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 participate in range and road
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
Program Area | Delivered via | Weekly Details | Total Hrs. |
CDL-A Theory | Online Self-paced* | 20 hrs. per week over 2 weeks | 40 hrs. |
Range & Road | In-Person Competency-based Learning with Patten Driving School | Scheduled with Patten Driving School | Up to 45 hrs., Varies by experience |
Total | 85 hrs. |
*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
August 19 – October 4, 2024
Course Number: TBA
Class Location: Online and in Concord, NH
Zoom Orientation Meeting: TBA
Online Theory: August 19 – September 6, 2024
In-Person Range: Monday – Friday, September 9 – 13, 2024
In-Person Road: Individually scheduled 4-hour driving sessions September 16 – October 4, 2024.
September 23 – November 8, 2024
Course Number: 15969
Class Location: Online and in Concord, NH
Zoom Orientation Meeting: TBA
Online Theory: September 23 – October 11, 2024
In-Person Range: Monday – Friday, October 14 – 18, 2024
In-Person Road: Individually scheduled 4-hour driving sessions October 21 – November 8, 2024.
Road training is based out of Patten’s training facilities located at:
77 Old Turnpike Road
Concord, NH.
Workforce Training
WDC Courses for Training,
Licensing or Certification
How To Apply
For inquiries about this program please contact Chuck Neild.
WDC Registration
A link to course registration is coming soon! Until then, please contact Chuck for a printed registration form.
Please direct all completed paperwork to Chuck Neild.