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.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.
- 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 Hotshot 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.
