Nevada CDL training can improve your chances at becoming a truck driver in many ways. Enrolling in a CDL school that provides classroom and behind-the-wheel experience has many benefits. In order to become a professional commercial driver, you will need to complete the process of applying for a commercial drivers license (CDL) with the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). This involves taking a series of exams to measure your knowledge and skills of commercial driving. More specifically, CDL exams consist of a written knowledge tests, a pre-trip vehicle inspection tests and a basic vehicle control skills test.

Unlike testing for your standard driver’s license, truck driving school is crucial in passing these exams on the first attempt. This means you must be fully aware of emergency and accident procedures, be able to perform a full vehicle inspection and safely maneuver your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. While not state-required, many jobs only hire employees who have attended formal training. Read below to learn more about the different types of CDL classes and the best CDL prep schools in Nevada.

What is CDL training in Nevada?

A CDL school in Nevada is much different from regular driver’s education. Students enrolled in training already have their driver’s license and are proficient drivers with clean driving records. CDL training is much more advanced, involving various lessons on how to safely operate a large commercial vehicle. The type of class will vary depending on the type of vehicle a student plans to drive. The most useful and common license class is Class “A”, requiring that students complete Class A CDL training.

With a Class A CDL training and the corresponding license, drivers can operate combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001lbs or greater. This is provided that the vehicle(s) being towed has a GVWR of 10,001 or more. To operate vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more and a towed vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds, students should complete Class B CDL training to obtain their Class B license.

Those who plan to operate other vehicles with a weight 26,000lbs or less and a towed vehicle 10,000lbs or less should complete the appropriate course to obtain their Class C license. This license is only needed for drivers who plan to transport 16 passengers or hazardous materials.

Is CDL school required in Nevada?

Nebraska truck driving school is not required to take your CDL exams. The only state requirement for formal training is if you plan on driving a school bus in Nevada. This training will occur after receiving a commercial driver’s license with a school bus and passenger endorsement.

It must be comprised of 20 hours on the road and 20 hours in the classroom learning about school bus laws and emergency situations. Although basic CDL training is not required, it is highly recommended and may be required by certain jobs.

Curriculum of Nevada CDL Classes

The curriculum of Nevada CDL classes depends on the school, type of class license and how extensive a program is. While you may attend a comprehensive Class A or Class B CDL training program that includes both in-class instruction and field training, there are programs intended for those who already have their commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and primarily need practice behind the wheel.

In-Class Instruction for the CDL Written Test

In order to pass the CDL written test, it is highly recommended that you enroll in a program with in-class instruction. While CDL training online may sound more convenient, there are a variety of schools that provide day, night and weekend classes in order to fit your schedule. Additionally, classroom training gives you the opportunity to ask questions and receive the instructor’s undivided attention.

You will be prepared to answer CDL permit test questions correctly by completing practice tests and classwork. These questions typically cover road rules and regulations, rules for safety procedures and basic CDL driving techniques. In addition to the CDL general knowledge test, classroom training can prepare you to take the following exams for additional endorsements.

• Passenger transport test
• Airbrakes test
• Combination vehicles test
• Hazardous materials test
• Tank vehicle test
• Doubles/Triples test
• School Bus Test

A classroom or an online CDL test can also help you practice for the real exam. Being well-informed of Nevada’s driving laws can also help you prevent credential suspension in the future and the expense related to the process of reinstating your license.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction for the CDL Driving Test

You will need to complete a CDL driving test to receive your commercial driver’s license once you have received your CLP. You will have 14 days from the day you received your CLP to practice for the test. As mandated by the DMV, you will only be permitted to get behind the wheel of a truck with a commercial license holder.

Most CDL schools provide a combined classroom and field training course. However, some schools offer programs strictly for enhancing your skills on the road. Either way, field training is necessary for becoming fully comfortable behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle.

During on-road training for the CDL test, you will learn how to complete a successful pre-trip vehicle inspection, which is a very important part of the driving exam. Additionally, you will learn how to operate and maneuver a commercial vehicle in different traffic instances. This includes highway driving, parking, turning and backing up your vehicle in tight spaces.

