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We cover a variety of common questions regarding theory and practice instruction, exams and what you need to get started.
Theory is a self-paced, approximately 30-hour, an online course with videos and reading materials you must complete before you can obtain your Commercial Learner’s permit (program requirement). This course also prepares you for the in-person behind the wheel training at our facility.
The purpose of the CDL Theory class is to cover topics to prepare you for behind the wheel training and to help you study for the written exams at the MVD so you can obtain a Commercial Learner’s permit.
Yes, the theory class is required to complete your Entry Level Driver Training requirement per FMCSA regulations (https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Learn/ELDT).
No, the CDL theory class is only offered online.
The CDL theory class starts about 5 weeks in advance of your behind the wheel training.
It takes students about 20-30 hours to complete the class. It is important to keep studying after you complete the coursework.
Please let us know so we can help you coordinate time in a computer lab or resources to complete the class.
You will spend 5 weeks with instructors getting hands-on, personal training to prepare you for the skills exam.
Yes – all required documents must be submitted to attend a Behind the Wheel training.
Your commercial learner’s permit, driver’s license, and medical card. Be prepared to be outside – bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
All of our vehicles are manual transmission.
Weekday Schedule
Monday through Friday, starting at either 7:00am OR 11:30am.
Weekend Schedule
Saturday through Wednesday session start times vary.
You can find the latest information on upcoming classes here: https://abqcdl.org/courses/class-a-cdl/
Make sure you are ready to go with these helpful questions on required documents.
A registry of medical examiners is available on the FMCSA website: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
You need to take a DOT regulated drug test. You must have your commercial learner’s permit before you take your drug test.
Drug test results older than 30 days are not valid for entry into our programs. You will need to retake the test.
You will either have to attend a certified substance abuse program or wait 5 years to re-enter the program.
We are here to help you prepare and pass your skills exam. Learn what to expect with these questions.
Information on how to prepare for the CDL Skills Exam is in the CDL Manual Chapters 11-13.
Candidates are allowed to take the CDL Skills Exam three times. After the third attempt, they must wait one year from the initial exam before they are eligible to test again.
Candidates must wait at least three business days to schedule a retest. The retest must be at least one week after the initial exam.
The exam typically takes about 2 – 2.5 hours to complete. There is no time limit on the test.
We do not allow candidates to request an examiner for their test. All of our examiners follow the state scoring regulations and are equally ethical.
The CDL Exam Scheduler will call you if your exam is canceled due to weather. The exam will be rescheduled for the next available exam date. You will not be charged an additional fee.
No, the CDL Skills Exam must be conducted at a state approved test site on an approved route.
Please submit a detailed email to info@abqcdl.org within two weeks. We will conduct a full investigation into your complaint by reviewing all exam materials.
The following restrictions require a full CDL Skills Exam in a representative vehicle to remove:
E – automatic transmission. You must test in a vehicle with manual transmission to remove.
O – truck trailer. You must test in a tractor trailer to remove.
L – non air brake. You must test in a vehicle with air brakes to remove.
Phone: (505) 224-3000 · Fax (505) 224-5201 Email: info@abqcdl.org
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