Train and test for a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

CDL Career Information

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeding 26,000 pounds. These drivers deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states.

Bus drivers transport people between various places—including work, school, and shopping malls—and across state or national borders. Some drive regular routes, while others transport passengers on chartered or sightseeing tours. 

Median annual wages (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023):
  • Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers: $54,320
  • Bus drivers: $48,320

Program Information

We aim to train and test student drivers to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL. Upon completion, students will become licensed to drive all commercial Class A (tractor-trailer) and Class B trucks (straight trucks, passenger and school buses, dump and concrete mixer trucks, and utility vehicles). Other endorsements—such as Hazmat, Tanker, and Double and Triple Trailer—can be added later or when obtaining a learner’s permit.

Please review learner permit practice exams >

Entry-Level Driver Training

The first step to beginning a trucking career is completing the entry-level driver training course. This course will satisfy the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory requirements for Commercial Vehicle operation. 

Skills You Will Become Proficient In:
  • Basic vehicle operation
  • Safe operating procedures
  • Advanced operating procedures
  • Vehicle systems
  • Hours of service
  • Other non-driving activities

Note: Courses are self-paced, online and must be completed in 60 days. You must pay your bill in full to receive instructions on completing your courses (not accessed through Canvas).

Class A Admission Requirements:
  • 18 years of age (must be at least 21 years old to drive out of Maryland)
  • Possess a valid, non-provisional driver's license
  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen
  • Obtain a CDL Class A Learner's Permit
Class B Admission Requirements:
  • 18 years of age (or 21 years of age for the District of Columbia)
  • Possess a valid, non-provisional driver's license
  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen
  • Obtain a CDL Class B Learner's Permit

Courses Offered

CDL-328 Entry-Level Driver Training Theory
CDL-324 Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Class A
CDL-301 Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Class B (Washington, D.C. or Maryland only)
CDL-302 Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Class B (outside of Washington, D.C. or Maryland)

Students can begin participating without a learner’s permit but must obtain one before advancing to a Class A or B CDL.

Course Information

CDL-328 Entry-Level Driver Training Theory

CDL-328 satisfies the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory requirements for Commercial Vehicle operation. Student driver-trainees will become proficient in the following general knowledge areas: basic vehicle operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating procedures, vehicle systems, hours of service, and other non-driving activities. 

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  • This course is entirely online.
  • This course must be completed within 60 days from the start of your class.
  • You must pay your bill in full to receive course instructions.
  • This course is inaccessible in Canvas (we will provide access information).
New:  Entry-Level Training Platform

We will transition to a new and improved Entry-Level Training Platform. Besides the ease of functionality, the new platform will utilize mandatory practice MVA exams in all four areas of testing: air brakes, combination, general knowledge, and vehicle inspections. If students can pass these exams with an 80 or higher, they should have no issues taking the MVA learner's exams.

20 sessions | Cost: $150 (includes $91 lab fee)

Fall 2024

    • SYN #11454 (Starts November 6)
    • SYN #11455 (Starts December 4)

Spring 2025

    • SYN #14484 (Course Begins January 6)
    • SYN #14485  (Course Begins January 21)
    • SYN #14486  (Course Begins February 3)
    • SYN #14489  (Course Begins February 18)
    • SYN #14490  (Course Begins March 3)
    • SYN #14491  (Course Begins March 17)
    • SYN #14492  (Course Begins March 31)
    • SYN #14493  (Course Begins April 14)

 

 

CDL-324 Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Class A

This course offers unlimited personalized training throughout your learner's permit with one-on-one instruction (there is no group training) to give student drivers experience for the Class A commercial driver's license. Topics include federal rules and regulations, hours of service logs, pre-trip vehicle inspection, automatic and manual transmission operation, backing and parking skills, on-road maneuvers, city and highway driving, coupling and un-coupling tractor-trailers (handling 28 ft., 48 ft., and 53 ft. trailers), and mock testing.

A final MVA exam will be scheduled, and a Class A vehicle will be provided for license testing. Students have 50 hours to complete the program and take their driving exam (any additional time needed must be discussed with the driving school).

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Please call 301-546-0062 or email TDI@pgcc.edu for enrollment information.

CDL-301 and CDL-302 Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Class B

This course is for those looking to drive Commercial Class B Trucks and Passenger or School Buses. Student drivers will be taught the skills necessary to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Upon obtaining the Class B CDL, the graduate would be capable of obtaining entry-level employment as a Class B commercial vehicle driver.

The Class B program intends to offer upgrade training for students working in the field or seeking work as a CDL Class B driver. Flexible weekday and weekend schedules are available. 

Please call 301-546-0062 or email TDI@pgcc.edu for enrollment information.

Contact Us

301-546-0062 | tdi@pgcc.edu

Barbara McCreary, Program Director

Prince George's Community College
Annex C, Room 002
301 Largo Road
Largo, MD 20785

See maps, directions, and parking >