CDL-A Truck Driver Training is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by Northeast Technical Institute in Scarborough, ME. The program takes 5–10 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $7,995.
Program Overview
NTI’s CDL A and CDL B truck driver training programs are designed to teach students safe operation of trucks and a working knowledge of the industry and its regulations. Each program consists of general training and Entry-Level Driver Training standards in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and State regulations. The CDL program has a hybrid delivery method available for the classroom portion of the program for students who meet all the requirements for this delivery method.
The CDL A Truck Driver Training Program prepares students to test for a Class A license. A Class A license is a type of commercial driver’s license (CDL) that allows drivers to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. It also allows for the hauling of a trailer that weighs 10,000 lbs. or more. It is a common license for drivers who operate tractor-trailers or semi-trucks. A Class A license also allows for the operation of most Class B and Class C vehicles, depending on endorsement requirements.
This real world training begins with 78 hours of classroom instruction, and students must pass the final exam with an 80% in addition to passing the State written exam. Additionally, there are 38 hours of laboratory instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel on- and off-road instruction (which includes a minimum of 12 hours on-road in rural and urban traffic areas).
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The CDL-A Commercial Truck Driver program at NTI is designed to meet all ELDT requirements. And the school is registered on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Program Topics. Pre-Trip Inspection; Truck Engines and Transmissions; CDL Exam Preparation and Testing; Safety for CDL Drivers; Rules of the Road; Professional Development; Straight Backing; Alley Docking.
What sets this Program apart
- 160 Hours of training
- Flexible schedules & weekend courses Available
- Optional endorsements available
- Job placement assistance after graduation
- NTI has been Maine’s top CDL school for over 30 years
Admission Requirements and Process
Listed below are general requirements and procedures that NTI has established for all students seeking admission. Some programs have additional requirements and other requirements, which can be found in the individual program sections of this Catalog.
Before any payment is made, all students must take part in an admissions interview with one of our Admissions Representatives. During the interview, the advisor will explain the program, determine eligibility for admission to the program, and discuss financial aid and payment options.
Commercial Truck Driving Applicants are required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and comply with DOT drug testing requirements. Applicants are also required to undergo and pass a criminal background check before they can be admitted to a CDL Truck Driver Training Program. Please note that due to State and Federal laws, some offenses may require that a period of time, usually in years, elapse following conviction before being eligible to participate in the program and obtain a Commercial Driver License.
General Requirements
- Informational interviewAll applicants must complete an informational interview with an NTI admissions representative; parents or spouses are encouraged to be present.
- Government-issued IDAll applicants must submit a valid copy of a government-issued ID (i.e. driver’s license, passport, state ID).
- Admissions AssessmentAll applicants must successfully pass an Admissions Assessment Exam administered by an official of NTI, and ESL applicants must also pass an ESL Assessment.
- High school diploma, equivalent or assessmentApplicants must show high school graduation or its equivalent; for non-Title IV programs, students beyond compulsory school age without a diploma may take and pass an assessment…
- Health and immunization recordsDocumentation of any required health examinations, pathology tests, and immunizations (MMR & Tetanus) must be submitted prior to the start date.
- Enrollment Agreement and financial arrangementsAll applicants must complete an Enrollment Agreement, all required documents and any enrollment deposits, and must complete financial arrangements prior to starting class.
- DOT physical, drug testing and background checkCommercial Truck Driving applicants must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, comply with DOT drug testing requirements, and pass a criminal background…
- Driver’s license and MVRCDL-A applicants need a valid driver’s license, an industry-acceptable MVR, and proof of U.S. citizenship, and must speak, read and write English fluently.
Application Process
- 1Visit Your Local CampusVisit your local NTI campus and get a first-person view of where you’ll be learning; you can sit in on classes (subject to availability). Appointments are necessary.
- 2Attend An Admissions InterviewAn Admissions Representative will guide you through the enrollment process, answer all your questions and make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.
- 3Apply OnlineReady to begin training for your new career? Get started in the application process in just a few steps with NTI’s online application.
- 4Pass the Admissions AssessmentAll applicants must successfully pass an Admissions Assessment Exam administered by an official of NTI.
- 5Financial Aid and Payment PlanningDuring your admissions interview, you’ll be given an overview of tuition and program costs, available financing and scholarship opportunities, and ways to pay for your education.
- 6Enroll & Begin Your Career TrainingComplete the Enrollment Agreement and all required documents, then enroll and learn from industry pros and build your skills.
Program Schedule
Hybrid delivery. The CDL program has a hybrid delivery method available for the classroom portion of the program for students who meet all the requirements for this delivery method.
Full Time (Scarborough). CDL-A: 5-10 weeks* (160 hours). Schedule: Monday-Thursday | 7:00am-5:30pm.
Full Time students to attend a minimum of 24 hours per week during classroom hours.
*The program length and end date may vary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as: inclement weather, delays in State permit or road testing, equipment maintenance, student enrollment, and faculty availability. In addition, the program length and end date are also dependent on the student’s ability to demonstrate proficiency in the required topics and pass State exams. NTI makes every effort to prevent or mitigate delays with the intent of having students complete the program within five weeks. Program schedules are subject to change.
Start dates. CDL-A Truck Driver training starts every 3 weeks; start dates and frequency are subject to change.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition & Fees.
- Tuition: $7,995
- Application fee (non-refundable): $60
- Registration fee: $225
- Background/MVR check (non-refundable): $110
- Tech fee: $80
- Content access fee: $110
- Fuel surcharge fee: $375
- Total: $8,955
(Rates subject to change.) Application fees are a one-time fee at NTI and will not be charged to a student who has already paid them upon enrollment.
Additional costs. Optional HazMat Endorsement: $295.
Financing & scholarships. This program is not on NTI’s list of Title IV eligible programs. NTI offers a variety of options to help students manage the cost of their education. Depending on eligibility and availability, options may include third-party education loans, internal and external scholarships, short-term payment plans, and other financing resources.
GI Bill® & veterans. NTI is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer this program; veterans must apply for benefits directly with the VA.
Curriculum
Graduates of either program will be awarded a ‘Certificate’. CDL-A is offered through NTI’s Scarborough Main Campus and Bangor Branch Campus, with hands-on training conducted at NTI’s dedicated truck yards in Scarborough (4 Ginn Road) and Hampden (358 Coldbrook Road).
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
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Career Outcomes
As a Commercial Truck Driver you’ll spend your workday maintaining vehicle and operation logs, managing delivery paperwork, loading and unloading cargo, performing vehicle inspections before and after trips, and much more.
CDL school graduates are prepared to test for licensure through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. NTI does not promise or guarantee employment or externships and makes a sincere and determined effort to assist students in finding jobs.
Completion, placement & licensure.
CDL-A Truck Driver Training, Scarborough Main Campus (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 CPL reporting period). 92% graduation rate; 92% total completion rate; 85% graduation placement rate; 85% total placement rate; 95% licensure rate.
The rates reported for each program follow formulas prescribed by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). COE requires a minimum graduation/completion rate of 60% and a minimum placement and licensure rate of 70% where applicable.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Northeast Technical Institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and approved by the State of Maine Department of Education. NTI is licensed by the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Secretary of State, and approved by the Maine State Approving Agency for Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Scarborough Main Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
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