Registration and Enrollment: This course is customized to your schedule. Start anytime!
Questions? 507-389-7203 or email
Program Highlights
- An approved training provider that meets the new federal CDL training regulations
- Road training one-on-one with an instructor
- Behind-the-wheel training lengths customized to meet your skill level
- Theory training that meets your learning style. Select from either online self-paced with access to a knowledgeable instructor or an in-person classroom training
- Convenient location in North Mankato, MN or arranged at your place of business
- Eligible to take the CDL Class A road test with no restrictions on your license
- Affordable fee structures where you only pay for what you need
Important Information for Obtaining a CDL
- Must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL and drive within the state of MN.
- Must be at least 21 years old to transport hazardous materials, transport passengers, or drive interstate (outside of MN)
- You must not have more than one driver鈥檚 license, and your driving privileges must not be suspended, revoked, canceled or disqualified in MN or any other state.
- You must meet the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
- You must pass a set of written exams to obtain your MN Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
- You must prove citizenship in the state of MN and have permission to work in the United States, showing legitimate personal identification which may include a Social Security Card, a Birth Certificate, or a Green Card
- You must certify that you are not subject to any of the CDL disqualifications for drivers
- You must be able to speak and read the English language
- You must complete Theory and Behind-The-Wheel training within one year of each other to be able to obtain a CDL
Program Process
How to Obtain a CDL:
- Complete the theory training
- Obtain your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). This can be done before or after the theory training, but must be done prior to the behind-the-wheel training
- Complete the behind-the-wheel training. The theory training and behind-the-wheel training need to be completed within 1 year of each other.
- Take the driver鈥檚 test with the Department of Vehicle Services (DVS)
- Apply for the CDL
To register for training:
- 色中色 can provide both your theory and behind-the-wheel training or one or the other. In order to be eligible for the CDL driver鈥檚 test, both of these trainings must be completed by an approved training provider and entered into the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Register for training through
- If a classroom theory class is not available, please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the next scheduled dates.
Participants must provide throughout the registration process:
- DOT health card or documentation on exemption
- Be registered in the Federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- Information and permission for a background check
- A copy of your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)*needed prior to behind-the-wheel training
Training Details
Theory Instruction (Online/Self-paced)
- Self-paced online training using D2L online learning platform
- Content is delivered through reading text, watching videos, and completing online quizzes
- Follows the J.J. Keller Entry-Level Driver Training Obtaining a CDL Student Manual
- Covers 33 learning objectives
- Estimated finishing time of 20-30 hours
- Must pass with a minimum of 80% on learning objective assessments before advancing to the next section
Theory Instruction In-Person Classroom
- 16-hours total training (2 days, each 8 hours)
- In-person instruction followed by a written test to prove competency in materials
- Follows the J.J. Keller Entry-Level Driver Training Obtaining a CDL Student Manual
Behind-the-Wheel-Range
- Covers 7 learning objectives as outlined in the current standard
- Takes place in North Mankato, MN, or in other locations where a suitable range training site is available
- Estimated completion time of range/road training is 20 hours
- Train according to skill level
- Must successfully complete all objectives before advancing to the next section
Behind-the-Wheel-Road
- Covers 12 learning objectives as outlined in the current standard
- Estimated completion time of range/road training is 20 hours
- Train according to skill level
- Must successfully complete all objectives before taking the behind-the-wheel CDL road test
Program Costs
- Theory Training:
- $425 Class A or Class B In-Person Classroom Theory
- $300 Class A or Class B Online Self-Paced Theory
- $99 Hazmat Online Self-Paced Theory
ContactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about Hazmat training
- Behind the Wheel Training:
- Up to 10 hours
Class A: This option is not available for Class A unless an expectation have been made with program coordinator.
Class B: for students experienced driving larger vehicles- $2,500 driving SCC's truck
- $2,000 driving your truck
- Up to 10 hours
- Up to 20 hours
Class A: for students experienced in driving a personal truck and trailer, experienced in driving with manual transmission
Class B: for students with no experience driving larger vehicles- $3,500 driving SCC's truck
- $3,000 driving your truck
- Up to 30 hours
Class A: for students with very little experience driving with a trailer or manual transmission
Class B: for students with no experience and wants additional practice- $5,000 driving SCC's truck
- $4,000 driving your truck
- Up to 40 hours
Class A: for students with no experience driving with a trailer or manual transmission
Class B: for students with no experience and wants additional practice- $6,500 driving SCC's truck
- $5,000 driving your truck
- Every 5 hours added to any existing package
- $1,000 driving SCC's truck
- $750 driving your truck
- Hotshot 10 Hour Course
This course allows for tractor trailer Class A but will not provide air brake or manual transmission endorsement. Licensed drivers who pass this course will have L, Z, E restrictions.
