Entry Level Class A Program

Many of our customers come to us looking for a program that will assist them to learn the basic skills necessary to pass the Class A CDL road test.  You must be able to back up a truck/trailer combination accurately using the mirrors in order to pass the Minnesota Class A CDL truck driving test.  The “Rookie Class A Program” is designed to help drivers that do not have any previous experience backing up trailers and want to learn only what is necessary to pass the test. 

The Rookie Program is a 50 hour course. Students practice their backing skills with a truck/trailer combination on our driving range located at our facility in South St. Paul or Clear Lake for up to 20 hours.  Students will need to master straight backing with mirrors only (a distance of 140 feet within a 12’ wide lane) and the alley dock maneuver within a five minute time limit.  The student then receives 6 hours of personal one-on-one instruction in a Class A vehicle followed by the state road test.  The program includes the DOT drug screen and 24 hours of classroom instruction at our South St. Paul office.  The class includes Air Brake Basics, Hours of Service, Pre-trip Inspections, and more.  The Class fulfills the FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training requirement. The total cost is $995.00 when pre-paid.

Some students will need additional time to practice their backing skills. Should the student fail their first road test, the charge for an additional test is $154.00 for the use of the truck for the test only, $209.00 for an hour of instruction followed by the test, or $245.00 for two hours of instruction followed by the test.

Most students start the program with two hours of backing practice each day and take two weeks to complete the training and road test. The two hour per day schedule is recommended since the practice and training is rather intense and most people are better off with a short training periods.

This program is appropriate for drivers that need a Class A license to drive smaller combinations in industries such as landscaping and lawn-care.  The program is also appropriate for drivers that are not willing to make a commitment to a comprehensive program until have they have the opportunity to assess their aptitude for driving combination vehicles.  Students that have successfully completed the Entry Level Program are eligible to step up to a comprehensive program and their initial hours of training will count toward completion of any of the longer programs.