Upgrade Your Career: From Class B to Class A CDL
Already have your Class B? Advance to Class A and unlock $15,000-$25,000+ higher earning potential with tractor-trailer opportunities. Fast-track training for experienced drivers.Class B to A CDL Program Overview
You’ve mastered Class B commercial vehicles—now take the next step. Our Class A upgrade program is specifically designed for experienced Class B drivers, focusing on the new skills needed to operate tractor-trailers and combination vehicles safely and professionally.
Program Duration
2 To 3 weeks
Schedule Options
Full-time day classes or part-time evening/weekend programs
Why Upgrade to Class A?
Class A 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.
- Obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
- Online Knowledge Course
- 15-hours behind the wheel
- Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and Road Test training and practice with instructor
- DMV Testing
Obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit
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.
Complete Online CDL Knowledge Course
You will need to complete the online CDL knowledge course. The course details are below.
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.
DMV Testing
- 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.
- Bring the type of vehicle(s) for the class you want to drive.
- 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
Why Choose Class Eight for Class A CDL Training
Experienced Instructors
All instructors have 15+ years of professional driving experience and are certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).
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.
