WDC Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A

Overview

Training for the WDC Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class-A prepares students for licensing using online self-paced instruction and in-vehicle training time. 

New Hampshire Department of Employment Security projects there will be 890 annual openings for CDL operators, equating to a rate of 6.5 % growth in the need for CDL operators between 2020 and 2030. Finally, the New Hampshire Executive Council and Governor have identified the CDL shortage as an area of concern for the future. Manchester Community College now offers the CDL Class A course in partnership with other NH community colleges and Patten Driving School.

Program Outcomes

The CDL-A course prepares students through online self-paced theory instruction and in-vehicle training time. After hours of driving, labs, lecture, and range time, participants master a wide range of driver competencies to become safe, comfortable, confident drivers.

This license is required to operate vehicles such as truck and trailer combinations, tankers, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, students must:

• Be 18 years old
• Have a valid NH Driver’s License
• Have a Learner’s Permit required to register for class; otherwise a copy of your driver record may be required to enroll

Additional student responsibilities:

• Complete and pass DOT Physical Exam; valid Medical Card on file with DMV
• Complete Drug & Alcohol Screen
• Enroll in random drug & alcohol testing program
• Enroll in FMCSA Clearing House as student

Please note the following:

To gain employment in this field, applicants must not have any alcohol-related or major driving offenses during the previous two years on both civilian and military licenses. The Division of Motor Vehicles reserves the right to disqualify applicants based on information obtained during the application process. Employers may have additional requirements.

Class Format

This program consists of an estimated 40 hour online self-paced course and adequate completion of practice range time and road time.

Optional Book:

Entry-Level Driver Training: Obtaining a CDL, the ISBN is 978-1-68008-493-1

Hourly Commitment

*Computer is required for successful completion of this program.

Program Cost

Tuition: $9,150*

*Program cost is training tuition only, inclusive of theory, range and road training, and one state test session with instructor and tractor trailer provided.

Students will be required to pay for the following to the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles and the New Hampshire Department of Safety, for your enrollment records, permit(s) and applicable test(s):

• Copy of Learners Permit $20
• Complete and pass DOT Physical Exam; valid Medical Card on file with DMV (cost varies, est. $100)
• Drug & Alcohol Screen (cost varies, est. $100)
• If chosen for a random drug and alcohol screen, cost varies.
• State re-test fee with Patten’s Driving School: $450

This program is WIOA and SNAP E&T eligible.

Schedule

WDC Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A

January 27 – March 14, 2025

Course Number: TBD

Class Location: Online and in Concord, NH

Zoom Orientation Meeting: Monday, January 27, 2025, Time TBD

Online Theory: January 27 – February 14, 2025

In-Person Range: Tuesday – Friday, February 18 – 21, 2025*

In-Person Road: Individually scheduled 4-hour driving sessions February 24 – March 14, 2025.*

Road Training: Road training is based out of Patten’s training facilities located at:

77 Old Turnpike Road
Concord, NH.

*Holidays Observed (no classes): 2/17

Partners

MCC is proud to partner with the following organizations and employers:

Patten’s Commercial Driver Training
Training Facility
197 NH Route 10
Croydon, NH 03773