CDL Class A ELDT
In the CDL Class A Entry Level Driver Training Program (formerly CDL Now) you’ll learn what you need to know to operate Class A big trucks and get plenty of driving practice at our 350-acre custom-built training grounds. You’ll learn in our classrooms the knowledge you’ll need to pass your Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam and qualify for a truck driving career.
Our CDL Class A ELDT Program will train individuals in the operation of a Class A combination semi-tractor-trailer for entry-level positions within the trucking industry – both interstate and intrastate. Students will learn how to safely and effectively drive under a wide variety of traffic, load, road, weather and geographic conditions and locations.
How quickly can you get a Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
Get on the road FAST with our CDL Class A ELDT Course. In just 4 weeks you’ll train and learn all you need to know to pass the CDL Class A exam – Including the written and road tests. You’ll go from zero to CDL in just 30 days!
National Training, Inc. located in Green Cove Springs, FL offers a CDL training program that prepares students for truck driving jobs in only a month, from start to finish. During that time we train beginning students, who have never even sat in a big rig cab, how to operate it safely under normal driving conditions. While it is not as comprehensive in scope or curriculum, our CDL Class A ELDT Program answers the demand for a quick but safe and effective CDL training course, whose graduates are ready to drive 18-wheel trucks professionally.
What students will learn:
- How to perform a pre-trip inspection
- How to properly document their Hours of Service in the industry standard logbook
- The proper methods for and how to Start, Operate and Shutdown a diesel tractor-trailer
- How to safely back a tractor-trailer in various conditions using various techniques
- How to safely couple and uncouple a tractor-trailer
- How to park and secure the vehicle
- The safety procedures defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- How to successfully prepare for and pass the D.O.T. written examination as well as the D.O.T. equipment road test, which is mandatory before being employed in the trucking industry
Take Our Free CDL Practice Test
Want to see if you’re ready for the CDL written exam? Take our free CDL practice test to see if you have the knowledge needed to pass the actual CDL written exam.
CDL CLASS A ELDT CATALOG
Complete details of this course are contained in our CDL Class A ELDT (formerly CDL Now) Course Catalog. Click on the catalog image to view and download the PDF version.
National Training Graduate Stories
Listen to some of National Training’s graduate stories and their experiences with attending our school.
CDL Class A ENTRY LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING Course Breakdown
Many of our CDL Class A ELDT graduates have job offers already extended to them from one or more trucking firms by the time they receive their CDL. That’s because trained truckers are in such high demand due to the nationwide truck driver shortage, and because of the great reputation of our school within the industry. During this CDL training program, you will have 180 total hours of training.
CDL CLASS A ELDT
Course #15- Course Fee Breakdown
- Tuition $7,995
- Non-Refundable Administration Fee $100
- Drug Test $65
- State CDL Knowledge/Skills Test $300**
- Books/Supplies are included
- *NOTES:
- • Admin Fee: Non-refundable; maximum non-refundable charges will not exceed $100.
- • Drug Test: Required before training; amount is estimated.
- • State CDL Test: Fees vary by class type of test. Price is for the first test. Any additional tests will be at the full price rate. See 3rd Party Testing Fees for current pricing.
- • DOT Physical: Federal requirement; paid to an authorized medical examiner.
- • Lodging/Transportation: Optional; costs vary based on individual arrangements.
Course Breakdown and Curriculum Hours By Category
4 weeks (180 Hours)
U.S. Department of Education defines a classroom hour as 1 clock hour which equals 50 minutes of instructor led training plus 10 minute break.
Click on a tab below to view the section breakdown.
