Class A CDL License Training

Eastern's truck driving program offers career training in the road transportation industry. The program provides instruction and on-the-road training in a big rig, and prepares trainees to pass West Virginia's Commercial Driver Learner's Permit and the state's CDL Licensing exams. Program graduates qualify for entry-level employment immediately upon obtaining their Class A CDL.

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Professional Licensure Disclosure

Program Overview

The Commercial Driver's License Program is comprised of two training components: theory and behind-the wheel.

Before students can begin behind-the-wheel training, they must first take a three-part knowledge test administered by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. Upon passing, the student will be issued a Commercial Driver Learning Permit (CLP). Classroom theory will be provided for those requiring assistance in preparing for these exams.

Once students have obtained a CLP, they can begin behind-the-wheel training in a tractor trailer vehicle. Upon satisfactory completion of behind-the-wheel training, students will be scheduled to take a three-part CDL skills test administered by a third-party examiner training and authorized by the WV DMV. Upon successful completion of the skills test, the WV DMV will issue students a CDL.

Helpful links:

Minimum qualifications to apply for the program can be found here.

How do I get a Commercial Drivers License?

Keep up to date with what's new in the Commercial Drivers License program from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

WV DMV

CDL Manual (State and Federal) is available for download here.

*Eastern's CDL Program is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and our curriculum is in compliance with 49 CFR 380.

Program Schedule

Up to 25 training days, in compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location | Technology Center
150 Providence Lane, Petersburg, WV

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Program Costs

$6,000

*Students who require additional instruction for any reason may be required to pay additional fees.

*Rates are for 2023-2024 and are subject to change. Financial aid up to $4,000 is available for those who qualify.

Scholarship Assistance

A scholarship is available for students enrolled in the Commercial Driver's License Program, thanks to the generosity of a donor and program supporter.

To learn more about the Robert's Workforce CDL Scholarship, including the application, use the button link below.

Roberts' Workforce CDL Scholarship

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Mike Sites

Mike Sites began teaching for Eastern in 2016. Sites has had numerous careers over the years as a small business owner, snow sports instructor and staff trainer, weatherization and home energy specialist, social worker and truck driver. Sites enjoys watching his students achieve things and enriching their lives through education.

“Continuing education is the fountain of youth for me,” Sites said. “I’m not content in life unless I’m constantly learning new things. As a result of that lifestyle, I am never bored. I always seem to end up teaching the interests I explore.”

Eddie Mullenax

Eddie Mullenax joined Eastern in 2022, and he says he fell in love with trucks as a child. As soon he was old enough, he climbed into the cab as an over-the-road driver in 1979. Mullenax’s time as a driver would eventually cover more than 4 million miles, 45 states, and his career would span employment with several trucking companies. Mullenax said he is looking forward to sharing his many years of experience with students in Eastern’s CDL training program.

Drivers need quality training, Mullenax said, to help them adapt to different driving conditions. “That’s what CDL training is about. It’s about keeping a driver and the truck in compliance with regulations and keeping safety top of mind. At the end of the day, the job is going to get done, and we need to do it in as safe a manner as we can.”