Master Hotshot Trucking: Your Gateway to Equipment Transport

Specialized Class A training for heavy pickup and equipment trailer operations. Learn to haul mini excavators, skid steers, and heavy equipment with professional-grade pickup trucks.
Enroll in the next class
100 Hours of training
96% Pass Rate
Owner Focused
$80,000 Avg. Graduate Salary

Class A Hotshot CDL Program Overview

The Commercial A: Hotshot license qualifies you to operate heavy-duty pickup trucks (typically 1-ton dually trucks) pulling equipment trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR. This specialized training focuses on hauling construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other heavy cargo using pickup truck and trailer combinations.

Program Duration

2 To 3 weeks

Schedule Options

Full-time day classes or part-time evening/weekend programs

Class A Hotshot CDL

The Process

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. Obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
  2. Online Knowledge Course
  3. 15-hours behind the wheel
  4. Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and Road Test training and practice with instructor
  5. DMV Testing
ford f350 hauling construction equipment on dirt road
ford f350 hauling tractor
ford f350 hauling construction equipment

Obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit

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.

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

Why Choose Class Eight for Hotshot CDL Training

Enroll In The Next Class

Experienced Instructors

All instructors have 15+ years of professional driving experience and are certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).

CDL Instructor

Modern Training Fleet

Train on equipment you’ll actually drive professionally. Our trucks feature current technology.

Hands On Training

You’ll spend over 15 hours behind the wheel of real commercial vehicles, practicing everything from complex backing maneuvers to highway driving with one-on-one instructor coaching until you master every skill with complete confidence.



Career Outcomes and Opportunities

  • $70,000-$120,000+ annual potential
  • Set your own schedule and rates
  • Build long-term customer relationships
  • Low startup costs compared to big rigs
  • Construction equipment delivery
  • Agricultural machinery transport
  • Emergency equipment response
  • Auction and dealer deliveries
  • Equipment delivery to job sites
  • $200-$500 per load typical
  • Consistent work relationships
  • Seasonal demand variations
  • Dealer-to-customer deliveries
  • $150-$400 per delivery
  • Regular route opportunities
  • Professional customer service required
  • Year 1: Single truck owner-operator
  • Year 2: Multiple customer base, consistent routes
  • Year 3: Additional truck and driver
  • Year 4-5: Fleet expansion, dispatcher role
  • Truck Driver

  • Three Job Offers

    Class Eight’s Class A program exceeded my expectations. The instructors really care about your success, and the job placement assistance was incredible. I had three job offers before graduation!
    Marcus J.
    Graduate January 2024, Now earning $82,000 with Knight Transportation