CDL

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Commercial Driver Training

Note to students: the CDL program is experiencing incredibly high demand. Over 3000 individuals have expressed interest in getting their CDL at VVC. We only have approximately 120 openings per year. We would like for every interested student to have an opportunity to earn a commercial driver's license and are working to expand capacity. We ask for your patience and understanding as we grow the CDL program.

How to get a CDL at VVC:

 

  1. Click this link to register for VVC (hint: click on "create new account")
    1. If you are already a student, you can skip this step and go right to #3
    2. If you are a new student, it may take 48 - 72 hours for your application to be processed.
    3. Additional application instructions can be found here:   Noncredit registration
  2. Register for CDL Orientation (CDL 040) using "Self Service"
    1. This class will give you more information about the VVC CDL program requirements and will prepare you to take the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) test at the DMV
  3. Register for ELDT Safe Operation and Regulations (CDL 041)
    1. PRIOR TO THE START OF CDL 041:
      1. Earn your California Commercial Learner's Permit
      2. Complete VVC drug testing requirements including FMCSA Clearinghouse clearance
    2. You will be automatically enrolled in CDL 042 upon successful completion of CDL 041.
      1. The Training Provider Registry will be update for the Theory portion upon successful completion of CDL 041.
    3. You will be automatically enrolled in CDL 043 upon successful completion of CDL 042.
      1. The Training Provider Registry (TPR) will be updated for the Range portion upon successful completion of CDL 042.
    4. You will be scheduled for your DMV drive test during CDL 042 but must complete CDL 041/042/043 to be eligible to test.
      1. The Training Provider Registry (TPR) will be updated for the Public Road portion upon successful completion of CDL 043.
  4. Earn your Commercial Driver's License by demonstrating proficiency at DMV in the following areas:
    1. Pre-trip inspection
    2. Air brake system check
    3. In-cab inspection
    4. Range skills
    5. On-road operation
  5. Start your exciting new career as a commercial driver :-)

 

CDL flyer front

CDL flyer back

Qualifying students may have some of their fees reimbursed by the San Bernardino County department of Workforce Development. For more information, please see the flyer below.

Truck Driver Training

All Truck Jobs

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - $1000 

NEW LOCATION

CDL class sessions will now meet on Main Campus in Building 62 (Electronics) Room 05 or Room 01. Please check Self-Service to see where your class meets.

 

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DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Federal law governs the operation of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). Students will be drug and alcohol tested prior to operating any VVC CMVs. If, in the opinion of faculty or staff, a student appears to be under the influence of a prohibited substance, they will be referred for testing according to federal requirements. A positive drug or alcohol test as a CMV operator must be reported to the Clearinghouse, which may bar drivers from employment. If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, click here to find help. 

Hair follicle testing: Please see the link for an article explaining the state of hair follicle testing for CDL drivers.

SUSPENDED LICENSE DUE TO BACK CHILD SUPPORT?

There may be resources for you! Please contact Silverio Cortes-Ruiz, a Child Support Specialist for San Bernardino County at (760) 843-2804 or at Silverio.Cortes-Ruiz@hss.sbcounty.gov for more information.

Courses

CDL 040 - Commercial Driver's License Orientation (14.4 Lecture Hours)
  • This introductory course is designed to prepare students for the VVC Commercial Driver training program. Students will be exposed to the various aspects of life and employment as a commercial driver. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to earn their commercial learner's permit (CLP).
CDL 041 - ELDT Safe Operation and Regulations (54 Lecture Hours)
  • This course enables students to become familiar with regulations governing the operation of commercial vehicles and safe operational practices. This course follows state and federal guidelines for commercial driver training programs and is approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as an Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program.
CDL 042 - ELDT Range Operations (27 Lecture Hours/54 Lab Hours)
  • This course is designed to prepare students for the range operations section of the California CMV License test. Students will practice moving forward, backing, parallel parking, backing into a dock, and other operations typical of a commercial driver. Students will also demonstrate proficiency performing pre-trip inspections and the required air brake system test. 
CDL 043 - ELDT On Road Skills (27 Lecture Hours/67.5 Lab Hours)
  • This course will teach students to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads in the high desert. The purpose of this course is to prepare students to pass the road test portion of the licensing process.
CDL 048 - Drive Test Prep for Prior CDL Holders (4.5 Lecture Hours/9.1 Lab Hours)
  • This course is for drivers who have previously held a CDL and are not subject to ELDT regulations. Proof of prior CDL is required prior to first class session. This class will prepare students for DMV testing by verifying documents and explaining new skills test requirements. Lab time will be for a brief refresher on pre-trip, air brake, in-cab, skills, and road operation.
CDL 051.A - ELDT HazMat 1 (7.2 Lecture Hours)
  • This is part one of a two course sequence designed to meet the ELDT requirements for students looking to add a Hazardous Materials endorsement.  May be taken with a Class C license.
CDL 051.B - ELDT HazMat 2 (7.2 Lecture Hours)
  • This is part two of a two course sequence designed to meet the ELDT requirements for students looking to add a Hazardous Materials endorsement.  May be taken with a Class C license. 
CDL 056.A - ELDT Passenger (7.2 Lecture Hours) - COMING SOON
  • This is part one of a two course sequence designed to meet the ELDT requirements for students looking to add a Passenger endorsement.
CDL 056.B - ELDT Passenger (7.2 Lecture Hours) - COMING SOON
  • This is part two of a two course sequence designed to meet the ELDT requirements for students looking to add a Passenger endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the cost of the program?

