What is the first thing I need to do to get a CDL?

You need to get a CDL permit by taking a written test at one of the state driver license exam stations.  Then you need to come to our office to enroll and take a drug test.  You can start your training the next day.  You can enroll Monday thru Saturday at either our main campus in South St. Paul or at our St. Cloud  campus.

What is the difference between a Class A and a Class B CDL.

The Class A License allows you to drive trucks with trailers of any size.  A Class B license allows you to drive a truck of any size but you are not allowed to pull a large trailer behind a Class B truck.

If I have a Class A CDL can I drive a Class B?
Yes, but you cannot drive a Class A if you just have a B license.

Is a Health Card a requirement?
You do not need a health card to take training and you do not need a health card in order to get a CDL license if you paying for the training yourself and not employed at the time of training.  If you are employed and you are being paid for your time during the training then you need to have a valid health card with you.  In any case, it is a good idea to get your physical taken care of before you get your CDL.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is in the process of implementing new rules that will require proof of a valid health card when applying for or renewing a CDL license.  This change will take place soon.

Does Interstate Truck Driving School provide job placement?
Yes, Job Placement is available for students that complete our comprehensive programs that include the Entry Level Driver classroom and training in the larger manual transmission trucks.  We can get you pre-hired before you start your training if you meet the qualifications. 

If you only take training in a truck with an automatic transmission we cannot offer you job placement.

Are there any restrictions when testing with an automatic transmission?
No, some states have restrictions but Minnesota does not.   Auto shift transmissions are becoming more popular throughout the industry so there is no need to have such restrictions.


What size trucks and trailers does ITDS use for training and testing?
We have a lot of trucks.  We use city size trucks for the testing process and then bigger trucks for training after our students pass their road test.  The Class A testing trucks are single axle with single trailers. We also have a single axle straight truck for class B training and contractor trailers that can be pulled by the straight truck for class A tests.   Let us know what kind or size of truck you want to learn to drive and we will do our best to accommodate you. We have trucks with 6 speed, 7 speed, 9 speed, 10 speed, and 13 speed transmissions and 44’, 48’, and 53’ trailers for training in our comprehensive programs.  Check out our photo gallery for a look at all of our trucks.

We also have a bus available if you need a passenger endorsement on your license.  It is a 45 passenger coach with automatic transmission.

How long is a CDL permit valid?
6 months from the date you obtain your permit.  You may also take one road test on an expired permit.

Is Interstate Truck Driving School ATA accredited?
ITDS is licensed by the MN Department of Public Safety which is the agency that regulates commercial schools in Minnesota. We use PTDI approved materials which is the best available training source in the industry.  In Minnesota, accreditation is only given to schools regulated by the Department of Education and since we are a commercial school we are not allowed to use that credential.

What methods of payment are acceptable?
Cash or check on the first appointment. VISA,  Master card, American Express, or Discover prior to the first appointment.

Which locations does Interstate Driving Academy utilize for their road tests?
We test at the Eagan.  We do not use the Arden Hills exam station at this time because we do not feel the testing there is consistently fair.  The staff at Eagan and Plymouth has a better attitude and the supervisors are more cooperative.  (We are not the only truck driving school that avoids Arden Hills; there are other schools feel the same way about that location)  We do not provide a truck for testing at Plymouth at this time.  We are considering taking student to St. Cloud for tests in the near future.

Is there a guarantee?
We cannot guarantee you will pass your CDL test the first time (state rules prohibit us from making such a guarantee), but our customers achieve a higher pass rate than the state average.  We will guarantee you will be fully prepared and you will have practiced everything that you will be tested on.

We will also do everything we can to make sure you receive a fair test from the state.  We are passionate about making sure everyone is treated fairly and equally by the State of Minnesota.