Program Overview
Already hold a Class B or Class C CDL? This program closes the skills gap to Class A — combination-vehicle operation, tractor-trailer backing, coupling and uncoupling, and pre-trip inspection for Class A units. All 80 hours are field training — behind-the-wheel driving, backing, proficiency and observation — customized to your existing experience level.
What You'll Learn
- Truckers Against Trafficking and whistleblower driver rights
- Combination-vehicle operation (tractor–trailer)
- Lane management, space management, merging, and highway driving
- Gear selection, shifting, and speed control under load
- Straight-line backing, offset, and alley-type maneuvers for Class A vehicles
- Mirror use, setups, and correcting drift safely
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection of Class A tractor–trailer combinations
- Vehicle safety systems, defect recognition, and reporting
- Coupling and uncoupling procedures and inspections
- Instructor-led demonstrations and real-world scenario discussion
Training Hours Breakdown
All 80 hours are field training across four areas. Hours are fixed; content is adjusted to your existing skills.
Required under 49 CFR Part 380 — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.
| Behind-the-Wheel Street Driving | 18 hrs |
| Backing Maneuvers | 16 hrs |
| Proficiency Training | 16 hrs |
| Observation Hours | 30 hrs |
| Total Hours | 80 hrs |
Your Investment
Transparent Pricing. No Surprise Fees.
| Registration Fee | $100.00 |
| Tuition | $3,891.00 |
| Course Materials and Books | $200.00 |
| Drug Test | $50.00 |
| DOT Physical | $150.00 |
| Knowledge Test (1 attempt) | $35.00 |
| Commercial Learner's Permit | $40.00 |
| Skills Test (1 attempt) | $175.00 |
| Sales Tax | $284.00 |
| Total | $4,925.00 |
Not included above: the WA State Skills Test Payment Fee of $5.25 per skills-test payment. Course Catalog v5.2 v3 lists it under Other Costs, outside Total Paid to School.
Comparing Schools?
Make sure you're comparing total cost — not just tuition. Our fee table itemizes this program's total line by line, and lists separately what is paid direct to WA DOL, a testing vendor, or a medical provider, so you can see the whole picture before you enroll.
Other Costs Paid Direct to WA DOL
These fees are not included in the tuition above. They are paid directly to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
| WA Driving Record (MVR / full abstract)paid direct to WA DOL | $15 |
| Final license fee (CDL card)paid direct to WA DOL after passing skills test; exact amount set by DOL based on license expiration date | ~$37 – $130 |
See current WA DOL fee schedules: driving records · commercial driver licenses.
If Additional Time Is Needed
Retest fees ($175/attempt skills test · $35/attempt knowledge test), makeup sessions for unapproved absences, and 1:1 tutoring are billed separately. Most students complete the program without these — they depend on individual progress.
Additional Charges (Only If They Apply to You)
These are not included in the tuition above and do not apply to every student.
| Fuel Surchargecharged for any week your class is running while diesel is above $6.00 a gallon, and not otherwise. Check the current price before you enroll — the link below is the index we use.Diesel price tracked against the U.S. EIA weekly West Coast (PADD 5) ultra-low-sulfur on-highway diesel price, published weekly. | $30.00/week |
| Lodgingoptional, and only if you need it. Call the office and we can arrange a room at our negotiated rate. | varies |
Ways to Pay
There may be funding support available. Employers cover it for some students. Others qualify for state or federal programs. Some use a 529 plan. Check out our funding page for options to explore.
Prices reflect Burlington location (8.9% sales tax). Ferndale rates may vary slightly.
Traveling From Out of Town?
Preferred hotel partner from $68/night — 5 minutes from campus.