Helena College is committed to putting quality drivers on the road by providing a comprehensive CDL truck driver training program. We are proud to be FMCSA-registered and ELDT-certified, ensuring you receive training that meets all federal standards under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate. Our program focuses on curriculum standards that address skills, theory/knowledge, tasks, and duties required of entry-level commercial motor vehicle drivers. This program prepares you to earn your Class A Manual Transmission Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Theory - 90 hours
• Basic through advanced safe operating procedures
• Vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
• Non-vehicle activities
• Log books
• Air brake restrictions
• In-vehicle, non-driving observation time
Behind The Wheel - 30 Hours
Evenings & weekends: to be arranged with the instructor after successfully passing your Learner’s Permit exam
Class A CDL students will earn 30 hours of BTW time, split between range (vehicle maneuvers/skills) and road (city and highway).
Prerequisites & Application Requirements
• Current valid Montana driver’s license. Drivers 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 the background check document and attach the entire report to your application.
• Motor Vehicle Record
MVRs that include reckless driving or a DUI within the past 5 years and/or 3 minor violations within the last 3 years will be ineligible for the program. 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 pick up a copy in person at the college, 1115 N. Roberts. Once your application is accepted, a non-refundable 10% deposit will 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 payment responsibility, 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, retesting at your expense, and/or removal from the course, without the possibility of a 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 through 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.
Course time structure:
Need more information?
1115 North Roberts
Helena, Montana 59601
Monday - Friday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
406-447-6945
E-mail: Christy.Stergar@helenacollege.edu