How long is CDL training in Nevada?

Generally, CDL training in Nevada takes about three to four weeks to complete. Most courses are 160 hours and can be completed either full-time or part-time. For those enrolled part-time, a course can take up to eight weeks to complete.  The length of a course is fully dependent on the school, class license and how you can manage to fit classes into your schedule.

Best CDL Schools Near Me in Nevada

Before you search for “truck driving school near me”, you will need to be aware of the things you should look for in a commercial driving school. You want to get the most out of your money by finding a quality, reputable school that offers great financing options, grants and/or scholarships.

Additionally, you want a school that is close in distance and offers classes that fit your schedule. These CDL classes must fit the type of license and endorsements you need to obtain and they must provide the level of training you need to be adequately prepared for your exams. Take a look at the best CDL schools in Nevada including:

• DTR School of Trucking. This Nevada CDL school offers a three-week and four-week Class A CDL training While the four-week program provides full classroom and field training, the three-week program focuses more on skills training more than classroom instruction. The CDL prep school also offers job placement services, providing you contact with DTR Transport and other major carriers. You may even land a job before you have completed the course. Worried about the costs of training? The school offers financial aid and in-house financing.
• American Institute of Trucking. Enroll in a Class A or Class B CDL training program at this school to receive hands-on time driving a truck and comprehensive lessons on how to safely operate a commercial vehicle. These programs teach map reading, trip planning, detecting and identifying preventative maintenance problems and advanced truck driving techniques. You can gain access to automatic and manual transmission trucks, top-notch practice equipment, job placement assistance and much more.
• Nevada Truck Driving School. As Northern Nevada’s largest privately-owned facility, this CDL school consists of training over a three-week period. Students will learn all the rules and regulations of the road and the necessary functions to safely operate a tractor-trailer combination. Additionally, students will learn how to inspect their vehicles pre-trip and how to drive in inclement weather. Not only does this school have the lowest tuition in the state, but it also offers tuition reimbursement support and job placement assistance.

To find other programs in your area, search “CDL school near me”. There are many other programs that similar programs and unique perks.

Benefits of Completing Nevada Truck Driving School

Although Nebraska truck driving school is not required, there are great benefits in completing a course. For one, you completing a course provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass your CDL exams with local DMV office locations on the first try. It can help you obtain the endorsement you need to drive a school bus or transport hazardous materials.

Additionally, if you are unsure where to apply for CDL jobs, then a school can assist you with CDL job placement by putting you in contact with the right employers. In fact, you may even get hired before completing a course. Formal training can boost your resume and set yourself apart from other applicants. These are all qualifications preferred by employers. In fact, some of the higher paying jobs require formal training.

CDL Training Costs in Nevada

CDL training cost approximately $2,500 to $4,500 to complete. However, prices can vary depending on workforce scholarships, grants and military benefits offered. Certain students may be eligible for low-cost or free CDL training due to their military background or financial situation.

Certain schools, such as the American Institute of Trucking, take into account driving and criminal history when determining cost. Other schools have financing options and loan reimbursement plans for students.

If you land a CDL job in training, then it might pay for the costs of schooling upfront or reimburse you after you have completed the program. In some cases, you may even get paid while training for CDL. Choosing a program that offers these financial incentives, as well as job placement assistance, can help you alleviate the high costs of training.

However, keep in mind that in addition to CDL training costs, there will be licensing expenses such as the fee for the mandatory DOT physical exam for CDL applicants.

How to Self-Prep for Nevada CDL Exams

There are many resources and tools, such as a CDL practice test, available that can help you prepare for your CDL exams on your own. Regardless of whether or not you attend formal training, studying the CDL handbook and completing free practice tests online can improve your chances at passing. You can find these resources on the DMV website and many other third-party sites.

Some training schools even offer study guides, handbooks and practice tests. You can also create your own CDL study guide using information provided in the commercial driver handbook. As for the road skills test, you will need to find someone with a commercial driver’s license to accompany you on the road.

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