CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer

The CDL Training: Class A truck driver training program prepares students for entry level employment in the commercial driving field. The curriculum provides students with training to inspect and operate tractor trailers, and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. All training, instruction, and testing is done at school facilities or in school-provided equipment.

Skills you can learn.

• CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Training: learn to conduct detailed vehicle inspections and identify potential safety issues in compliance with FMCSA CDL regulations. These skills are essential for passing the Arizona CDL test.
• Tractor-Trailer Operation & Control: build confidence handling tractor-trailers, including backing, turning, and shifting techniques.
• Road Test Preparation for CDL Class A: prepare for the CDL road test through hands-on driving practice, defensive driving strategies, and safe driving behavior under various conditions.
• FMCSA-Compliant ELDT Instruction: complete both classroom and behind-the-wheel training that meets the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Academic policy. This program is evaluated on a pass/fail basis. A student must achieve a grade of 80% or higher in order to advance. Progress evaluation is conducted after a student reaches 70 hours and again after they reach 120 hours.

Compliance with Federal Driving Qualifications. Successful completion of the Commercial Driver Training program does not guarantee employment or the issuance of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). All individuals seeking a CDL must meet the qualification standards set forth in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Applicants must be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to official inquiries, and complete reports, as required by 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). Applicants are responsible for confirming their eligibility with their state licensing agency before enrollment.

Individuals holding a Class A license may operate Class B or C vehicles, provided they meet the endorsement criteria for the specific vehicles under the B or C classification. The CDL Class A program does not include training for obtaining these additional endorsements.

Small Class Size. We want our students to be able to get the individual attention and assistance they deserve in their career training. We keep our class sizes small to ensure students get one-on-one training time with instructors.

Hands-on Learning. When working in a technical trade, classroom education alone just won’t cut it. We combine traditional education with on-the-job simulated training so you have experience working in an environment similar to those you’ll work at in the future.

Affordable Education. AAI is an affordable education option for vocational trades. Each new student is able to sit down with our financial advisors and learn about financial aid, scholarships and grants that help fund their future dreams.

Support Beyond Graduation. AAI is here to get your career in the trade industry started, but our support doesn’t stop once you’ve completed your program. Our alumni and career services department help you build connections and network for new opportunities long after you’ve wrapped up your studies.

Commercial Truck Driving is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the state. For a student enrolling in the CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program who does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, the student may satisfy the Prior Education Requirement by passing the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST). Students must obtain a minimum score of 193 on the Verbal section, 214 on the Quantitative section, OR a minimum of 207 for the composite score. If the student does not pass on the first attempt, the student may have one additional attempt to earn a passing score.

All applicants must have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before starting their program. A valid Driver’s License is required and applicants must have had their license for a minimum of one year. If any disqualifying convictions exist or driver history criteria is not met, an employer pre-hire letter is acceptable documentation.

The CDL academic calendar contains each scheduled date a class can begin. Dates may not be offered based on enrollments, equipment or instructor limitations.

• Day – 4 weeks: upcoming starts October 26, 2026, November 9, 2026, November 23, 2026, December 7, 2026, December 21, 2026.
• Evening – 8 weeks: upcoming starts November 9, 2026, December 7, 2026.
• Weekend – 8 weeks: upcoming starts October 31, 2026, November 28, 2026, December 26, 2026.

The school operates a driving range for the CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program at 1851 S. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Due to its relatively short duration, a student in this program can miss no more than 20% of course meetings or may be withdrawn, and any and all hours must be made up in order to complete the program.

Program charges. Total program charges are $5,000. The DOT Physical and Drug Screen are included in the cost of the program. The CLP is paid by the student, but they can submit for reimbursement. The school will provide a motor vehicle for one commercial driver’s license skills test at no charge to students who have successfully completed the program; fees and/or program expenses associated with retest(s) will be the responsibility of the student. Tuition amount charged may vary for students whose program cost is being contracted/paid by external partner/employer.

Not Title IV eligible. It takes fewer than 300 hours to complete this program, therefore, CDL Training is not eligible for Title IV funding.

Funding options may include:

• Workforce Agency Funding: workforce agencies can connect students with various funding options and services, including state and federal tuition assistance through grants and programs.
• Veterans Funding: veterans or eligible beneficiaries may qualify to use the GI Bill® at AAI, including Post 911 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), DEA/Chapter 35, Chapter 1606 and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.
• Scholarships: opportunities for tuition assistance may be available to students meeting certain criteria.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Programs: a student with a physical or mental disability which may be a handicap to employment may be eligible for training services through the state Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
• Cash Payments: students with available funds can choose to pay for their training directly.
• Third-Party Lending: Unisa also offers students a private financing option (https://www.unisainc.com/borrower).

The Arizona Private School Association High School Discount, the Get Back in the Game Discount, the AAI Tribal Discount and the Fresh Start Grant are not applicable to students enrolling in the CDL program.

Licensed graduates of our CDL Class A Tractor Trailer program may find work as:

• Tractor Trailer Driver
• Long Haul Driver

*Arizona Automotive Institute cannot guarantee employment or salary. The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are more probable than others.

Graduation, employment and licensure rates. Graduation and employment rates as reported to ACCSC in its 2025 Annual Report for the reporting date of July 1, 2025: CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer (1 month), report period 3/24 – 2/25: graduation rate 93% (38 of 41); employment rate 70% (26 of 37); licensing exam pass rate 92% (35 of 38). CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer (2 month), report period 1/24 – 12/24: graduation rate 93% (14 of 15); employment rate 57% (8 of 14); licensing exam pass rate 86% (12 of 14).

Institution-wide (IPEDS): 77% graduation rate for first-time, full-time students in the 2022 full-year cohort (within 150% of normal program length); 83% retention rate for first-time students who enrolled in Fall Quarter 2024; 81% of students enrolled in 2024-2025 received Pell grant aid.

Employer partners. Diesel Heavy Truck employer partners listed by AAI Career Services include CalPortland, City of Phoenix, Cliff Co, Cobblestone, M&P Transport, Night Transportation, Penske Truck Leasing, Swift Transportation.

Campus. The Arizona Automotive Institute campus is located at 6829 N. 46th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85301, and the school operates a driving range for the CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program at 1851 S. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009.

Drug and alcohol testing. CDL students are covered by AAI’s CDL Drug & Alcohol Handbook (July 2026), published on the Consumer Information page.

Support services. All students have access to library services, academic advising, tutoring, and career services.