Class B CDL Training

At Southeast Technical College, we offer a number of options approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for Class B CDL licensure. Students may register independently or in conjunction with their employer or other trainers to complete the custom training and exam options necessary to get licensed and get on the road or job site.

Pathway to Becoming a Class B CDL Driver

Class B CDL holders operate straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks and other construction equipment. Here, we outline the steps needed to obtain a license:

1. Learner Permit Training - $250

   STC's Learner Permit Training course prepares students to take the South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles CDL Class B driving exam.
   • When: Learner Permit Training students meet twice, for two hours each session. Classes are offered the first or third Monday and Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
   • Options: Students may take learner permit training as a standalone course if needed, or in conjunction with other STC courses to complete Class B Licensure requirements.

    

2. Vehicle Inspection Training - $200

   Our vehicle inspection training course teaches students to conduct a vehicle inspection in accordance with Federal and State regulations and standards.
   • When: This course consists of one, 2-hour session and is offered the first and third Thursday each month, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
   • Options: Students may take vehicle inspection training as a standalone couse if needed, or in conjunction with other STC courses to complete Class B Licensure requirements.

    

3. Entry-Level Driver Training Theory - $500

   Entry-Level Driver Training is an instructor-led online course in Driver Training Theory and meets the training regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
   • When: This course begins every second and fourth Monday each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning with one in-person session, 30 hours of online training and instructor support and training throughout the course.
   • Options: Students may take theory as a standalone course if needed, or in conjunction with other STC courses to complete Class B Licensure requirements.

    

4. Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training

   Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training gets students experience behind the wheel before taking their final test.

   Complete at STC - $1,200

   Behind-the-Wheel Driver training includes 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, vehicle inspection, range skills and over-the-road driving at Southeast Tech, using STC trucks and equipment. When: Dates and times will be scheduled on an individual basis.

   Complete with an Employer

   Behind-the-Wheel driving hours may also be completed through an employer. Driving must be done with a certified trainer and hours must be submitted to STC to be approved with FMCSA. Employers wishing to offer behind-the-wheel driving must have a certified trainer sign off on skill assessments. To get certified, trainers must complete STC’s Train the Trainer program.

5. Final Field Driving Exam - $150

   The Final Field Driving Exam is a one-hour exam with drive time with an STC instructor on surface and highway streets. After completing behind-the-wheel driving, students must take and pass this final exam to be qualified by FMCSA on their skill assessment.

   • When: Dates and times will be scheduled on an individual basis.

Additional Requirements

Students are required to obtain and read the CDL manual before class to review the rules of the road, classifications and safety information. The manual can be obtained from the DMV or by visiting the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s website. 

DOWNLOAD THE CDL MANUAL