CDL Training Program

Program Overview

The Eastern Wyoming College Workforce Development CDL Training program is designed to prepare students for entry level driving positions in the commercial trucking industry.  The training provides tractor-trailer driving fundamentals to students who have minimal or no truck-driving experience.

Upon completion of the course the student will be prepared to successfully complete the State of Wyoming CDL Exam (Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test, On-Road Driving Test).  The program will pay for 2 test sessions, there will be a fee for any additional test sessions.

Driver Training Course (Entry-Level-Driver-Training)

The non-credit course is a combination of on-line Theory, hands-on lab time (Pre-Trip Inspection), independent study (loaner text book), observation, and Behind-the-Wheel training/practice.  The on-line Theory portion of the course is self-paced and is required to be completed within a 30-day period.  The Pre-Trip/Behind-the Wheel/Range training is 30-40 hours, depending on the individual student’s skill level and progress in developing skills.  The BTW training includes range for backing, open road driving, and port of entry sessions.  Each BTW training session will begin with a complete Pre-Trip Inspection.  Students will also have opportunity to practice with EWC’s EF-Truck NG simulator.

On-Line:   EWC utilizes the JJ Keller Safe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training.  Students may complete the lessons at home or utilize the Community Education computer lab in the CTEC Building by appointment.  There are 48 training topics that will take between 16 and 20 hours to complete.  A score of 80% is required to pass each unit of instruction.  A score below 80% will require the student to arrange for individual tutoring with the BTW instructor and to pass a written exam over the review material with a minimum score of 80%.

Range:  This area of training is for instruction, proficiency development, driving and/or observing status on an off-highway driving and practice range. Range activities include pre-trip inspection, coupling and uncoupling, all range maneuvers–straight line backing, offset backing and alley-dock backing, and basic driving techniques including shifting, cornering.

Road: Training hours in this area are spent on the public roads, street, and highways, driving and/or observing others drive under the supervision of a qualified driver instructor using the college’s road truck.  The truck cab is a retro-fitted sleeper with comfortable and safe seating for a student driver, an instructor and up to 3 student observers.  Students drive predetermined routes designed to be appropriate to their skill level and provide similar driving experiences for all students.

Registration Requirements

  • Be able to read and speak the English language with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.*

*Applicants needing assistance with reading and writing skills are encouraged to make      contact with EWC’s College & Career Readiness Center at 307-532-8399

  • Complete Application for Admission
  • Provide copies of the following:
  • Current State Driver’s License
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit when obtained
  • DOT Physical Card
  • Student may be included in a random drug testing program while enrolled in the program.
  • EWC will obtain a copy of your state driving record
  • Upon receipt of all pertinent documentation and acceptance to the program, the student will be enrolled in the on-line Theory portion of the program
  • Upon completion of the on-line Theory, the student’s scores will be entered on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.  As soon as is possible the student will be scheduled for the Behind-the-Wheel/Range instruction

Course Costs/Fees

  • $5,100Tuition/Fees—includes on-line Theory, loan of textbook if desired, materials, first 2 DOT Skills Test
  • DOT Physical responsibility of students approximately $100-$125
  • CDL Learner’s Test/Permit fee responsibility of students $45

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Call 307-532-8213