Our Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program will teach you the basic knowledge and skills required to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle in order for you to start earning an excellent living as a Class A commercial vehicle operator. All of our instructors are experienced drivers who offer small -group learning environments that upon successful completion of the program, will qualify you to take the Washington State Department of Licensing’s knowledge and skills tests in order to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Contact the Workforce Education Manager at 360-442-2601 for course dates.

We offer two pathways for completing the Class A CDL program:

Pathway #1

Current LCC Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology (DHET) Student Path

  • Meet prerequisites for the program (listed below)
  • DHET Instructor Permission
  • Enroll in Degree Requirements/Electives:
    • DEHT 228 Commercial Driving (4 credits) and 
    • DHET 229 Commercial Truck Driving Operation (6 credits)

Pathway #2

Corporate & Continuing Education Path

  • Meet the prerequisites for the program (listed below)
  • Open to all Washington State residents
  • Enroll in Corporate & Continuing Education Courses (Contact Workforce Education Manager)
  • LCC credits are not awarded


About the Course

 

Week 1-2

Theory Training

Two weeks (40 hours) of in-person knowledge training to prepare for the Washington State Department of Licensing’s knowledge test.

  • Schedule: Typically, Monday-Thursday, 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Location: LCC, Don Talley Vocational Building

 Knowledge Test:

End of week 2 prior to starting week 3, each student must pass the CDL knowledge test and obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

  • Student makes the appointment
  • Location: Driver Licensing Office

Week 3-6

Skills Training:

In-person competency-based learning that includes 120 hours of driving and vehicle instructions. 

  • Schedule: Typically, Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
    • Schedule and length of time may vary based on the instructor availability. Plan to commit 8 hours per day)
  • Location: LCC, Don Talley Vocational Building

Washington State Skills Test:

  • Test is scheduled with a state approved Third Party Examiner by the LCC Workforce Education Manager after completion of the required theory and skills training.
  • Test is In-person utilizing LCC Equipment
  • Set aside 2-3 hours for the test plus drive time to the testing site.