The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), or federal requirements for commercial driver license applicants, in February 2022. A-B Tech and TransTech meet these requirements and TransTech is a registered provider for ELDT.
At the end of this program, successful students will:
- Complete 56 hours of online coursework
- Obtain a Commercial Drivers License Permit from the NCDMV
- Complete 120 hours for CDL-A and CDL-B of behind-the-wheel training, including night driving
- Take and pass the CDL-A or -B skills test at the TransTech facility during the end of the program
Admission Requirements
Students interested in attending must have the following:
- Attend a no-cost orientation session
- All orientation sessions are in person in the Ferguson Center for Allied Health and Workforce Development (building #24 on the campus map) Room 446, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville. No pre-registration is necessary.
- 2 p.m. sessions are scheduled on:
- 5/8/24
- 6/12/24
- 7/24/24
- 8/6/24
- 6 p.m. sessions are scheduled on:
- 5/15/24
- 6/4/24
- 7/9/24
- 8/22/24
- Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English proficiently as per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association Regulations
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Must be 21 years of age for interstate commerce or Hazardous material endorsement
- Hold a valid NC Driver’s License
- Your license cannot be suspended, disqualified, or revoked
- You should not have any restrictions on your driver’s license other than “corrective lenses”
- You cannot hold more than one driver's license
- Have a valid Social Security Card
- Have an acceptable driving record*
- Pass a criminal background check*
- Pass a DOT physical and drug screen*
- Complete Admissions Packet
FAQS
4-10 weeks, depending on your dedication to completion and scheduling of practical training
Full-Time Classes: The first week (Monday through Sunday) is online, with 7 days to complete the online coursework. During or after this time, you must complete your permit, DOT physical, and drug screen. The last three weeks are practical training from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 5077 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC. Night driving hours will be scheduled with the instructor.
Part-time Classes: The first two weeks (Monday through Sunday) is online, with 14 days to complete the online coursework. During or after this time, you must complete your permit, DOT physical, and drug screen. This is followed by six weeks of practical training at 5077 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher NC on Saturday - Sunday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Night driving hours will be scheduled with the instructor.
CDL-A
| Tuition (Payable to A-B Tech) | $3,782.00 |
|---|---|
| Permit and License Costs (Payable to DMV) | $172.50 |
| Total Cost | $3,954.50 |
CDL-B
| Tuition (Payable to A-B Tech) | $3,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Permit and License Costs (Payable to DMV) | $172.50 |
| Total Cost | $3,172.50 |
There may be scholarships or financial assistance available depending on your current financial situation/employment status. You will be provided with information during CDL orientation on how to pursue these funding opportunities. Unfortunately, this program does not qualify for G.I. Bill or FAFSA grants.
You must attend a no-cost CDL orientation session before registering. Please see the information above for dates and times.
You will be required to hold a valid DOT medical card before beginning practical training.
The cost of the initial DOT physical and drug screen is included in the tuition.
As part of the DOT physical, you will need to have a drug screen completed. Negative results are required to begin and remain in class.
CDL-A students will have the opportunity to learn on either an automatic or manual transmission tractor-trailer. Please understand that the instructors will make every effort to work with students and make recommendations for learning/testing on an automatic transmission truck if proficiency on a manual transmission truck proves to be too challenging. We strongly encourage students to follow the instructors’ recommendations. If a student chooses to not follow an instructor’s recommendations, the student may have to repeat the class, at their own expense, to become proficient enough to pass the exam on a manual transmission truck.
Background Check/Physical/Drug Screen*
Background Check: A background check is completed as part of your tuition/fees paid to AB-Tech and TransTech. If you have any motor vehicle violations or criminal convictions, you may be required to obtain a pre-hire commitment letter from an employer in order to register for the program.
DOT Physical: You will be required to hold a valid DOT medical card before beginning the behind-the-wheel training. If you do not already have a valid DOT medical card, you will schedule an appointment with TransTech to have a physical and drug screen completed. There are certain medications that will disqualify someone from completing the program.
Drug Screen: As part of the DOT physical, you will need to have a drug screen completed. Negative results are required to begin and remain in class.
Schedule and Registration
Classes begin every two weeks; you must attend the no-cost orientation before registering for the next available class.
For more information contact truck@abtech.edu
