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 Open enrollment courses designed to meet industry licensure requirements 
•  Courses for professional skill enhancement
•  Personal and professional growth opportunities
•  Administrative and managerial services
Commercial Vehicle Transportation
Commercial Vehicle Transportation

Ridgewater offers tailored courses that meet FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, including Class A and Class B licenses.

  • Class A License: This “universal” CDL allows you to drive various commercial trucks and tractor trailers over 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B License: This license covers commercial trucks and tractor trailers under 10,000 pounds.

To get a CDL, you must complete both the ELDT Theory course and Behind the Wheel training from an approved training provider. Our Theory course is online and self-paced. After finishing the Theory course and meeting all prerequisites, you can sign up for Behind the Wheel training. During the Behind the Wheel training, you'll practice maneuvering our Class A/Class B vehicles in confined spaces, including backing skills on our driving range. Once you've demonstrated proficiency, you'll proceed to Road training and complete the course with DMV testing if you meet the required standards.

Courses Offered:
  • ELDT CDL Class A/B Theory : $299 
    • 100% Online, self-paced. This course meets the FMCSA mandated requirement for "Theory and Knowledge Training".
  • Class A (Manual Entry-Level Driver) Behind the Wheel Training: $6,799
    • Prerequisites must be completed prior to registering.  For registration approval, please send documentation of prerequisites to customized.training@ridgewater.edu
    • Training location: Willmar Campus
    • 36 hours BTW; Scheduled in 4-hr blocks
  • Class A (Manual Experienced Driver) Behind the Wheel Training: $5,199
    • Prerequisites must be completed prior to registering.  For registration approval, please send documentation of prerequisites to customized.training@ridgewater.edu
    • Training location: Willmar Campus
    • 20 hours BTW; Scheduled in 4-hr blocks
    • This option is only for individuals with prior CMV experience.
  • Class B (Auto) Behind the Wheel Training: $4,499
    • Prerequisites must be completed prior to registering.  For registration approval, please send documentation of prerequisites to customized.training@ridgewater.edu
    • Training location: Willmar Campus
    • 20 hours BTW; Scheduled in 4-hr blocks
Prerequisites for Behind the Wheel training (students are expected to work on all pre-req’s while taking Theory)
  • Forms
    • CDL Registration and Availability
    • CDL MnState Vehicle Use Agreement
    • CDL Self-Certification Agreement
  • Theory (separate course registration)
    • Students must pass with an 80% or better
  • Permit (student responsibility, obtained at DMV, self-pay)
    • Class A Endorsements (General Knowledge, Combination, Air Brakes)
    • Class B Endrosements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes)
  • Copy of driving record (student responsibility, obtained at DMV, self-pay or obtained online)
  • DOT physical (student responsibility, self-pay)
  • Drug screen results (DOT 5 Panel - student responsibility, self-pay; complete after obtaining CLP – must be done within 30 days of the start of Behind the Wheel training)
    • Willmar Clinic or Redwood Falls Clinic Ph: 320-231-5054 (must indicate which location preferred)
    • St. Cloud Ph: 320-251-9675
    • Cost: $59 (cash, check, credit cards – American Express not accepted)
    • Appointment required – bring ID
    • To find a location not listed above, go to: https://accrediteddrugtesting.com/dot-drug-testing-locations/
  • Registration in Federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and Clearinghouse query consent: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/  (complete after DOT drug screen)
    • Register as a Student Driver
    • Select Ridgewater College Customized Training as your C/TPA. You will need to make sure to check all three boxes:
      • Report Violations
      • Report RTD Information
      • Conduct Queries
    • Approve Query from Ridgewater College (Change your ‘current role’ to Driver and then check the Driver Dashboard)
Financial Assistance:
Please note that courses offered through Continuing Education and Customized Training are non-credit and not Financial Aid eligible; however, you may seek funding or assistance from an outside source such as a Government Program, Workforce Agency, Employment Center, Employer or apply for a student loan through https://www.salliemae.com/student-loans/.

School Code: 00525298 RIDGEWATER COLLEGE CUSTOMIZED TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Details
Institution
Cost
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CDL Class A: Entry-Level Driver - #: XTI1523  ID: WillmarDec  Section: 04
Start Date: 12/1/2024
Days: View
Time: View
Sessions: 2
Location: Arranged
Instructor: Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College
$6,799.00
Location(s):
Arranged

Instructor(s):
College, Ridgewater
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CDL Class A: Entry-Level Driver - #: XTI1523  ID: WillmarJan  Section: 01
Start Date: 1/1/2025
Days: View
Time: View
Sessions: 2
Location: Online - Registration Starts, Online - Registration Ends
Instructor: Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College
$6,799.00
Location(s):
Online - Registration Starts,
Online - Registration Ends

Instructor(s):
College, Ridgewater
View
CDL Knowledge and Theory - Class A - #: XTI1510  ID: OnlineDec  Section: 04
Start Date: 12/1/2024
Days: View
Time: View
Sessions: 2
Location: Online - Registration Starts, Online - Registration Ends
Instructor: Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College
$299.00
Location(s):
Online - Registration Starts,
Online - Registration Ends

Instructor(s):
College, Ridgewater
Add to Cart View
CDL Knowledge and Theory - Class A - #: XTI1510  ID: OnlineJan  Section: 01
Start Date: 1/1/2025
Days: View
Time: View
Sessions: 2
Location: Online - Registration Starts, Online - Registration Ends
Instructor: Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College
$299.00
Location(s):
Online - Registration Starts,
Online - Registration Ends

Instructor(s):
College, Ridgewater
Add to Cart View