skills. Kyle was a great instructor and helped me regain my confidence behind the wheel. I will be recommending the program to anyone interested in pursuing a truck driving career."
"I wanted to thank you and your staff for the streamlined process of obtaining my CDL. I wanted to reach out to you personally to give Kyle a lot of credit. He really is a great instructor and helped out tremendously."