Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for academic help! Free academic help, including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons. 

Technology Requirements

Students should have access to a computer/device with reliable Wi-Fi at home/off campus.

Program Format/Delivery Methods

Graduates of the program obtain a Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with air brakes. In addition, hazardous materials, doubles/triples, and tanker endorsements can be obtained if written tests are passed at the DMV.

This program offers two options:

• Full-Time/Daytime (8 weeks) – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • There are 2 optional manual transmission courses that can be taken which would add 2 weeks (10 weeks total) at the end of the course. Contact your Academic Advisor for additional details.
• Part-Time Evening/Weekend (12 weeks) – Tuesday & Thursday from 5 - 10 p.m. & Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • There are 2 optional manual transmission courses that can be taken which would add 4 weeks (16 weeks total) at the end of the course. Contact your Academic Advisor for additional details.

Course instruction includes a hybrid component which is a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and online learning. The total training time for either option is 400 hours—about 25% hybrid assignments, 40% range (driving on the track) and the rest is road time.

Graduates of the program obtain a Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License with air brakes.  In addition, doubles/triples, and tanker endorsements can be obtained if written tests are passed at the DMV.

Requirements Needed BEFORE the First Day of Class 

Students are mailed packet with more information before their start date.

• Commercial Driver's License Instructional Permit (CDLI) – Computerized tests are free to take, each test can be taken up to 5 times.  Students will need to pass the following tests at the DMV:
  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicle
• Reminder: students MUST have a valid FedMed card in order to obtain CDL Permit
• Study Resources: Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual, CDL Driver's License practice application, or CristCDL.com.

Items to Bring the First Day

• Valid driver's license - students must have possession through the duration of the program
• FedMed Certificate or Card - required for students to obtain their CDL permit and must be current through the duration of the program and any employment following successful completion of program
• Controlled Substance Test – on the first day of class, students will complete a DOT Controlled Substance Test in addition to urinalysis done during the DOT Physical.  A controlled substance test is required for the CDL courses and a negative drug test result is required for class entry. This test is included in the cost of the class and will occur on the first day of class. Students are subject to random controlled substance testing while enrolled in the program at CVTC's expense. Testing positive during the program may jeopardize continuation and graduation in the program.

Additional Program Information

• Students must be 18 years of age or older to start the program on the first day of class.
• Driving violations/history may affect employment opportunities.

Financial Aid and Cost

This program costs approximately $3,000.  Additional items needed at the student's expense include the CDL Permit ($30 at the time the permit is issued) and the DOT Physical ($90-$150 depending on the provider). This program does not qualify for financial aid, however financial assistance may be available through United Way funding, for more information contact Student Central at 715-833-6200.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible.

Last Updated: March 10, 2026 @ 2:39 p.m.