Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Get on the road to a new career with your Class A or Class B CDL – in just eight weeks or less. Start now with Stark State College’s Commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Certificates
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
8 weeks or less
Program overview
Put yourself in the driver’s seat with quality, practical CDL training.
Ready to make a move to an in-demand career? Sign up for one of Stark State College’s CDL training programs. Ohio workforce data shows northeast Ohio must fill over 3,000 truck driver jobs each year, making it one of the state’s most critical in-demand occupations.
At Stark State, you’ll start with classroom sessions, followed by behind-the-wheel range and open road training.
- Pathway to financial freedom. Find competitive, in-demand career opportunities.
- No prior experience required. We’ll teach you everything from the ground up.
- Expert instructors and real-world training prepare you for the road. Our program maintains a 99.5% licensure pass rate, the highest in Ohio.
- Job placement assistance. Our staff can help you connect with employers quickly.
Program details
Class A CDL
You’ll get tractor trailer training with 48’ length trailers. All trucks are outfitted with 10-speed non-synchronized manual transmissions and automatic 10 speed transmissions. You’ll also be prepared for hazardous (H endorsement) written exam during the program. A CDL permit is not required to start.
Training options
Cost: $9,391.20. This for-credit option includes all training in Option 1, plus four additional classes (22 credit hours total). You’ll get in-demand skills and certifications for the transportation industry. If you’re enrolled and intend to complete the CDL certificate, you may apply for federal financial aid by completing a FAFSA. If your intent is to only complete CDL 121 and CDL 122, you’re not eligible for federal financial aid.
The additional classes (CDL120, CDL124, AUT121, AUT122) comprising the CDL certificate are offered each Fall and Spring term.
How to apply
- Request that your official transcripts be sent directly to Stark State electronically via admissions@starkstate.edu. This includes official high school or GED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable).
- Demonstrate reading proficiency by taking the Accuplacer reading assessment or providing your ACT/SAT score (within last five years) or prior college credit.
- If you plan to apply for federal financial aid, complete your FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/. Stark State’s school code is 011141.
- Financial aid/funding must be fully in place to schedule classes.
Cost: 7,295.20. This includes all training in Option 1 and is NOT eligible for federal financial aid.
How to apply
- Request that your official transcripts be sent directly to Stark State. This includes official high school or GED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable).
- Demonstrate reading proficiency by taking the Accuplacer reading assessment or providing your ACT/SAT score (within last five years) or prior college credit.
Cost: $7,165.20. Receive training in five or eight weeks, with day and evening/weekend options available. Non-credit is defined as a student not pursuing a college degree or certificate. This option is NOT eligible for federal financial aid. You may qualify for funding through state or local programs, and we encourage you to contact the local Ohio Mean Jobs Center about possible supplemental funding.
Course Delivery Options
Stark State’s CDL training classes are offered via the following schedule, with classes starting approximately every three to four weeks.
Full-time day track – 5 weeks
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4.p.m.
Evening/Weekend – 8 Weeks
4 nights/week plus every Saturday
Monday-Thursday: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
How to enroll
Request an appointment with Stark State’s CDL coordinator at CDL@starkstate.edu or 330-494-6170 ext. 4444.
Class B CDL
You will get training in a variety of Class B vehicles with both automatic and manual transmissions. You will also be prepared for hazardous (H endorsement) written exam during the program. A CDL permit is not required to start.
Commercial Driver’s License HazMat Endorsement Training
Open to the public to anyone seeking training to apply for a HazMat Endorsement to any Commercial Driver’s License. *Note: This is NOT an enrollment into our CDL Program.
In the classroom and on the road
Stark State’s CDL training center offers a large, open yard for mastering driving maneuvers, with plenty of behind-the-wheel time so you can build confidence in the cab.
FAQs
Our CDL Training Center is located at 2270 Picton Parkway, Akron 44312. Student services, including financial aid and registration, are available at our Akron location or on main campus in North Canton.
You must have a valid Ohio driver’s license with no restrictions. After meeting the initial requirements for admission to Stark State College and securing funding to pay for the program, your next step will be to meet with our program specialist to schedule classes. Then you must screen for a five-panel drug assessment and DOT physical at your own expense. A social security card and U.S. birth certificate or verification of legal presence in the U.S. is also required.
Our day and evening CDL classes are staggered every three to four weeks year-round. Class sizes are very small and tend to fill up quickly. Enrollment is on a first-come, first served basis after you’re determined to be eligible and have secured funding to pay for the program.
The first 40 hours of class will prepare you to take your temporary permit test. The second 40 hours consist of mandatory, state-required topics and HazMat endorsement training (based on the JJ Keller curriculum). The remaining 112 hours (three weeks for day program and five weeks for the night program) will involve pre-trip and maneuvers at our training range and over-the-road driver’s training.
Behind the Wheel (BTW) training time, instructor-to-student ratios and student-to-truck ratios are established in Ohio Administrative Code 4501-7-28. Circumstances beyond our control (breakdowns, weather, etc.) may result in modified scheduling to maintain these ratios.
If you have more than two points on your license, your prospects for employment will be more limited. It’s very important to maintain a safe driving record, as it is the most important part of your resume regarding CDL employment. View your Ohio driving record and BMV history online, or obtain an official abstract at your local license bureau.
Stark State is not a CDL skills/testing location. When you complete all your required training hours and are deemed safe to test, a testing appointment will be scheduled with a CDL testing location. Your tuition includes two testing fees and the use of our truck. Should you need further testing, you will be responsible for paying the fee.
If you’re enrolled and intend to complete the CDL college credit (Option 1), you may apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. You’re not eligible to apply for financial aid if you’re enrolled in non-credit CDL courses.
To obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) in the state of Ohio, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old, have a valid Ohio driver’s license, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
- Pass a vision and hearing test.
For more information, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.
Requirements for Stark State’s CDL training also include a five-panel drug screen (negative result) and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical) meeting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulation standards. For more information, visit the FMCSA website.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. Drivers applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time who are issued a CLP on or after Feb. 7, 2022, must complete entry-level driver training with a registered training provider prior to testing. Stark State College is a registered training provider of Entry Level Driver Training. Visit the FMCSA website for more information.
Solving the workforce crunch: Stark State’s CDL program delivers local talent
For many area employers, finding qualified drivers remains a critical piece of the workforce puzzle. Stark State is actively bridging this gap by equipping local residents with the rigorous training required to hit the ground running.
Boasting a 99.5% exam pass rate, Stark State’s Class A CDL program provides 160+ hours of training, blending extensive classroom and behind-the-wheel experience. Students train on 10-speed manual and automatic transmissions, master pre-trip inspections, and graduate prepared for immediate employment and the HazMat endorsement exam.
With staggered starts every three to four weeks in fast-track day (five-week) and evening/weekend (eight-week) cohorts, Stark State offers a steady pipeline of job-ready drivers. Employers looking to upskill staff, or individuals ready to launch a high-demand career, can attend an upcoming CDL info session. View the schedule, register or explore corporate billing options. Contact the program team at cdl@starkstate.edu.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
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Kim Smith
330-494-6170 ext. 4444
Employers interested in recruiting CDL drivers
Career Services Office
Stark State College
330-966-5459
Employers requesting education verification
CDL info sessions
Learn how you can get on the road to a great career. Attend a CDL info session at the College’s CDL Training Center at 2270 Picton Pkwy, Akron, OH 44312.
Register now!
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.