TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVER TRAINING

Entry Level Driving Training

Cost: Class A CDL Training $6,000.00, Class B CDL Training $3,000 (updated January 2026)

Tuition includes a DOT physical, DOT drug screen, Instruction in new (February 2022) Federally required Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory and Behind the Wheel (BTW) skills, and one CDL State Skills Test.

Expected Salary: As a beginning driver, you can expect to earn approximately $55,000 - $75,000 your first year.

Veterans: The Class A training course has been approved for veterans to receive benefits while enrolled in training.

We have asked for approval to offer the course as non-credit to Vets but have not received approval yet. I would take this section out right now and we can add it back later after approval.

Course Information: Vincennes ELDT training is available at our Indianapolis location on High School Road.

Theory training is self-paced and presented in an online format. Students must complete all Theory training, pass the DOT physical and Drug screen, and obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) prior to beginning the BTW training.

Class A BTW training classes are held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for three consecutive weeks. The State Skills Test is scheduled for the final Friday of training.

Class B BTW training classes are held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for two consecutive weeks. The State Skills Test is scheduled for the final Friday of training.

ELDT Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Endorsement Training: Cost - $250.00. Haz-Mat training courses are offered through VU in an on-line format. Students successfully completing all material with a score of 80% or better will be certified in the Federal Training Provider Registry (TPR.)

Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations:

CDL Rules and Regulation
Driver Qualifications
Hours of Service
Map Reading
Hazmat Endorsement Preparation
NSC’s DDC-PTD Course

Preventive Maintenance:

Air Brakes Systems
Pre-trip Inspection Criteria
Engine Operation
Transmissions and Differentials
Suspensions Systems
Trouble Shooting

Basic Control Skills:

Coupling/Uncoupling
Straight Line Backing
Parallel Parking
Alley Docking
Backward Serpentine

Road Driving:

Daylight and Night Driving
Loaded Trailers
A Variety of Terrain
City Driving

Lined up semi trailers

Entry Requirements

To be accepted for enrollment, you must:
  • Be 18 years of age
  • Pass a DOT physical exam
  • Pass drug screen
  • Have held a valid Indiana driver’s license for a minimum of one year
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Have a high school diploma or GED (in progress)
  • Pass a minimum of 3 knowledge exams administered by BMV
Students will be graded on all class work and training exercises. An 80% average must be achieved on all work to be eligible for course completion. Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Missed class work must be completed for a certificate of course completion to be awarded.

View the ELDT Student Checklist below to prepare to register for this course.
Vincennes University Tractor Trailer program students inspecting a trailer

Financial Aid

Students who are unemployed through down-sizing or factory lay-offs may be eligible for funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Information concerning this funding is available through the county WorkOne offices. High school seniors are offered this training through several high school vocational career programs. Partial funding may also be available through certain interest groups.

Tractor Trailer Driver Training

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