- $2,000 driving SCC's truck
- $1,500 driving your truck
- 4-5 Hour Accelerated Course
This is an accelerated course based on individual qualifications and prior work experience and in combination with taking the 色中色 Theory course. Assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis.- $1,000 driving SCC's truck
- $750 driving your truck plus travel time at $100 per hour
- Additional charge of $600 to use SCC鈥檚 truck and a chaperone to take the final road test to obtain your CDL (or $400 for a chaperone, no truck)
- 20% off for current SCC Students, 10 % off for Alumni students
- Company Group Rates Available, contact Spenser Cullen for pricing at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (507) 389-7320.
Additional Training Offered
- CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Training
- CDL Refresher/Annual Training
- CDL Safe Practices/Defensive Driving
Contact Spenser Cullen for pricing at
Resources
Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
A commercial learner's permit (CLP)is a permit that authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder. All applicants for a CDL will obtain a 6-month, non-renewable permit.A currently licensed CDL driver who wishes to upgrade to a higher class of license must take all applicable knowledge (written) tests. Drivers who have an unrestricted air brake CDL do not need to retake the air brake knowledge test.
Cost:
$10.50
Process:
- Must be 18 years old
- To Apply for A CLP, Minnesota residents must currently hold a valid MN Driver鈥檚 License (Class D) -
- Determine exemption status or schedule an appointment and obtain your DOT Medical Examiner Certificate (Health Card) with someone on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners ()
- Determine which topics you will need to test on based on what type of CDL you need using the for guidance
- Study for Your State of Minnesota Commercial Learner鈥檚 Permit (CLP) -
- Take the practice tests necessary for the endorsements you need -
- Go to a Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) exam location that offers CLP Knowledge Tests () (No need for appointment, can walk in)
- The permit test consists of multiple-choice tests on a computer (approximately 20-50 questions per topic). Complete all the topics needed based on what type of CDL you need.
- Upon passing with a minimum of 80%, providing proof of citizenship documentation, DOT Health Card, and signing a self-certification form provided by the DVS, you will receive your permit while on site.
- If you do not pass the test the first try, you can take one test per day until you pass. After the 2nd try, if you do not pass, you will need to pay $10 for each subsequent attempt.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Health Card
- A DOT health card is required unless you meet the .
- A DOT physical examination must be conducted by a licensed "medical examiner" listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. The term includes, but is not limited to, doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctors of chiropractic (DC).
- A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner's certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure.
- More information is available on the
Federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about commercial driver鈥檚 license (CDL) and commercial learner鈥檚 permit (CLP) holders鈥� drug and alcohol program violations.
- The Clearinghouse contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. When a driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process and follow-up testing plan, this information is also recorded in the Clearinghouse.
- Your employer may be responsible for entering you in the Clearinghouse. Check with them on this.
- If you are not employed or your employer does not enter you into the Clearinghouse, you must create a login.gov account and register yourself as a 鈥淒river鈥� within the Clearinghouse at
- Enter and verify your current commercial driver's license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit (CLP) information.
Note: This is required to view your Clearinghouse record and respond to query requests.
- Enter and verify your current commercial driver's license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit (CLP) information.
Instructor Spotlight - CDL
Kevin Hagge
Kevin is an adjunct instructor for 色中色's Commercial Driver's License training program. He holds a MN Class A Commercial Driver's License. Kevin's experience includes 10 years in livestock grain hauling, team driving to the west coast, operating various equipment such as dump trucks, belly dumps lowboy tractors, 14 years as a truck/trailer mechanic, and driving school bus endorsement for 30 plus years.
Spencer Cullen
Spencer is a Customized Training Representative for SCC鈥檚 Workplace Safety and Commercial Driver鈥檚 License (CDL) training programs. He holds an MN Class A CDL and is a certified helicopter and airplane pilot. With a diverse background spanning multiple industries鈥攊ncluding automotive mechanics, construction, and oilfield work鈥擲pencer has focused on commercial and industrial construction since 2015. He is trained in OSHA 10, defensive driving, CPR, confined space safety, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), and equipment and truck operation. His skills include operating cranes, telehandlers, skid steers, forklifts, Class A-rated vehicle combinations, Class B vehicles, and various trailer types.
T.J. Brown
Dr. T. J. Brown is an award-winning faculty member at 色中色. In 2023, he was awarded Outstanding Teacher Mentor of the Year and the Presidential Award of Merit from the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE). Dr. Brown has served 色中色 as an instructor since 2017, with many contributions extending beyond the classroom. He teaches several courses in the Agriculture program, and is a lead instructor for the Commercial Driver's License training program. He has held a MN Class A Commercial Driver鈥檚 License, with Bus, Tanker, and Double/Triples Endorsements since 2008.
