Earn your Class A CDL
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.
Course Prerequisites:
The following prerequisites are required for the program:
- Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license;
- Have no disqualifiers: https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlsuspensions.html
- Must be able to pass the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug screen;
- Must be able to pass CDL Knowledge Tests and obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) through the Washington State Department of Licensing;
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify for local or WA state only commercial driving (intrastate);
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age to qualify for long-haul commercial driving (interstate).
How to Apply
Step 1
Contact the Workforce Education Manager, 360.442.2601, to start your required application
Seats are limited.
- Seats are filled on a first-come first served basis.
- Applicants will be placed on the waiting list after all of the required documentation is completed and they have met with the Workforce Education Manager.
Step 2
Make an appointment and submit the application form to:
Jennie Bergman
Workforce Education Manager
360.442.2601
Step 3
Registration: Once all required documents have been submitted, the Workforce Education Manager will add you to the next available class waitlist and arrange for registration into the course.
Step 4
Arrange Payment of tuition and fees: Tuition and Fees: $6,243.89
Additional cost for DOT Physical, Alcohol/Controlled Substance Screenings, Driver Abstract, Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), Testing and License Fees not included. Questions, please contact the LCC Workforce Education office at (360) 442-2601 or emailjbergman@lowercolumbia.edu.
Contact Professional and Continuing Education
Offices located in the Don Talley Vocational Building and the Physical Science Building. Office hours vary depending on activities. Please call for an appointment.