CDL

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Entry-Level Commercial Driver Training

INTEREST FORM - SUBMIT YOUR CONTACT INFO HERE

If you are interested in an exciting career as a commercial driver, Victor Valley College will be offering CDL training at no cost to students beginning in Fall 2022. 

 

 

WINTER SESSION REGISTRATION

We are working to schedule a Winter 2022 session (details to follow when they are available.) Students are encouraged to check Navigate regularly as the courses may open for registration without notification. Thank you for your patience. This program has been incredibly popular and we are working to make it available to as many students as possible.

We will be offering CDL twice in Spring 2023 if you aren't able to get into CDL this winter.

Students will register for CDL 041 ONLY. Once the CDL 041 roster is finalized, those students will be automatically registered into CDL 042 and CDL 043.

 

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

We held a short Zoom presentation of the program which included a question & answer session. This meeting was recorded and the link is posted here. Passcode: 3Gyc?hMG

 

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.

Courses

CDL 041 - Safe Operation and Regulations (54 Lecture Hours)
  • This course will prepare students to take the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) test at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Students will learn laws and regulations governing commercial vehicles as well as safe operating practices. Students will use a commercial vehicle simulator and begin practicing pre-trip inspections during this course. 
CDL 042 - Range Operations (27 Lecture Hours/54 Lab Hours)
  • This course will teach students to be proficient at pre-trip inspections, air brake system testing, and parking operations such as parallel parking and angled backing into a dock.
CDL 043 - On-the-road Training (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.

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 - $85 (April 2022)
  • Optional - Add additional endorsements Tank, Doubles/Triples/Hazmat (requires additional course) - $50 (April 2022)
  • 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.
  • DMV H-6 Printout (optional) - $5 (April 2022)

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.

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

Are trucks manual or automatic?

Both trucks operated by Victor Valley College are manual transmission. Students will have access to a simulator to practice manual transmission operation prior to operating a truck on the range or public roads. 

What trailers are used for training?

Victor Valley College has a 53' van trailer and 48' spread axle flatbed.

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. Over the course of the program, students will have the opportunity to meet with many local and nationwide carriers to discuss employment opportunities.

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?

At this time, Victor Valley College does not offer a separate program for experienced drivers. All students seeking to earn a CDL will need to complete the sequence of courses (CDL 041/CDL 042/CDL 043) that make up the Entry Level Driver Training program. 

Does Victor Valley College offer an ELDT Hazardous Materials course?

At this time, Victor Valley College does not offer an ELDT Hazardous Materials course for drivers who are seeking a HazMat endorsement. This course is in development and we hope to have it available in the very near future.

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 us 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 bring employers to the school so you can learn about the available opportunities and make an informed decision regarding which trucking company will be the best fit for you.

 

If you have questions not answered on this page, please send an email to richard.radcliffe@vvc.edu