Commercial Driver Training courses will be offered at no charge to students.

Students will need to pay for the following items over the course of the program:

  • DMV fees for permit and behind-the-wheel testing - Original Class A or Class B - $89 (January 2023)
  • DOT Physical (fees vary...CDL instructors will provide more information)
  • Drug Testing $165
    • Victor Valley College will be using Mobile Occupational Services as our Third Party Administrator. Students are be considered owner-operators under FMCSA regulations. Student drivers are responsible for their own compliance with part 382 and part 40. Because of this requirement, students will be charged a management fee and will be charged for pre-employment testing and for their FMCSA Clearinghouse query. The management fee covers an entire DOT substance abuse program. All DOT drug and alcohol random testing, annual queries, program management, clearinghouse management and assistance, DOT required education, and a DOT policy. DOT requires Mobile Occupational Services to treat students the same as  "owner-operators" in order to be in compliance. The pre-employment test and query is required for all students driving Victor Valley College commercial vehicles. Students may not use a different Third Party Administrator.

If you need assistance with the fees, America's Job Center of California (AJCC) may be able to help. There are locations throughout San Bernardino County and you can find one close to you here: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/workforce/job-seekers/  Please contact them for details of their program.

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids or CalWORKs is a state-funded welfare-to-work program designed to help individuals on public assistance. CalWORKs provides temporary cash aid assistance to families with dependent children to help meet basic needs. CalWORKs aids parents in completing training programs with the goal of helping families become self-sufficient. Click here to apply.

In addition, workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for the Golden State Education and Training Grant Program.

Is instruction provided in languages other than English?

No. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to be able to communicate in English. DMV written and drive tests are conducted in English only. Students who are not able to communicate effectively in English are encouraged to enroll in VVC English as a Second Language courses. Please contact Martha Mendez at martha.mendez@vvc.edu for more information on our ESL program.

Are trucks manual or automatic?

Most trucks operated by Victor Valley College are equipped with manual transmissions. Students will have access to a simulator to practice manual transmission operation prior to operating a truck on the range or public roads. One truck is available with an automatic transmission but students testing in an automatic-equipped truck will have a restricted license. 

What trailers are used for training?

Victor Valley College has a 53' van trailers and 48' flatbeds.

Is this program an approved Entry-Level Driver Training Program?

Yes, the Victor Valley College program meets the requirements of ELDT. Check out this video for more information about Entry Level Driver Training rules.

Does Victor Valley College guarantee employment upon graduation?

No. Victor Valley College will make every effort to inform students of opportunities to obtain employment as commercial motor vehicle operators. Students are responsible for making contact with potential employers and securing offers of employment. See below for links to potential employers.

How can I check my record in the Training Provider Registry (TPR)?

Drivers who have completed entry-level driver training can check their record to see what information their training provider(s) have submitted to the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

  1. Visit the Training Provider Registry (TPR)
  2. Enter your name and license information (this must match how the training provider entered your information) and certify you are only checking your own information.
  3. Answer a question to verify your identity
  4. View your record.
I've held a CDL in the past. Can I skip part of the program and just do the driving portion of the CDL training?

Students who have held a CDL in the past should take CDL-048. Instructors will evaluate student proficiency and determine readiness to test at DMV.

Does Victor Valley College offer an ELDT Hazardous Materials course?

Victor Valley College has launched our ELDT Hazardous Materials course for drivers who are seeking a HazMat endorsement. This course meets the ELDT Hazardous Materials requirement.

Upon completion of the Victor Valley College CDL program, will I be obligated to work for a specific trucking company for a period of time?

No, Victor Valley College is independent of all trucking companies. When you complete training with VVC and get your license, you are free to work for any company. We are able to offer training for free through funding from the state of California. Other private schools that advertise free CDL training usually require you to work for a particular trucking company for a period of time to repay their investment. Victor Valley College also cannot guarantee you employment. We will make every effort to connect employers to students so you can learn about the available opportunities and make an informed decision regarding which employer will be the best fit for you.

What if I fail CDL-041, CDL-042, or CDL-043?

Students who do not pass CDL-041, CDL-042, or CDL-043 will be dropped from the program and will not test at DMV. Students wishing to continue with CDL training will need to re-enroll in CDL-041 and pass all three courses (even if you have previously passed any of the three courses.)

Potential Employers for Commercial Drivers

Werner Trucking Company: Local representative - Lee Lozo (Recruiting: 1-800-750-7706)

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad: Local representative - Heather Santos

Ebmeyer Charter: Local representative - Bruce Ebmeyer (Recruiting: Info@ebmeyercharter.com)

Robertson's Ready Mix: Local representative - Jeff Milner (Recruiting: Online Application )

Hi-Grade Materials: Local representative - Kristyn (Kris) Kirby (Recruiting: 760-669-3267)

Double-Eagle Transportation: Local representative - Sandy Marquez (Recruiting: (760) 956-3770 or hrsafety@doubleeagletrans.com)

Loyal Brothers Truck Repair (Hiring Truck Technicians - CDL highly desirable): Local Representative - Wendy (Recruiting (909)782-8798 or admin@loyalbrotherstruckrepair.com)

For any additional questions, please contact Connect2Success at info@vvc.edu or call at (760) 245-4271