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 for a drug test.
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.
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 from the Eagan and Plymouth exam stations. 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)
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 have practiced everything that you
will be tested on.