Commercial Driver's License

For Qualified Students, Ages 18-20, We Pay For A Pathway To A Commercial Driver’s License

Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps offers a unique, free, and seamless pathway to qualified students, ages 18-20, to getting their commercial driver’s license (CDL) through our CERT High School. Our CDL pathway provides the opportunity for CERT High School students to receive a Class D license, Class B license, and Class A license. The Great Lakes CCC CERT High School prepares students with the proper driving experience, knowledge, and skills to have a well-paid career in the transportation industry.

Great Lakes CCC CERT High School student practicing for their commercial driver's license.

CERT High School Class D License Process

A Class D license is a type of regular driver’s license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is used to operate personal vehicles such as cars, vans, and small trucks. In general, CERT High School’s steps to getting a Class D license include:

  1. Meet eligibility requirements: To get a Class D license, you must be at least 18 years old and meet Wisconsin’s residency and identity requirements.
  2. Pass a written knowledge test: You’ll need to pass a written test that covers information such as road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
  3. Pass a vision test: You’ll need to pass a vision test to ensure that you meet Wisconsin’s minimum visual acuity standards.
  4. Pass a road test: You’ll need to pass a road test to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road.
  5. CERT High School pays the required fees: We pay the fees set by Wisconsin to receive your Class D license.

 

A certified Great Lakes CCC and CERT High School instructor knows the requirements and restrictions for a Class D license, so students can feel confident they will be properly prepared for success. CERT High School students will gain experience driving one of our vehicles, including a 16-passenger van, and be able to take your driver’s road test with a Great Lakes CCC vehicle.

student in CDL training with box truck at Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps

CERT High School Class B License Process

A Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a type of commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate a certain type of commercial vehicle. Our Class B CDL driving instructor will train qualified CERT School students using a Great Lakes CCC box truck.

With a Class B CDL, a CERT High School student can drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more or a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is less than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles that can be operated with a Class B CDL include straight trucks, buses, and box trucks.

To obtain a Class B CDL, we will verify a student meets the age, residency, and medical requirements set by Wisconsin, and thoroughly prepare them to pass a written knowledge test and a skills test. Additionally, we offer additional training for situations where a student may need to meet additional requirements. For instance, they may need to operate certain types of vehicles in their employment, such as those that require a hazardous materials endorsement.

A CERT High School student can be assured their instructor knows the requirements and restrictions for a Class B license and that they will be correctly trained for success.

CERT High School student in CDL driver training at Great Lakes CCC in Racine

CERT High School Class A License Process

Once students receive their Class D and Class B licenses, they will be trained to receive a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). A Class A license is a commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate large commercial vehicles. Great Lakes CCC and CERT High School will train students using our truck and trailer.

With a Class A CDL, a student can drive a combination of vehicles with a total gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles that can be operated with a Class A CDL include tractor-trailers, tank trucks, and flatbed trucks.

To obtain a Class A CDL, our certified instructor verifies that the student meets the age, residency, and medical requirements set by Wisconsin and passes a written knowledge and skills test. Again, we offer additional training for situations where a student may need to meet additional requirements, such as those that require a hazardous materials endorsement.

Receive A Commercial Driver’s License Through Great Lakes CCC CERT High School

Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps and CERT High School offer free and thorough training to qualified students to receive their CDL and gain a career in the transportation industry. Students receive one-on-one education throughout the entire process. Our unique CDL licensing program removes the cost barrier so that qualified students can receive licensing to earn a proper living wage and gain independence.

Ready for a career in transportation? Please feel free to contact us now and learn more.

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