Commercial driver’s license (CDL) training

Get on the road to a new career with your Class A CDL

CDL Info Sessions

Join us at an information session to learn more about our CDL training program and how you can get on the road to a great career. Meet and greet with the CDL team and get all your questions answered.

See schedule and register to attend>>

You’ll get there in high gear with truck driving training that’s just eight weeks or less – starting off with classroom sessions followed by behind-the-wheel range and open road training.

Class A CDL – You’ll get Tractor Trailer training with 48’ length trailers. All trucks are outfitted with 10-speed non-synchronized manual transmissions and automatic 10 speed transmissions.

You’ll also be prepared for hazardous (H endorsement) written exam during the program.

CDL permit not required to start.

Class B CDL – You will get training in a variety of Class B vehicles with both automatic and manual transmissions. You will also be prepared for hazardous (H endorsement) written exam during the program.

CDL permit not required to start.

CDL Class A training options

Option 1

Non-Credit Class A CDL: The cost of the non-credit truck driving program is $7,045.20. Students can receive the training in five or eight weeks with day and evening/weekend options available. Non-credit is defined as a student not pursuing a college degree or certificate. This option is NOT eligible for federal financial aid. You may qualify for funding through state or local programs, and we encourage you to contact the local Ohio Mean Jobs Center about possible supplemental funding: https://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/WIOA/map.stm.

Course Delivery Options
SSC’s CDL training classes are offered on the following schedule with classes starting approximately every 3-4 weeks:
Full-Time Day Track – 5 Weeks
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4.p.m.

Evening/Weekend – 8 Weeks:
4 nights/week plus every Saturday
Monday thru Thursday: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

How to enroll in non-credit Class A CDL training (Option 1)

Request appointment with our CDL coordinator by emailing CDL@starkstate.edu or call 330-494-6170 ext. 4444.

Option 2

College Credit Commercial Driver’s License Certificate: The cost is $8,003.60. This for-credit option includes all training in Option 1, plus three additional classes (16 credit hours total). You’ll get in-demand skills and certifications for the transportation industry. Students enrolled and intending to complete the CDL certificate may apply for federal financial aid by completing a FAFSA. If your intent is to only complete CDL 121 & CDL 122, you are not eligible for federal financial aid.

The additional classes (ENV 123, 124, 221) comprising the CDL certificate are offered each Fall and Spring term.

OPTION 2: Commercial driver’s license certificate course sequence

How to apply for college credit CDL Certificate training (Option 2)

Apply online to the College
Request that your official transcripts be sent directly to SSC. This includes official high school or GED transcript and college transcripts (if applicable).
Demonstrate reading proficiency by taking the Accuplacer reading assessment or providing your ACT/SAT score (within last 5 years) or prior college credit.
If you plan to apply for federal financial aid, complete your FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Stark State’s school code is 011141.
Financial Aid/Funding must be fully in place to schedule for classes.

Option 3

College Credit (12 Credit Hours) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): The cost of the college credit program is $7175.20. It includes all training in Option 1 and is NOT eligible for federal financial aid.

How to apply for college credit CDL:

Apply online to Stark State College at www.starkstate.edu/admissions.
Request that your official transcripts be sent directly to SSC. This includes official high school or GED transcript and college transcripts (if applicable).
Demonstrate reading proficiency by taking the Accuplacer reading assessment at SSC or providing your ACT/SAT score (within last 5 years) or prior college credit

OPTION 3: Commercial driver’s license certificate course sequence (NOT eligible for federal financial aid)

Commercial Driver’s License HazMat Endorsement Training*

Open to the public to anyone seeking training to apply for a HazMat Endorsement to any Commercial Driver’s License.

*Note – this is NOT an enrollment into our CDL Program. To register for HazMat training, go to workforce.starkstate.edu

CDL Class B training options

Currently not offering Class B training. Please call 330-494-6170 ext. 4444 to be placed on our inquiry list for possible future training dates

Frequently asked questions

Where is the program located?

The CDL Training Center is located at 2270 Picton Parkway, Akron 44312. Student services, including financial aid & registration, are available at the Akron or Main Campus in North Canton.

What is required to start the CDL driving classes?

You must have a valid Ohio driver’s license with no restrictions. After meeting the initial requirements for admission to SSC (see page 1) and securing funding to pay for the program, your next step will be to meet with our program specialist to schedule classes. Then you must screen for a five-panel drug assessment and DOT physical at your own expense. A social security card and U.S. birth certificate or verification of legal presence in the US is also required.

When is the next CDL class?

SSC’s day and evening CDL classes are staggered every 3-4 weeks year-round. Class sizes are very small and tend to fill up quickly. Therefore, there could be a waiting period before you can start training. Enrollment is on a first-come, first served basis after a student is determined to be eligible and has secured funding to pay for the program.

What can I expect from the truck driving classes (CDL 121 and CDL 122)?

The first 40 hours of class will prepare you to take your temporary permit test. The second 40 hours consists of mandatory, state required topics and HazMat endorsement training (ours is based on the JJ Keller curriculum). The remaining 112 hours (three weeks for day program and five weeks for the night program) will involve pre-trip and maneuvers at our training range and over-the-road driver’s training. Behind the Wheel (BTW) training time, Instructor:Student ratios and Student:Truck ratios are established in Ohio Administrative Code 4501-7-28. Circumstances beyond our control (breakdowns, COVID, weather) may result in modified scheduling to maintain these ratios.

I have points on my license. Is that ok?

If you have more than 2 points on your license, your prospects for employment will be more limited. It is very important to maintain a safe driving record, as it is the most important part of your resume regarding CDL employment. Students can view their Ohio driving record and BMV history at https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/ or obtain an official abstract at the local license bureau.

Do you offer the testing for my CDL?

Stark State College is not a CDL Skills/Testing Location. Upon completion of all required training hours and as a student is deemed safe to test, a testing appointment will be scheduled with a CDL Testing Location. Tuition will include two testing fees and use of our truck. Should a student need further testing, they will be responsible for the fee.

Can I use Federal Student Aid for this program?

Students enrolled and intending to complete the CDL CEC may apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Students enrolled in non-credit Commercials Driver’s License courses are not eligible to apply for financial aid.

How do I know if I am eligible to get a CDL?

To obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) in the State of Ohio, you must:

be at least 18 years old, have a valid Ohio driver license, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
You must also pass a vision and hearing test.

For more information, please visit www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-cdl-classes.aspx

Requirements for SSC’s CDL training also include a 5-panel drug screen (negative result) and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical) meeting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulation standards. For more information, please visit the FMCSA website. www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license

Am I required to complete truck driving school to get my CDL?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. Drivers applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time who are issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022 must complete entry-level driver training with a registered training provider prior to testing. Stark State College is a registered training provider of Entry Level Driver Training. Please visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt for more information.