Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Training

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In the classroom, you’ll learn the operating rules and regulations that govern trucking operations. Outside the classroom, hands-on training will guide you through learning safe operating practices in all phases of handling a truck/tractor semi-trailer combination vehicle. The class concludes with the State of ND CDL driving test. Class size is limited to four students per instructor to allow for the full learning experience. You’ll receive a certificate when you have successfully completed the class.

Prerequisites and Registration 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age; however, the required age for operating with a CDL outside of state lines is 21 years of age.
  • Be able read, write, and speak English well enough to: speak with the public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
  • Complete the application form and submit it either in-person or online to safety.training@willistonstate.edu.
  • Submit a 10% ($799) non-refundable deposit to hold a seat towards the full tuition of $7,999.
  • Remaining tuition balance must be paid two (2) weeks before the 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.*

*You must provide these items with your application or two (2) weeks before the class start date. Failure to provide these documents and the remaining tuition balance will delay the registration process, and registration will be transferred to the next available class date. You will be allowed two (2) transfers before registration is dropped. If this happens, you will need to complete the 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 Schedule 

Class meets five days a week, Monday through Friday. Classroom instruction days meet from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mountain Time, and all other training days are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendance is mandatory. If you miss class or don’t tell the instructor you’ll be absent, you may earn an additional charge for make-up time.

Three-day Classroom Instruction: Driver qualifications, hours of service, logbooks, driver wellness, driver fatigue, air brakes, whistleblower protection, pre-trip inspections, and defensive driving. 

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, and on-road driving on city and rural roadways as well as highway routes.

When you’ve finished the class, you will take your North Dakota CDL Drive Test using TrainND trucks. You are limited to three (3) attempts. After three (3) unsuccessful attempts, you’ll have to pay the $300 truck rental fee if you wish to retest.

TrainND must follow FMCSR regulations, which include hours of service. You cannot work more than 14 hours a day, including class time. You 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.

Class Cost 

$7,999 - includes tuition, fees, and books. You can also expect to have other costs such as DOT physical, drug screen, MVR, written knowledge test, and drive test. You must submit with your application a nonrefundable 10% ($799) deposit to reserve a seat in a class. The remaining tuition amount and/or payment authorizations are due two (2) weeks before the class start date. Failure to provide payment will result in transferring your registration to the next available class date. You will be allowed two (2) transfers before registration is dropped. If this happens, you will need to complete the application process again.

TrainND’s Class A CDL training program is a short-term, non-credit program; therefore, financial aid or tuition assistance is not available through TrainND Northwest.

You may qualify for funding from Job Service or Vocational Rehabilitation. Qualified veterans can receive tuition assistance through the 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 these classes.

Job Placement 

TrainND Northwest does not help with and/or guarantee job placement of students. However, trucking recruiters are welcomed to the school. Information on job listings for truck driver positions are given to self-pay students.

Certificate of Completion and Testing 

To receive a Certificate of Completion, you must have a passing score on the CDL written and driving exams and a satisfactory attendance record of 165 hours.

You will not get a refund if you fail either the course or the DOT testing OR are denied completion of the course or testing due to legality purposes.

Cancellation Policy 

This class requires a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of eight (8) students per class to allow 4:1 student/instructor ratio. Class will be canceled one (1) week before the class start date if the minimum has not been met. If you’ve registered but can’t get into the class due to enrollment numbers, you may either request to transfer to the next scheduled class or ask for a full refund. If you wish to transfer or cancel registration, you must provide notification no less than one (1) week before class starts. After this time, you will be charged a processing fee equal to 10% of the class cost in addition to the 10% ($799) deposit.

Study Materials 

You can pick up a Commercial Driver’s License Manual at a local driver’s license department or information can be found here.

Truck rentals and/or assessments are also available!

Please contact TrainND Northwest for more information on these classes and instructor availability at 701.572.2835 or safety.training@willistonstate.edu.