Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Program

The Commercial Driver’s License Program (CDL) is a four-week, 165-hour course that meets the new FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. This comprehensive program provides students the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors both in the classroom and behind the wheel. Students will learn key commercial driving concepts and skills with hours of driving practice on the road, backing range and in various driving conditions. Upon successful completion students will be prepared and scheduled to take the state regulated CDL test. Students who are ready and successful in obtaining their CDL License prior to the end of the course are eligible to take offered post-CDL modules with job specific training. Course fee includes all training materials and truck use. Class size is limited to 4 students per instructor to allow the maximum learning experience. Classes are offered in Williston, Minot and Dickinson(in partnership with Dickinson State University). A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of instruction.

Prerequisites and Registration

• Must be at least 18-years-old; however, the required age for operating with a CDL outside of state lines is 21 years of age
• Be able to read and speak the English language in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations
• Complete the application form and submit in-person or online to safety.training@willistonstate.edu
• 10% non-refundable deposit to hold a seat that goes towards the full tuition
• Remaining tuition balance two (2) weeks prior to class start date*
• Must obtain a DOT drug screen dated within two (2) weeks of the class start date*
• Must have a current Class A Commercial Driver's Permit (passing of the knowledge, air-brake and combination tests)*
• Medical Examiner's Certification from DOT Physical*
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR can be obtained here)*

These items (*) must be provided with application or two (2) weeks prior to class start date. Failure to provide these documents and remaining tuition balance will delay registration process and/or registration will be transferred to next available class date. Students will be allowed two (2) transfers before registration is dropped and will need to complete application process again. 

Class size is limited, and enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting lists are established once classes have met maximum enrollment. Class dates come out on a quarterly basis. To view upcoming classes, click here.

Class Schedule

Class meets 5 days a week, Monday - Friday. Classroom instruction days meet from  8AM-5PM. Attendance is mandatory. Students that fail to attend or notify instructor of leave may incur an additional charge for make-up time.

Classroom Instruction: Driver qualifications, hours of service, logbooks, driver wellness, driver fatigue, control systems & controls, whistle blower protections, inspections, and defensive driving. These are a few of the 30 required topics covered in the classroom instruction that meets the requirements set forth by FMCSA.

Hands-on Driving: Vehicle inspections, basic controls, shifting and clutching systems, backing (straight line, offset, alley dock), speed control and management, hazard perception, defensive driving skills, on-road driving on city and rural roadways as well as highway routes. These are a few of the 19 required topics covered in the Behind-the-Wheel range and public road instruction that meets the requirements set forth by FMCSA.

Upon class completion, students will take their North Dakota CDL Drive Test utilizing our trucks. Students are limited to three (3) attempts. After three (3) unsuccessful attempts, the student will be required to pay the $450 truck rental fee if they wish to retest.

TrainND must follow FMCSR regulations, which include hours of service. Students cannot work more than 14 hours a day, including class time. Students must also have a 10-hour nightly reset, and a 34-hour reset on weekends. Students who do not get their resets each day and or weekend will not be allowed in class and will need to pay for additional make-up time.  

**All Week 4 class times will take place in Williston for both the Minot and Dickinson classes.

Class Cost

The class tuition depends upon the location of the class.

• Williston - $7,500
• Minot - $8,500
• Dickinson - $8,500

Tuition includes fees, textbooks, and the cost of the truck rental for your North Dakota CDL Drive Test. Students can also expect to incur other costs; such as DOT physical, drug screen, MVR, and written knowledge test. A nonrefundable 10% deposit must be made to reserve a seat in a class and must be submitted with your application. Remaining tuition amount and/or payment authorizations are due two (2) weeks prior to class start date. Failure to provide payment will result in transferring your registration to the next available class.

TrainND's CDL training program is a short-term, non-credit program, therefore, we do not offer financial aid or tuition assistance.

Students may qualify for funding from Job Service or Vocational Rehabilitation. Qualified veterans can receive tuition assistance through Post 9/11 GI Bill. More information about education benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is available here.

TrainND does not provide lodging and/or travel accommodations for our classes.

Job Placement

TrainND-Northwest does not assist with and/or guarantee job placement of students. However, trucking recruiters are welcome to provide information for open positions to post on our job board. 

Certificate of Completion and Testing

To receive a Certificate of Completion, students must have a passing score on the CDL written and driving exams and a satisfactory attendance record of 165 hours. No refund will be issued if a student does not pass either the course or the DOT testing. No refund will be issued if a student is denied completion of the course or testing due to legality purposes.

Cancellation Policy

This class requires a minimum of three (3) students. Class will be cancelled one (1) week prior to class start date if minimum has not been met. Registered students may be transferred to the next scheduled class or request a full refund be issued. If a student wishes to transfer or cancel registration, notification must be provided no less than two (2) weeks prior to class start date. After this time, your 10% deposit will be forfeited.

Study Materials

Commercial Driver's License Manual can be picked up at local Driver's License Department. An online PDF version is available here.