CDL Training FAQ
CDL Training Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a truck driving school is a significant decision. Below are answers to common questions about Class A and Class B CDL training, program requirements, tuition, scheduling, behind-the-wheel training, and Summit’s approach.
If you do not see your question here, ask us.
Getting Started
Do I need experience driving a truck before I enroll?
No. Summit’s CDL training is designed to build from foundational knowledge into hands-on skills and behind-the-wheel road training. What matters most is that you are willing to learn, accept coaching, practice, and take the responsibilities of commercial driving seriously.
Do I need a Commercial Learner's Permit before enrolling?
Yes. Students must obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before enrolling. Summit can provide study materials to help prospective students prepare for the permit examination, but the permit itself must be secured before training begins.
How old do I need to be for CDL training?
Summit accepts students beginning at age 18. Drivers age 18 may qualify for intrastate commercial driving, while interstate commercial driving generally requires the driver to be at least 21. If you are under 21, Summit can discuss how that affects the type of driving you plan to pursue.
How do I know whether I need a Class A or Class B CDL?
That depends on the type of commercial vehicle and career you are interested in. Summit begins with a conversation about your goals and helps you determine whether Class A, Class B, passenger training, or another commercial-driving path makes the most sense.
Programs and Training
What CDL programs does Summit offer?
Summit currently offers the following programs and upgrade options:
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- Class A CDL training
- Class B CDL training
- Class B with passenger endorsement
- Class B-to-Class A upgrade training
- Manual-transmission training / automatic-restriction removal
Additional current capabilities include school-bus training, load securement, weight distribution, sleeper-cab/long-haul preparation, employer-site training, and needs-based refresher instruction.
Does Summit train students in both manual and automatic trucks?
Yes. Summit currently has both manual- and automatic-transmission tractors available for training. Summit also offers training for CDL holders who want to remove an automatic-transmission restriction.
What equipment is available for training?
Summit currently has a manual-transmission tractor, automatic-transmission tractor, training trailer, box trailer, school bus, and sleeper-cab tractor available.
Is the program mostly classroom instruction?
No. Classroom instruction establishes the knowledge students need, but the program also includes hands-on skills training and behind-the-wheel road instruction. Students move from learning concepts to practicing vehicle-control skills and then applying those skills on public roads.
What does the hands-on CDL training include?
Current training includes areas such as:
- Pre-trip inspection
- Air-brake systems
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Backing and maneuvering
- Manual shifting and automatic-transmission operation
- Road driving and grades
- Emergency and breakdown procedures
- Safety-equipment use
- Basic maintenance awareness
- Load securement and weight distribution
- Mock CDL testing
Will I actually drive on public roads?
Yes. Behind-the-wheel training can include highway driving, city and local traffic, grades, lane changes, and varied road conditions. Rain and snow driving may also occur when weather conditions provide the opportunity.
Training Style and Student Support
How large are the training groups?
Summit limits training groups to a maximum of five students, with a maximum 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Behind-the-wheel road instruction typically involves only one or two students at a time.
What happens if I have difficulty learning a skill?
Students do not all learn the same way. An instructor may use explanation, demonstration, diagrams, repetition, hands-on practice, or additional one-on-one attention depending on what helps the student understand the skill. The goal is to identify where the difficulty is occurring, correct it, and give the student another opportunity to practice.
Do students advance automatically after a certain amount of time?
No. Summit uses an approximately 90% proficiency standard as students move through the program. Progress is based on demonstrated ability, not simply attendance.
Does Summit prepare students only for the CDL test?
No. Summit prepares students for the CDL skills test while also teaching practical truck knowledge, safety awareness, equipment understanding, and real-world driving skills. The goal is to prepare professional drivers, not simply test takers.
Schedule and Program Length
How long is the CDL training program?
The typical program is approximately six weeks. Some students need additional time, so Summit allows up to 10 weeks to complete the program under the original enrollment.
What happens if I need more than six weeks?
There is no additional tuition for training beyond the standard six-week period, up to the 10-week program maximum. If a student is still not prepared to test by the end of 10 weeks, the student is unenrolled. A student who wishes to begin again must re-enroll at the full tuition rate.
What days and hours does Summit train?
The regular training schedule is Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Summit can provide some scheduling flexibility outside the normal schedule when circumstances allow. New training groups begin approximately every six weeks.
Can I work another job while attending CDL school?