- Theory Breakdown (58 Hrs)
- Behind-the-Wheel - Range (62 Hours)
- Behind-the-Wheel - Public Road (60 Hrs)
Theory
| FMCSA Ref. | Course Title | Format | Clock Hours |
| A1.1 | Basic Operation | Theory | 32 |
| A1.1.1 | Orientation | Theory | |
| A1.1.2 | Control Systems/Dashboard | Theory | |
| A1.1.3 | Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections | Theory | |
| A1.1.4 | Basic Control | Theory | |
| A1.1.5 | Shifting/Operating Transmissions | Theory | |
| A1.1.6 | Backing and Docking | Theory | |
| A1.1.7 | Coupling and Uncoupling | Theory | |
| A1.2 | Safe Operating Procedures | Theory | 8 |
| A1.2.1 | Visual Search | Theory | |
| A1.2.2 | Communication | Theory | |
| A1.2.3 | Distracted Driving | Theory | |
| A1.2.4 | Speed Management | Theory | |
| A1.2.5 | Space Management | Theory | |
| A1.2.6 | Night Operation | Theory | |
| A1.2.7 | Extreme Driving Conditions | Theory | |
| A1.3 | Advanced Operating Practices | Theory | 6 |
| A1.3.1 | Hazard Perception | Theory | |
| A1.3.2 | Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies | Theory | |
| A1.3.3 | Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings | Theory | |
| A1.4 | Vehicle Systems & Reporting Malfunctions | Theory | 4 |
| A1.4.1 | Vehicle Systems & Reporting Malfunctions-Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions | Theory | |
| A1.4.2 | Roadside Inspections | Theory | |
| A1.4.3 | Maintenance | Theory | |
| A1.5 | Non-Driving Activities | Theory | 8 |
| A1.5.1 | Handling and Documenting Cargo | Theory | |
| A1.5.2 | Environmental Compliance Issues | Theory | |
| A1.5.3 | Hours of Service (HOS) Requirements | Theory | |
| A1.5.4 | Fatigue and Wellness Awareness | Theory | |
| A1.5.5 | Post-Crash Procedures | Theory | |
| A1.5.6 | External Communications | Theory | |
| A1.5.7 | Whistleblower/Coercion | Theory | |
| A1.5.8 | Trip Planning | Theory | |
| A1.5.9 | Drugs/Alcohol | Theory | |
| A1.5.10 | Medical Requirements | Theory | |
| Total Theory Hours | 58 |
Behind-the-Wheel – Range
|
FMCSA Ref. |
Course Title |
Format |
Clock Hours |
|
A2.1 |
Vehicle Inspection (Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip) |
Range BTW |
8 |
|
A2.2 |
Straight Line Backing |
Range BTW |
8 |
|
A2.3 |
Alley Dock Backing (45°/90°) |
Range BTW |
10 |
|
A2.4 |
Off-Set Backing |
Range BTW |
8 |
|
A2.5 |
Parallel Parking (Blind Side) |
Range BTW |
7 |
|
A2.6 |
Parallel Parking (Sight Side) |
Range BTW |
7 |
|
A2.7 |
Coupling and Uncoupling |
Range BTW |
14 |
|
|
Total BTW/Range Hours |
|
62 |
Behind-the-Wheel – Public Road
| FMCSA Ref. | Course Title | Format | Clock Hours |
| A3.1 | Vehicle Controls Including: Left Turns, Right Turns, Lane Changes, Curves at Highway Speeds, and Entry and Exit on the Interstate or Controlled Access Highway | Public Road BTW | 14 |
| A3.2 | Shifting/Transmission | Public Road BTW | 6 |
| A3.3 | Communications/Signaling | Public Road BTW | 4 |
| A3.4 | Visual Search | Public Road BTW | 6 |
| A3.5 | Speed and Space Management | Public Road BTW | 6 |
| A3.6 | Safe Driver Behavior | Public Road BTW | 6 |
| A3.7 | Hours of Service (HOS) Requirements | Public Road BTW | 2 |
| A3.8 | Hazard Perception | Public Road BTW | 4 |
| A3.9 | Railroad (RR)-Highway Grade Crossing | Public Road BTW | 2 |
| A3.10 | Night Operation | Public Road BTW | 4 |
| A3.11 | Extreme Driving Conditions | Public Road BTW | 3 |
| A3.12 | Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies | Public Road BTW | 3 |
|
Total BTW/Public Hours |
60 |
Job Placement Assistance
During the course, you’ll see recruiting presentations from various trucking firms that are interested in hiring our graduates. Near graduation time we’ll give you a thorough Career Guidance Orientation. Finally, when you’ve completed your course and earned your CDL, our job placement department will work to find a great job in the truck driving field that’s right for you – that is, if you haven’t already been hired! Altogether, you’ll receive a minimum of four hours – and usually more – of job placement assistance and employer presentations.
CDL CLASS A ENTRY LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE
2026
| Start | End |
| January 5, 2026 | January 29, 2026 |
| February 2, 2026 | February 26, 2026 |
| March 2, 2026 | March 26, 2026 |
| March 30, 2026 | April 23, 2026 |
| April 27, 2026 | May 22, 2026 |
| May 26, 2026 | June 18, 2026 |
| June 22, 2026 | July 16, 2026 |
CDL Simulators
National Training Inc.’s state-of-the-art simulator system from Simulator Systems International provides a low-risk, low pressure way to train both new and experienced drivers. With bold realistic graphics, authentic and genuine truck components, and a 3 axis motion platform to offer an immersive experience, drivers and students are receiving a total immersive training solution, right at their fingertips.
Call us today at (800) 488-7364 to discuss further details of our CDL simulator training and learn how it can improve your success of becoming a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL driver.
