How it Works
How CDL Training Works at Summit
Becoming a professional commercial driver is a process. Summit Truck Driving Academy builds training from understanding, to hands-on practice, to behind-the-wheel experience so students develop skills in stages rather than being rushed from one requirement to the next.
Whether you are considering Class A CDL training, Class B CDL training, passenger transportation, or an upgrade to your existing CDL, the first step is determining which path fits your goals.
Start With the Right CDL Path
Not everyone interested in commercial driving needs the same license. Summit talks with prospective students about the type of driving they want to do and whether Class A, Class B, passenger training, or another CDL path makes the most sense.
The goal is to help you choose the right training – not simply put you into the biggest program.
The CDL Training Process at a Glance
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- Talk With Summit – Discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine the right CDL path.
- Complete Your Prerequisites – Meet eligibility requirements and obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit before enrolling.
- Build the Knowledge – Learn vehicle systems, inspections, safety concepts, and CDL requirements.
- Practice the Skills – Develop vehicle control through hands-on instruction.
- Take It to the Road – Apply those skills during behind-the-wheel training on public roads.
- Prepare and Test – Complete mock testing and, when ready, take the official CDL skills test.
1. Begin With a Conversation
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly which CDL you need. The introductory conversation is an opportunity to talk about the kind of commercial driving that interests you, your career goals, what the program requires, and what you need to complete before training begins.
It is also your opportunity to decide whether Summit’s safety-focused, practical approach is the kind of commercial driver training you are looking for.
2. Complete Your Prerequisites
Students must obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before enrolling in Summit’s CDL training program. Summit can provide study materials to help prospective students prepare for the permit examination, but the student is responsible for securing the permit before training begins.
Licensing, medical, driving-record, education, and other eligibility requirements must also be met before enrollment.
3. From Knowledge to the Road
Training progresses from classroom knowledge to hands-on vehicle skills and then to behind-the-wheel road training.
4. Build the Knowledge
Students learn truck systems, inspections, safety principles, CDL requirements, and the fundamentals they need before operating the vehicle.
5. Practice the Skills
Students develop practical vehicle-control skills including inspections, backing, coupling and uncoupling, braking, maneuvering, and shifting where applicable.
6. Apply Them on the Road
Once students are comfortable controlling and maneuvering the vehicle, they move into public-road driving where traffic, grades, lane changes, other motorists, and changing conditions require judgment as well as vehicle control.
Summit’s hands-on curriculum connects the procedures required for the CDL test with practical knowledge students may need as working commercial drivers.
See What Hands-On CDL Training Includes”
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- Pre-trip inspection
- Air-brake systems
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Backing and maneuvering
- Manual shifting and automatic-transmission operation
- Emergency and breakdown procedures
- Safety-equipment use
- Basic maintenance awareness
- Load securement
- Weight distribution
- Ongoing mock CDL testing
You Move Forward When You Are Ready
Progress at Summit is based on demonstrated proficiency – not simply on how many days you have attended.
Students first demonstrate fundamental safety knowledge, then vehicle-control skills, and then readiness for road training. Summit uses an approximately 90% proficiency standard as students advance.
The objective is competency, not simply completion.
Prepare for the CDL Skills Test
Test preparation takes place throughout the program. Summit conducts ongoing mock CDL testing designed to simulate the DMV experience as closely as practical so students can become familiar with the testing process and practice managing nervousness while demonstrating their skills.
When a student is ready, Summit schedules the Class A or Class B CDL skills test, provides the training vehicle, and accompanies the student to the DMV testing location in Reno, Nevada.
What If I Do Not Pass the First Time?
If a student does not pass the CDL skills test on the first attempt, Summit reviews the result with the instructor and schedules another testing date. Summit is committed to supporting our students’ success. Contact Summit for current information regarding any third-party or retesting costs that may apply.
How Long Does CDL Training Take?
The standard Summit program is approximately six weeks. Regular training is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with some flexibility available outside the normal schedule. New training groups begin approximately every six weeks.
Some students may need additional time. Summit allows up to 10 weeks for completion within the original enrollment.
Individual Help When You Need It
Training groups are limited to five students, and behind-the-wheel road instruction generally involves only one or two students at a time. That gives instructors more opportunity to identify where a student needs help and provide focused coaching.
The First Step Is a Conversation
You do not have to enroll before you ask questions.
Talk with Summit about the kind of driving you are considering, which CDL program may fit your goals, whether you currently meet the requirements, and what you still need before training can begin.