Commercial Driver Training (CDL)

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

General Information - Start Here!

Click this link: CDL Overview to view a quick guide on how to obtain your CDL. Please note, this document provides a general overview and is not intended to be all-inclusive. For specific questions or more detailed information, contact Tony Nelson (Anthony.Nelson@ridgewater.edu).

To get a CDL, you must complete both the Entry-Level Driver Training (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:

CDL Knowledge and Theory - Class A / Class B : $299
- 100% Online, self-paced. This 11-hour course meets the FMCSA mandated requirement for "Theory and Knowledge Training". There are 48 modules to complete that consist of reading and watching videos. At the end of each module you will take a quiz and need to pass with a score of 80% or higher.
Class A (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
- Automatic or Manual
- 36 hours BTW; Scheduled in 4-hr blocks
Class A (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
- Automatic or Manual
- 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

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