WHAT DO YOU LEARN IN TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL?

Ready to start your career in trucking? The first step is earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, you’ll need either a Class A CDL—typically required for tractor-trailers and long-haul driving—or a Class B CDL for smaller commercial vehicles. Getting your CDL is the key to unlocking high-paying jobs and real opportunities in the transportation industry.

ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING (ELDT)

As of February 7, 2022, all new commercial drivers must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before taking the CDL skills exam. This federal requirement ensures that all future drivers receive standardized instruction in key areas like safety, vehicle control, hours-of-service, and road laws. ELDT applies to anyone seeking a Class A or Class B CDL, as well as those adding a hazmat, passenger, or school bus endorsement. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-approved provider—like TGA Truck Driving School—to ensure your results are registered in the national Training Provider Registry (TPR). Simply put: you can’t get your CDL without ELDT.

STEP 1: OBTAIN A COMMERCIAL LEARNER'S PERMIT (CLP)

Our core curriculum follows federal guidelines. Our program begins with classroom instruction covering essential topics like FMCSA regulations and permit preparation. To obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), students must pass four required knowledge exams at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the General Knowledge exam, Air Brakes exam, Combination Vehicles exam, and a Class C renewal exam. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass each test. During this phase of the training, students will also have the opportunity to add their hazardous material, tank and double triple endorsements.

STEP 2: RANGE & ROAD TRAINING

After obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), student drivers begin hands-on training with a strong focus on the Pre-Trip Inspection. During this phase, students learn to identify and inspect both the internal and external components of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), following the standards outlined in their state’s Commercial Driver Handbook. In addition to pre-trip procedures, students are trained in a range of essential backing and maneuvering skills to prepare for the state-administered CDL road test. These include straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley dock backing. Students must also demonstrate safe and competent driving on public roads and highways, meeting both safety expectations and testing requirements.

STEP 3: STATE ADMINISTERED CDL ROAD EXAM

In some states, third-party testing is permitted, allowing CDL schools to administer the state’s road exam on-site. However, in states like California, this option is not currently available. As a result, all truck driving school students in California must take their CDL skills exam at an official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) testing location. Regardless of whether the exam is conducted in-house or at a DMV facility, it follows the same standardized testing criteria set by the state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).