Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Courses
There is a vital need for truck drivers in the United States, as 68 percent of all products are transported via truck. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), overall freight tonnage will grow more than 25 percent by 2030 to 20.6 billion tons, with revenues increasing 53.8 percent to $1.6 trillion. Trucking will remain the dominant freight mode, hauling 68.8 percent of the total freight tonnage in 2030.
Most truckers, during their first year on the road, earn an average of $35,000 a year. After a few years of experience, they can earn average annual salaries between $45,000-$50,000. Experienced drivers who own their own trucks earn average salaries of $100,000 and beyond.
CDL Professional Truck Driver Class:
| Course | Title | Length | Tuition (Flathead and Lincoln County Residents) | Equipment Fees | Estimated Total Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEO 103 | Professional Truck Driver | 8 weeks approximately | $1,003.60 | $2,100.00 | $3,103.60 |
*Tuition and total costs are estimates based on students who qualify for in-district rates. This estimate is based on 2024-2025 tuition.
The course includes class “A” CDL, 40 hours of drive-time, plus the following endorsements:
- School Bus
- Passenger Endorsement
In addition, students can earn an endorsement in the following area through advanced study on their own. (Talk with your instructor for more information in obtaining the additional endorsements.):
- HazMat training for hauling hazardous materials
- Double trailers
- Triple trailers
- Tanker
Steps to Obtain a CDL
Meet Prerequisites.
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must hold a current Montana driver’s license
- Must present a birth certificate or passport
- Must have proof of in-state residence
- Cannot have any DUI’s in the past five years
Apply to FVCC as a non-degree student.
- It’s free to apply and does not obligate you to attend.
- https://www.fvcc.edu/apply/
Contact the academic advisor 406-756-3893 to arrange a time to pick up the CDL packet and register for course
- This will have the necessary paperwork and forms for your physical and drug test.
Schedule a D.O.T. Physical.
- Make an appointment for your Dept. of Transportation (D.O.T.) physical at the FVCC Student Health Clinic
- Phone: (406) 756-4331
Pay at least half the total cost for the program at the Business Office.
- $200 will be non-refundable for the cost of the physical and drug test.
- You can pay with a card by calling (406) 756-3831.
Complete a Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Physical Exam.
- Read and fill out the paperwork before your appointment.
- Bring your receipt of payment to your appointment with the FVCC Student Health Clinic which is located in the Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center in room 136.
Pass a drug test.
- After your physical, you will receive a drug test kit.
- Take the kit directly to Valley Medical at 2425 US HWY 2 East, Evergreen for the drug test.
HEO 103 – Professional Truck Driver
Credit(s): 5
This course teaches students the skills necessary to obtain a Class A CDL learner’s permit through classroom instruction. It includes the driving experience necessary to pass the pre-trip, skills, and driving exam for the Montana Class A CDL. In addition, students will receive the necessary training in order to obtain School Bus, Combo, Air Brakes, and Tanker endorsements. (All Semesters)