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Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

About

The Department of Federal Motor Carriers has changed the regulations to obtain a CDL starting February 7, 2022. The information below reflects the changes.

The CDL program is a combination of classroom simulator and behind the wheel training taught by experience over-the-road truck drivers. The CDL program at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland, KS prepares individuals to take your state’s (KS, CO, or NE) exams for earning your Commercial Learner’s Permit and the Commercial Driver’s License. A State of Kansas Examiner administers the license examination. (This test(s) will be taken in the appropriate state(s).)

Per Federal regulations, ELDT Behind the Wheel training must be completed within one year of the completion of ELDT Theory training.

Both courses CDL 105 (reviews the federally mandated Entry Level Driver training) and CDL 115  (includes both range and road driving practice).  Other courses are available based on the needs and experience of each individual.

Steps to Getting your CDL through Fort Hays Tech | NW in Goodland, KS

  1. Have your High School Diploma or GED or be a current High School student and be at least 18 years of age at the time of your state test and have a valid driver's license.
  2. Enroll in CDL 105 EDLT Entry Level Driver Training (Pass with 80%)
  3. Within one year of completing CDL 105, get your learners permit from the appropriate state drivers license office.
  4. Enroll in CDL 115 (Pass with 80%) (Refer to the table below for other requirements for enrollment)
  5. Take your state drivers license exam at the appropriate state drivers license office.

Schedule:

Next EDLT class:
April 7,2025 - April 25, 2025
April 28, 2025 - May 16, 2025

Next Behind the Wheel Road & Range class:
April 21, 2025 -May 5, 2025
May 19, 2025 - May 30, 2025

Here is a brief overview of the courses available:

Course  Number

Course Title

Credits/Cost

(2024-25 school year)

CDL 105 

ELDT Entry Level Driver Training 

(required to test for learner’s permit)

ELDT provides the curriculum as required by the Department of Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration. This theory course focuses on basic operation, safety procedures, advanced operations, vehicle systems and reporting, and additional non-driving activities such as handling cargo. Students must complete each module at 80% to successfully pass the course.

  • Available in hybrid format w/some face-to-face instruction
  • Includes simulator training
  • Must have High School Diploma or GED. (High school seniors considered)
  • Must bet at least 18 years of age to obtain a CDL license.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.

2 cr / $360

CDL Textbook $59.95 (includes tax)

CDL 115*

BTW Road/Range Practice Driving 

In the drive-train portion of CDL, students will have the opportunity to apply techniques and theory as presented in ELDT. Students will learn on-the-road and range driving skills. Students will cover safety, vehicle inspection, advanced operation, and cargo securement.  Students can register for the Drive Training after acquiring a commercial Learner Permit from a Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles office and completing the ELDT training curriculum. This class will prepare students for the CDL drive test, as well as complete the ELDT course requirements.

  • Requires valid Kansas Driver’s License (before enrolling the class)
  • Requires valid Kansas Learner Permit (before enrolling in the class)
  • Requires completion of ELDT Theory Class (before enrolling in CDL 115)
  • Requires a DOT physical (before enrolling in CDL 115)
  • Must pass a DOT alcohol/drug screen on the 1st day of class
  • The skills test is conducted by a State of Kansas examiner at the state of Kansas Examiners office.

2 cr /$360 + $300 fuel service fee

CDL 150^ 

[S] and [P] School Bus and Passenger Van Endorsements 

1 cr/$260
  1. Students must successfully complete each module with an 80% to progress in the course
  2. Students must successfully complete the final with an 80% to pass.

* NOTE: This course requires the consent of the instructor prior to enrollment

# NOTE: Students must provide appropriate permits or licenses prior to driving practice courses.

Instructors

Bruce Bolen
bruce.bolen@fhnw.edu
EDLT /Classroom Instructor

Rob Loftin
robert.loftin@fhnw.edu
CDL Driver Trainer

Richard Miller
richard.miller@fhnw.edu
CDL Driver Trainer

FAQ's

  • How long will it take to complete all these courses?
    • That is up to each individual student – many courses are individualized, so students need to work out times to meet with the instructor for driving and /or simulator practice.  Courses may be repeated as necessary.  Each state may have a time limit for testing for the CDL once the CLP has been earned (six months for Kansas).
  • What if I don’t live in Kansas?
    • You may only take the CLP and CDL exams in the state where you live.  Since most of our students come to FHNW from the states of Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska, we have included those state CDL manuals in our courses.  The Entry Level Driver Training course (our CDL 105 class) is a federally-mandated course, so all states require proof of completion before issuing any permits or licenses.
  • What if I am already enrolled in a full-time program of study at FHNW?
    • With our flat-rate tuition in the fall and spring semesters, students may add these courses to their schedules for no additional tuition until they reach 30 credits per semester; fees must still be paid.  In the summer, FHNW students may take CDL courses but must pay all tuition and fees.
  • My CDL has lapsed, but I have a lot of experience.  Do I still need to take the classes?
    • The federal regulations for CDL drivers changed in February of 2022, so if you have not yet renewed your permit or license since that time, you will need to take CDL 105 for the Entry Level Driver Training, and CDL 115 for the range and road practice driving.  Other courses are optional, but are designed to help individuals pass the state’s exams.
  • What are the fees for?
    • For courses that involve driving, the fees pay for the expense of operating/maintaining the vehicles.  For classroom-based courses, the fees cover the expense of the practice tests.  The textbook used for instruction is required (JJ Keller’s Entry Level Driver Training); students may choose to purchase the textbook from our NW Tiger Bookstore or from the vendor of their choice.  FHNW does NOT charge fees for the learner’s permit or CDL license – these are issued by the state and each state has different fees for testing and fees for the permit/license.  Students must pay the DMV directly when taking the exams at the DMV.
  • I still have questions.  Who can I call?

Current students may add the course by completing an add/drop form at either the admissions or academic affairs office.

Fill out my online form.