Yes, although Summit does not recommend taking on more than you can realistically manage. CDL training involves a significant amount of new information, hands-on practice, and study. Successful students will generally allows significant amount of time outside of the three training days per week to allow the information they are learning and experiences they are having to process and integrate.
Tuition and Costs
How much does CDL training cost?
Current tuition is:
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- Class A CDL Training – $5,000
- Class B CDL Training – $3,500
- Manual / Automatic Restriction Removal – $1,500
- Passenger Endorsement – $100
What is included in tuition?
Tuition includes classroom instruction, skills training, behind-the-wheel training, safety instruction, practical truck-maintenance knowledge, real-world driving preparation, and preparation for the DMV skills test. Summit also schedules the official DMV skills test, provides the truck, and accompanies the student on testing day.
Are there costs in addition to tuition?
Yes. Costs charged directly by outside organizations – such as permit-related costs, DOT physicals, drug testing, or other required third-party services – are the student’s responsibility. Ask Summit for a current estimate of expenses you should plan for in addition to tuition.
Is financial aid available?
Funding options are currently being explored. Contact Summit for the most current information about financing, funding, or payment options.
Eligibility and Requirements
Do I need to be a Nevada resident?
Yes. Summit currently requires students to be Nevada residents and hold a current Nevada driver’s license.
Do I need a DOT physical and drug test?
Yes. Students must complete the required DOT physical and drug testing before beginning the program.
Does my driving record matter?
Yes. Summit reviews prospective students’ driving records before enrollment. Excessive moving violations, major accidents, or other licensing issues may affect eligibility. Summit currently uses a seven-year DUI lookback period. If you are uncertain about something on your record, ask before paying tuition.
Will a criminal record automatically prevent me from enrolling?
Not necessarily. Summit requires a background check but does not currently use a blanket criminal-history policy. Circumstances are evaluated case by case.
DMV Testing
Does Summit schedule my CDL skills test?
Yes. Summit schedules the official Class A or Class B CDL skills test after the student is prepared to test. The learner’s-permit test is the student’s responsibility and must be completed before enrollment.
Does Summit provide a truck for the DMV test?
Yes. Summit provides the commercial vehicle and accompanies the student to the official Class A or Class B testing appointment in Reno, Nevada.
What happens if I do not pass the CDL test the first time?
Summit reviews the result with the instructor and schedules another testing date. Contact Summit for current information regarding any third-party or retesting costs that may apply.
Student Expectations
What should I wear to CDL training?
Students should wear clean, practical clothing and comfortable footwear appropriate for working around commercial vehicles and should dress for the weather.
Can I use my phone during training?
Personal phone use during class and training is not tolerated except when appropriate or necessary. Students need to remain focused on instruction, equipment, and safety.
What is Summit's attendance policy?
Students are expected to commit to three training days per week. The current no-call/no-show policy is: first occurrence – warning; second occurrence – probation; third occurrence – removal from the program without a refund. More than three consecutive missed days without a medical or catastrophic reason may also result in removal.
Careers and Next Steps
Does Summit provide job placement?
Formal job-search and placement services are planned for the future and should not currently be represented as an established Summit service. Summit’s immediate focus is preparing students with a stronger foundation of driving skills, safety awareness, and practical commercial-vehicle knowledge.
What kinds of careers can CDL training lead to?
The type of work available depends on the CDL class, endorsements, experience, employer requirements, and other qualifications. Potential paths can include tractor-trailer work, local or regional commercial driving, Class B vehicle operation, passenger transportation, school-bus driving, and other commercial-driving positions.
About Summit
What is Summit's licensing status?
Summit Truck Driving Academy is currently completing the licensing process through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Occupational and Business Licensing section. After Nevada licensing is secured, Summit plans to complete the process required to be listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) and self-certify compliance with federal Entry-Level Driver Training standards.
What makes Summit different from another CDL school?
Summit’s approach is built around a simple principle: commercial driver training should prepare students for more than the test. That means combining CDL test preparation with small-group instruction, individual coaching, practical truck knowledge, safety awareness, real-road experience, proficiency-based progression, and emergency and breakdown preparation.
Still Have Questions?
That is exactly what the introductory conversation is for.
Ask about the program, your eligibility, the CDL you are considering, tuition, scheduling, or anything else you want to understand before making a decision.
Take the First Step Towards Your New Career
Join Summit Trucking Academy today and elevate your future with our expert training programs. Contact us for more information and start your journey towards a rewarding career in trucking.