Frequently Asked Questions: Class A or B CDL

How old (or young) do I have to be to get a CDL?

You must be 21 or 18 if all your commercial driving is done within Ohio. There is no upper age limit if you can pass the Department of Transportation physical and drug screen.

Can I use an Ohio CDL out of state?

Yes. It is accepted throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Do I have to have a driver’s license to get the training?

Yes, you must have a current, valid Ohio driver’s license to participate. Any of the following may disqualify you from obtaining a CDL in Ohio:

  • If you possess a license from any state other than Ohio.
  • If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privileges from Ohio or any other state.
  • If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied or canceled.

Would criminal history prevent me from participating in the program?

Tri-C does not require a background check to participate in the CDL training program. However, employers may impose additional standards, such as higher age requirements or a background check. For more information, see the limited opportunities listing below, outlining issues that may present challenges for obtaining employment.

What might limit my career opportunities?

While individual employers may make exceptions, the following factors could affect obtaining employment, including but not limited to:

  • Felony convictions of any type or in any time frame
  • Misdemeanor convictions in the last 10 years
  • Probation or any court order that requires no travel outside the local area or state

Loss of driving privileges:

  • DUI/DWI, OVI — 10 years
  • Reckless driving — 10 years
  • Child support suspension — 10 years
  • Multiple speeding or other convictions — three years
  • More than four points on the driving record currently (Tri-C)
  • Two speeding convictions more than 15 mph over the posted limit within three years
  • Railroad crossing violations — five years
  • Possible other moving and nonmoving violations that are CDL disqualifying — five years
  • Registered sex offender (Tri-C)
  • Not possessing a valid state driver’s license for at least three years
  • Not having driven regularly in the last three years

Other possible situations that may limit your career opportunities:

  • Failure of DOT 5 panel drug and/or alcohol screening, DOT physical — 10 years
  • Personal history — 10 years

Can my Ohio CDL be suspended or revoked?

Yes, there are many reasons why your Ohio CDL can be suspended or revoked, just like any driver’s license. Improper use of alcohol or drugs and traffic violations are the most common.

How big are the classes?

There are no more than 14 students per class to provide the best learning environment.

What is your class schedule? How long is the training?

You will receive 160 hours of training for Class A. Day classes start at 7 a.m. and finish at 6 p.m., with one hour for lunch. The training takes a minimum of four weeks, with additional time in the fifth week for testing. We currently do not offer the Class A training at night or on the weekends. The class schedules are subject to change.

You will receive 120 hours of training for Class B. Day classes start at 7 a.m. and finish at 6 p.m., with one hour for lunch. The training takes a minimum of three weeks, with additional time for testing in the fourth week. We currently do not offer Class B training at night or on the weekends. The class schedules are subject to change.

What is a "skills test," and how do I take it?

A "skills test" is the practical portion of the driver’s exam and includes:

  1. A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a pre-trip inspection
  2. A basic control skills test, including backing skills
  3. An on-road driving test

How much is the training?

The cost of the CDL program is $6,000 for Class A and $4,700 for Class B, which includes the DOT physical and drug screen, all books and classroom materials, and the CDL license upon passing the state test.

Can I get a grant or student loan to help pay for the program?

Pell and FAFSA do not cover this class, but some agencies can help, including:

For Cuyahoga County:

For All Other Counties: Dial 211

Cuyahoga County Education Assistance Scholarship (CCEAP): This is a third-party funder outside of Tri-C. You must contact them directly. They can provide up to $5,000 in assistance for tuition, books, fees and the required supplies for approved training. This can be paired with a workforce scholarship. Call Nicole Cranford at 216-777-8167 or email nicole.crandord@jfs.ohio.gov.

Is help available for living expenses while I am going to school?

The CDL program’s tuition does not cover living expenses. Students should consider saving up for at least three months for living expenses while attending the Tri-C CDL program and searching for employment after completing it. There are also a wide variety of government-provided services available for students, including:

  • Project GO
  • Search the Web for "State and Benefits Finder"

Do you guarantee I will receive a CDL license and/or a driving position?

According to Ohio law, we cannot guarantee that you will pass the CDL test or be employed upon completing the training. However, we assist our students to the best of our ability. Trucking industry recruiters visit our school regularly, and local companies inquire about hiring our graduates. Your success is our success!

When does registration start?

Classes run on a year-round basis. Registration can only be completed at the Transportation Innovation Center enrollment office, located at 24881 Rockwell Drive in Euclid. All CDL training will be on industry-related equipment. All vehicles have been inspected by the state of Ohio and passed a federal DOT inspection.

Do you have on-site dorms I can stay in?

No, but there are hotel accommodations nearby.