The Truck Driver Training Program allows a student to complete their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A or -B) in as little as 4 weeks through a hybrid program consisting of both online and behind-the-wheel training.
On Feb. 7, 2022, N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles implemented entry-level driver training, or ELDT, federal requirements for commercial driver license applicants. 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 Commercial Drivers License Permit from the NCDMV
- Complete 120 hours for CDL-A and 84 hours for 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 an online or in-person orientation session
- 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 Pre-Registration Packet
FAQS
4-10 weeks
CDL-A:
Day Classes: The first week (Monday through Sunday) is online, with 7 days to complete the 56 hours of material. Then you have a week off to obtain your CDL-A permit, DOT physical, and drug screen. The last three weeks are behind-the-wheel training from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Night driving will be scheduled with the instructor.
Weekend Classes: Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 10-week program. Night driving will be scheduled with the instructor.
CDL-B:
Day Classes: The first week (Monday through Sunday) is online, with 7 days to complete the 56 hours of material. Then you have a week off to obtain your CDL-B permit, DOT physical, and drug screen. The last two weeks are behind-the-wheel training on Week 1: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Week 2: Monday to Wednesday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Night driving will be scheduled with the instructor.
CDL-A
| Tuition (Payable to A-B Tech) | $2,985.00 |
|---|---|
| Permit Costs (Payable to DMV) | $64.75 |
| Total Cost | $3,049.75 |
CDL-B
| Tuition (Payable to A-B Tech) | $3,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Permit Costs (Payable to DMV) | $172.25 |
| Total Cost | $3,172.25 |
If you are unemployed or underemployed, please contact the following:
- Phone: (828) 398-7890
- Email: catherineredwine@abtech.edu or samantharjustice@abtech.edu
The process to receive financial assistance can take several weeks to process. You will need to complete the Truck Driver Training Orientation and have your commitment for financial assistance prior to registering for a class.
Students will need to attend a mandatory in-person or online orientation session before registering for the program. To sign-up for Truck Driver Training Orientation, visit SignUpGenius. The access code is truck. Once you have completed orientation, you may register in person.
You will be required to hold a valid DOT medical card before beginning week 3 of the program (behind-the-wheel training). If you do not already have a valid DOT medical card, you will schedule an appointment with TransTech to have the physical and a drug screen completed during week 2 of the program.
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.
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
The following in-person orientation sessions will be held starting at 2 p.m. in AHWD building, located at 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville:
- 06/22/2023
- 07/12/2023
- 08/02/2023
- 08/17/2023
- 9/20/2023
- 10/19/23
- 11/15/23
- 12/13/23
**Online / Live Zoom orientations are always available. **
To register for an orientation session, please visit SignUpGenius. The access code is truck.
Class Start Dates/Registration Deadline
| Program Start Date |
Cohort TRA-3607-121TR |
Registration Deadline (5 p.m. on the following dates) Seats limited: First Come, First Served |
|---|---|---|
| 6/19 | C | 6/7/2023 at 12 noon |
| 7/1 (weekend) | D | 6/14 |
| 7/3 | E | 6/21 |
| 7/17 | F | 7/5 |
| 7/31 | G | 7/19 |
| 8/14 | H | 8/2 |
| 8/19 (weekend) | I | 8/2 |
| 8/28 | J | 8/16 |
| 9/11 | K | 8/30 |
| 9/25 | L | 9/13 |
| 10/7 (weekend) | M | 9/27 |
| 10/9 | N | 9/27 |
| 10/23 | O | 10/11 |
| 11/6 | P | 10/25 |
| 11/20 | Q | 11/8 |
| 12/4 | R | 11/21 |
| 12/18 | S | 12/6 |
| 1/1/24 | T | 12/20 |
For more information contact truck@abtech.edu
