Launch Your Trucking Career in Weeks

Professional Class A, B and Commercial A Hotshot CDL training in California.

Program Overview

The student is responsible for their own success. Timely completion of the CLP Process, Online Course, Behind the Wheel, and Test Practice will expedite the process. IR Instructors will assist with all aspects of training; however, the student is the driving force behind their own success.

  1. Enrollment
  2. Online Knowledge Course
  3. Obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
  4. 15-hours behind the wheel
  5. Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and Road Test training and practice with instructor
  6. DMV Testing

Program Comparison Chart

Program

Investment

Best For

Class A CDL

$4,000

Maximum opportunities

Class B CDL

$3,500

Local, home daily

Hotshot

$3,000

Entrepreneurs

B to A Upgrade

$3,000

Career advancement

Student must hold the permit for 14 days before a Commercial Driver License Test date can be scheduled.

Obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit

In 5 easy steps. Click on each tab to find out more
Step 1 Enrollment

A Class Eight Representative will contact you within a few days to discuss your options.

Payment Schedule

  • Pay in full or $500 Deposit to initiate program
  • 2nd payment 50% of balance – Prior to scheduling hands on and driving practice.
  • Final payment 50% of balance – Prior to DMV Testing Day.

** Online Theory Course log in information will be sent to once initial invoice is paid.

Truck Driver
Step 2
  1. Complete Online Theory Course
  2. Complete DMV Physical
  3. Complete online CDL Application (Approx 9 minutes)
  4. DMV Visit

Once this list is completed, you will receive a Commercial Learners Permit. You must hold the permit for 14 days before Commercial Driver License Testing. 

During that time, you will complete the online CDL knowledge course, 15-hours behind the wheel, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, and Road Test. 

Truck driver student in front of semi truck
The Third Step

Complete Online CDL Knowledge Course

You will need to complete the online CDL knowledge course. The course details are below. Online Theory Course log in information will be sent, once initial invoice is paid.

Basic Operation ​
  1. Orientation 
  2. Control Systems/Dashboard 
  3. Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections 
  4. Basic Control 
  5. Shifting/Operating Transmissions 
  6. Backing and Docking 
  7. Coupling and Uncoupling 
 
Safe Operating Procedures 
  8. Visual Search 
  9. Communication 
 10. Distracted Driving 
 11. Speed Management 
 12. Space Management 
 13. Night Operation 
 14. Extreme Driving Conditions 
 
Advanced Operating Practices 
 15. Hazard Perception 
 16. Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies 
 17. Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings 
​
Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions 
 18. Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions 
 19. Roadside Inspections 
 20. Maintenance 
​
Non-Driving Activities 
 21. Handling and Documenting Cargo 
 22. Environmental Compliance Issues 
 23. Hours of Service Requirements 
 24. Fatigue and Wellness Awareness 
 25. Post-Crash Procedures 
 26. External Communications 
 27. Whistleblower/Coercion 
 28. Trip Planning 
 29. Drugs/Alcohol 
 30. Medical Requirements 

Taking CDL Online Course
The Fourth Step

Driving and Basic Control Skills

15-hours Behind the Wheel 
​
You will complete hours with an instructor in the vehicle you will utilize for DMV Testing. If you are new to commercial driving, we may start your driving time in a smaller commercial vehicle and work up to the vehicle you will test in. 

5-hours Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection and Basic Control Skills with instructor

All aspects of DMV testing will be practiced until you are confident. 

The Fifth Step

DMV Testing

  1. ClassEight will schedule your DMV Test appointment 14 days after receipt of your Commercial Learners Permit.
  2. Pass the skills test, which includes
    • Vehicle Inspection
    • Brake Test
    • Basic Control Skills Test
    • Road Test

On test day, an instructor will accompany you in the appropriate vehicle to DMV for your testing

Retest Fee is applied as necessary

a semi truck by ocean

If you’re just starting the CDL process (ELDT)

Complete The Contact Form

         An ClassEight representative will contact you to discuss your goals and discuss pricing. 

 You will receive the following:

  • How to obtain Commercial Learners Permit Checklist
  • Guidance and assistance with the process
  • Access to Online Theory Course (Course will assist in passing DMV Knowledge tests)
  • Individual Learning Plan

Complete CLP checklist including written knowledge test.

Begin skills practice with vehicles.

