Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

This course prepares students for employment as professional commercial drivers and follows all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training rules, regulations, and guidelines. Classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training will cover topics such as DOT rules and regulations, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, backing and maneuvering, day and night driving on rural, urban, and interstate highways, trip planning, logging hours, coupling and uncoupling, handling cargo, and defensive driving.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to test for one of the following licenses:

• CDL Class A-tractor-trailer
• CDL Class B-straight truck

A contracted state-approved examiner administers the final skills test.

To be eligible for this course, students must meet all the criteria listed below before they can begin their CDL training:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• have a valid LA Driver's License with no flags or blocks;
• pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen; and
• obtain a CDL Class A Permit through the LA Office of Motor Vehicles.

Bossier Parish Community College - Natchitoches Campus
6587 Highway 1 Bypass
Natchitoches, LA 71457

Classes will meet face-to-face on the Natchitoches campus Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, for six weeks.  There are two required evening meetings totaling eight hours for nighttime driving training.  The first two weeks (40 hours) will focus on classroom instruction, including completing the online J.J. Keller curriculum and simulator training.  The final four weeks (160 hours) will consist of over-the-road driving in the truck cab, including pre-trip and post-trip inspection, day and night driving, backing and maneuvering, trip planning, logging hours, coupling and uncoupling, handling cargo, and defensive driving.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Space in the program is limited, and each class has a maximum cohort of 12 students.  To enroll in an upcoming CDL class, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Complete a BPCC admissions application using the following link: BPCC Non-Credit Training Application.  Select “Transportation and Logistics” when prompted to choose your area of interest.
2. Find a physician and obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Physical.  The physician must be listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.  While the cost of a physical will vary by practitioner, they usually range between $60 and $100.
   • CLICK HERE to find a qualified physician near you.
3. Study for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).  Applicants must obtain a Class A permit, which allows for operating both Class A & B vehicles. You must pass DMV tests for General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes to obtain your Class A permit. Use the Louisiana CDL Manual to help you prepare for the DMV tests.  After thoroughly studying the CDL manual, you can use the following practice tests to gauge your readiness.
   • General Knowledge Part 1 Practice Test
   • General Knowledge Part 2 Practice Test
   • Combination Part 1 Practice Test
   • Combination Part 2 Practice Test
   • Air Brakes Practice Test
4. When ready, you may test for your CLP by visiting an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location. The test consists of multiple-choice questions based on information obtained from the Louisiana CDL Manual and practice tests.  The cost of CLP is $15.00. Tests can be taken twice daily and on multiple days for no additional fee.
   • CLICK HERE to find an OMV location near you.
5. Once you have successfully completed Steps 1-4, register for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This must be done no more than thirty (30) days before the first day of BPCC’s CDL class.
   • CLICK HERE to register following the directions below.
     • Register as a “Student Driver.”
     • Select “Student Driver Consortium” as your C/TPA.
     • Pay for and run a full query on yourself.  The cost of the query is $1.25.  A copy of the query must be provided to BPCC.
     • Request and pay for your drug test by CLICKING THIS LINK for American Drug Testing Consortium and completing the registration form. Drug testing must be scheduled through the consortium; outside tests will not be accepted. The cost of the drug test is $65.00.  PROCOM (C/TPA) will quickly set up drug testing at a convenient in-network location, and they will also:
       • provide a DOT-approved drug and alcohol policy to students as required by FMCSA;
       • assist students in setting up required drug testing and will provide students proof of enrollment in the consortium; and
       • run a random drug test once per quarter on a selection of currently enrolled students and notify selected students directly.  BPCC will pay the costs of any random drug tests of students while enrolled in the CDL program.
6. BPCC will need copies of the following items before acceptance into the CDL program:
   • Driver’s License
   • DOT FMCSA Physical (Medical Examiners Certificate)
   • Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit
   • PROCOM Proof of Enrollment (This serves as proof that PROCOM received negative results from the DOT FMCSA Drug Screen.)
   • Approved Funding or Self-Pay

Eligible students may qualify for funding through their local LA Workforce offices or Louisiana’s MJ Foster Promise Program.