Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training   

Helena College is committed to putting quality drivers on the road by providing a comprehensive CDL truck driver training program, using curriculum standards that address skills, theory/knowledge, tasks, and duties required of entry-level commercial motor vehicle drivers. This program prepares students to obtain their Class A Manual Transmission Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Theory - 90 hours (Includes lab time)
• Basic Operation
• Safe Operating Procedures
• Advanced Operating Practices
• Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
• Non-Vehicle Activities
• Log books
• Air Brake Restrictions

Behind The Wheel - 30 Hours
Times/Dates: To be arranged with instructor after successfully passing Learner’s Permit exam
• Class A CDL students will receive 30 hours of BTW time in a combination of range and road with a minimum of 10 hours of “vehicle maneuvers/skills/range” and 10 hours of “road” time.

Prerequisites & Application Requirements
• Current valid Montana driver’s license. Driver must be at least 18 years old for intrastate; 21 years old for interstate. Provide a photo of the front and back of your license.
• Criminal Background Check
Visit https://doj.egovmt.com/choprs/ and under Public Users click Start Service. Cost is $20; pay online with eCheck, credit card, or debit card. Print background check document and attach the entire report to your application.
• Motor Vehicle Record
Visit  https://cars.dojmt.gov/app/_/#0 - under “Manage Driver Record” choose "Purchase a Driver Record". Choose a Basic Driver Record (does not need to be a certified copy). Cost is approximately $4-5. You will receive an email link to the report. Attach the entire report to your application.
•  DOT Physical
Complete your physical with a DOT Certified Medical Examiner ($60-$150). Click for a list of local DOT Certified Medical Examiners. Attach a physician-signed copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (one page only).

Application & Payment
Applications are to be turned in to the Community Education office. ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Click here to print the application, or you may pick up a copy in person at the college: 1115 N. Roberts. Once your application is accepted, you must make a non-refundable 10% deposit to hold your seat. Payment is due in full at least 10 days before the start of class. If an employer or another party will be paying your tuition, please provide complete contact information on your application. Once they confirm responsibility for payment, your seat is secured.

Drug Screening Requirement
After your application is accepted, you will be required to complete a DOT drug screen at Drug Information Systems, Inc. one week before class starts. Schedule by phone at 406-444-5001, email dis@mt.net, or walk-in. Your cost is $59. Be sure to specify that the test is for the Helena College CDL program. Results will be sent directly to Helena College. Failure to submit a clean sample before driving will result in delays in training, re-testing at your expense, and/or removal from the course without possibility of refund.
Once you work as a driver, you will be subject to future random drug testing and testing after most types of accidents. More information on these regulations can be found here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing/what-tests-are-required-and-when-does-testing-occur
 

Additional schedule notes:
Class meets for the first three weeks on Monday - Thursday evenings. Additionally, you will have a 2-hour introductory drive session on the first Saturday of class. For drive time, students are paired off with the instructor and one other student. Weekend driving will be required. (see chart, below) A smaller class size may result in the class concluding earlier than the published date.