You will receive the following:

  • Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide
  • Basic Control Study Guide
  • Driving Skills Study Guide

Online Theory Course must be complete prior to starting #4

  • Online Certification will be registered with FMCSA
  • Scheduling – 15-Hours Behind the Wheel
  • Behind the Wheel Training registered and submitted
  • Schedule DMV Test
  • An instructor will accompany you down in a commercial vehicle for testing
If there are any failures on testing day, additional practice will be scheduled.
 Additional DMV testing days will have a $500 fee.
Ready to learn more? Our next information session covers everything you need to know about starting your CDL career. No pressure, just honest answers to all your questions.
Step 1 Enrollment
Enroll In Program

The first step of the process is medical physical. The physical determines if you are in proper health to obtain a Commercial Driver License.

  1. Complete DMV Physical
  2. Complete online CDL Application (Approx 9 minutes)
  3. DMV Visit
  4. Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA 5875)
  5. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA 5876)
  6. Social Security Card
  7. Acceptable Identity Document
  8. Acceptable Residency Documents
  9. 10-Year History Record Check (If you previously had a license from another state)
  10. Pay DMV Application Fee
  11. Provide Thumb Print
  12. Pass a Vision Test
  13. Have ID Photo Taken
  14. Take and Pass Knowledge Test (Practice Test Available)

Once this list is completed, you will receive a Commercial Learners Permit. You must hold the permit for 14 days before Commercial Driver License Testing. 

During that time, you will complete the online CDL knowledge course, 15-hours behind the wheel, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, and Road Test. 

Truck driver student in front of semi truck
The First Step

Medical Physical Exam

The first step of the process is medical physical. The physical determines if you are in proper health to obtain a Commercial Driver License.

  1. Complete DMV Physical
  2. Complete online CDL Application (Approx 9 minutes)
  3. DMV Visit
  4. Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA 5875)
  5. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA 5876)
  6. Social Security Card
  7. Acceptable Identity Document
  8. Acceptable Residency Documents
  9. 10-Year History Record Check (If you previously had a license from another state)
  10. Pay DMV Application Fee
  11. Provide Thumb Print
  12. Pass a Vision Test
  13. Have ID Photo Taken
  14. Take and Pass Knowledge Test (Practice Test Available)

Once this list is completed, you will receive a Commercial Learners Permit. You must hold the permit for 14 days before Commercial Driver License Testing. 

During that time, you will complete the online CDL knowledge course, 15-hours behind the wheel, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, and Road Test. 

Truck driver student in front of semi truck
The Second Step

Complete Online CDL Knowledge Course

You will need to complete the online CDL knowledge course. The course details are below. Online Theory Course log in information will be sent, once initial invoice is paid.

Basic Operation ​
  1. Orientation 
  2. Control Systems/Dashboard 
  3. Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections 
  4. Basic Control 
  5. Shifting/Operating Transmissions 
  6. Backing and Docking 
  7. Coupling and Uncoupling 
 
Safe Operating Procedures 
  8. Visual Search 
  9. Communication 
 10. Distracted Driving 
 11. Speed Management 
 12. Space Management 
 13. Night Operation 
 14. Extreme Driving Conditions 
 
Advanced Operating Practices 
 15. Hazard Perception 
 16. Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies 
 17. Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings 
​
Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions 
 18. Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions 
 19. Roadside Inspections 
 20. Maintenance 
​
Non-Driving Activities 
 21. Handling and Documenting Cargo 
 22. Environmental Compliance Issues 
 23. Hours of Service Requirements 
 24. Fatigue and Wellness Awareness 
 25. Post-Crash Procedures 
 26. External Communications 
 27. Whistleblower/Coercion 
 28. Trip Planning 
 29. Drugs/Alcohol 
 30. Medical Requirements 

Taking CDL Online Course
The Third Step

Driving and Basic Control Skills

15-hours Behind the Wheel 
​
You will complete hours with an instructor in the vehicle you will utilize for DMV Testing. If you are new to commercial driving, we will start your driving time in a smaller commercial vehicle and work up to the vehicle you will test in. 

5-hours Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection and Basic Control Skills with instructor

All aspects of DMV testing will be practiced until you are confident. 

The Fourth Step

DMV Testing

  1. Schedule a skills test appointment (skills tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays) to make an appointment.
  2. Bring the type of vehicle(s) for the class you want to drive.
  3. Pass the skills test, which includes
    • Vehicle Inspection
    • Brake Test
    • Basic Control Skills Test
    • Road Test

On test day, an instructor will accompany you in the appropriate vehicle to DMV for your testing

Retest Fee is applied as necessary

a semi truck by ocean