Riverland Community College

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
• Self-paced online theory training that fits your schedule
• Convenient location on our Albert Lea, MN campus or arranged at your place of business
• Eligible to take the CDL Class A road test
• 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’s 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’s test with the Department of Vehicle Services (DVS)
• Apply for the CDL

To register for training:

Riverland Community College can provide both your theory and behind-the-wheel training or one or the other. In order to be eligible for the CDL driver’s test, both of these trainings must be completed and entered into the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Register for training through sarah.hartman@riverland.edu

Participants must provide throughout the registration process:

• DOT health card or documentation of 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 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

Behind-the-Wheel: Range

• Covers 7 learning objectives as outlined in the current Federal standards
• Takes place in Albert Lea, MN, or in locations where a suitable range training site is available
• 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 Federal standards
• Train according to skill level
• Must successfully complete all objectives before taking the behind-the-wheel CDL road test

Program Costs

    Theory Training:

        $399 Class A Online Self-Paced Theory

        $299 Class B Online Self-Paced Theory

Behind the Wheel Training:

   Up to 40 hours

• Class A: for students with no experience driving with a trailer
• Class B: for students with no experience and want additional practice
  • $6,000 driving Riverland's truck
  • $5,000 driving your truck

Up to 20 hours

• Class A: for students experienced in driving a truck and trailer
• Class B: for students with no experience driving larger vehicles
  • $3,500 driving Riverland's truck
  • $3,350 driving your truck

Up to 10 hours

• Class A: This option is not available for Class A unless an exception has been made with the program coordinator.
• Class B: for students with experience driving larger vehicles
  • $2,800 driving Riverland’s truck
  • $2,000 driving your truck

Every 5 hours added to any existing package

• $1,400 driving Riverland’s truck
• $1,000 driving your truck

Road Test Chaperone (Local)

Additional charge of $600 to use Riverland’s truck and a chaperone to take the final road test to obtain your CDL (or $400 for a chaperone, no truck)

Additional Training Offered

• CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Training
• CDL Refresher/Annual Training
• CDL Backing
• CDL 80 Hour Finishing

Contact Peggy Young peggy.young@riverland.edu for more information.

Resources

• Minnesota’s State website outlining processes and requirements
• Minnesota States website outlining license fees
• Minnesota CDL Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection

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:

1. Must be 18 years old
2. To Apply for a CLP, Minnesota residents must currently hold a valid MN Driver’s License (Class D)
3. 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 (https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home )
4. Determine which topics you will need to test on based on what type of CDL you need using the MN CDL Handbook for guidance
5. Study for your State of Minnesota Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
6. Take the practice tests necessary for the endorsements you need - https://www.cristcdl.com/minnesota/
7. Go to a Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) exam location that offers CLP Knowledge Tests (https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/#2 ) (No need for appointment; walk-ins welcome)
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 exemption criteria
• 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 Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website
• Find a Certified Medical Examiner

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’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ 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 relevant information in the Clearinghouse. Consult your employer if violations occur.
• If you are not employed or your employer does not enter your information into the Clearinghouse, you must create a login.gov account and register yourself as a “Driver” within the Clearinghouse at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/
  • 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.