Commercial Driver License Certification

Obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) through Laramie County Community College. Our CDL program is registered on the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider Register (TPR).

View CDL brochure

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CDL Program Frequently Asked Questions

LCCC receives grant to pay tuition for eligible students

Anyone wishing to obtain a CDL must first undergo training that meets the new federally mandated standards. Training must be delivered by a qualified instructor and from an approved training provider. The Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) ruling applies to anyone seeking a CDL, upgrades or endorsements for the first time.  

On Feb. 7, 2022 new training regulations went into effect. FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training Program sets the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. 

This includes those applying to:

  •  Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
  • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
  • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

The Entry-Level Driver Training regulations are not retroactive, and do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement issued prior to Feb. 7, 2022.

About the Truck Driving CDL Program

Highway Patrolman Presenting to CDL Class

LCCC works with local industry leaders to identify transportation needs for the state of Wyoming.  This allows the college to tailor the training to the local community. 

LCCC’s CDL program has proactively incorporated into the curriculum the Federally mandated training modules effective February of 2022. All modules are available online (self-paced) or in a classroom setting.

The program consists of online theory training and behind the wheel (BTW) hands-on training.  The online portion is self paced, but must be completed within 30 days.  BTW training is 30 - 120 hours, depending on CDL type, which includes range, driving, backing and port of entry site visit.  Class A may take up to 120 hours.

 

  • Control Systems/Dashboard
  • Pre and Post-Trip Inspections
  • Basic Control
  • Shifting/Operating 
  • Transmissions
  • Backing and Docking
  • Coupling and Uncoupling
  • Visual Searches
  • Communication
  • Distracted Driving
  • Speed Management
  • Space Management
  • Night Operation
  • Extreme Driving Conditions
  • Hazard Perception 
  • Skid Control/Recovery, 
       Jackknifing, Emergencies 
  • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings 
  • Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions 
  • Roadside Inspections 
  • Maintenance 
  • Handling and Documenting Cargo 
  • Environmental Compliance Issues 
  • Hours of Service Requirements 
  • Fatigue and Wellness Awareness 
  • Post-Crash Procedures 
  • External Communications 
  • Whistleblower/Coercion 
  • Trip Planning 
  • Drugs/Alcohol 
  • Medical Requirements 
  • Human Trafficking 
  • Special Rigs 
  • Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) 
  • Crossing the Canadian Border

Types of Licenses:

A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a permit provided by the state of Wyoming. It authorizes individuals to receive instructions and practice driving skills to operate commercial motor vehicles.

Obtaining a CLP is the first step towards earning a commercial driver’s license.

Wyoming License Applicants for the Class A commercial driver license (CDL) must be at least 18 years of age. Prior to age of 21, individuals will only be able to drive a commercial vehicle in the state of Wyoming. In addition, they will not be permitted to transport hazardous materials. When the individual turns 21, that restriction is automatically removed. An individual must pass both a written knowledge exam and pass the driving skills test.

Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds.

Vehicles you may drive include: tractor-trailers (also known as semi, big rig or 18-wheeler), truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers and flatbeds.

Must pass the following tests:

  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicle
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Basic Controls
  • Driving/Skills

Required to operate any single vehicle that isn’t hitched to a trailer (commercial trucks that have an attached cab and cargo area with a combined weight greater than 26,000 pounds, as well as trucks with a detached towed cargo vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds).

Vehicles you may drive include: straight trucks, large buses (city buses, tourist buses, and school buses), segmented buses, box trucks (including delivery trucks and furniture trucks), dump trucks with small trailers.

Must pass the following tests:

  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicle
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Basic Controls
  • Driving/Skills

Course will be used to help satisfy the theory portion of the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements set forth by FMCSA. Trainees must achieve 80% score on all test modules.  To satisfy the "behind-the-wheel" (BTW) training, trainees will need to demonstrate ability and capability to safely operate a CMV. Before attempting the final practical test, training hours and associated scores are uploaded into the Training Provider Register (TPR) at which point a state practical test will be administered to evaluate three training components:

  1. Pre-trip inspections
  2. BTW – Range, basic skills controls
  3. BTW – Road, basic driving skills

All three test components conform to American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) testing requirements. All test results (pass or fail) are uploaded into the Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS). Upon passing the practical test the trainee will be issued paperwork to convert the CLP into a CDL.

Required to operate a single vehicle with GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or a vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds, or transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Vehicles you may drive including the driver. buses, tank trucks, hazmat vehicles.Must pass the following tests: 

  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicle
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Basic Controls
  • Driving/Skills

 

  • Truckers against Trafficking
  • Harassment in the Workplace Training
  • Professionalism Training
  • Wyoming Highway Patrol - Port of Entry Procedures
  • Wyoming Highway Patrol - Disqualification Lecture
  • Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Training categories consist of:
  1. Unsafe driving
  2. Crash Indicators
  3. Hours of Service Compliance
  4. Vehicle Maintenance
  5. Controlled Substances/Alcohol
  6. Hazardous Materials
  7. Driver Fitness

HAZMAT endorsements training per the new FMCSA regulations is also available.

Simulator Training:

photo of a person using the CDL simulator with steering wheel and controlsIn December 2019, the CDL program obtained a Commercial Motor Vehicle simulator. CDL students will train on a Genesis Navistar Series simulator to prepare them to operate a vehicle. Simulation prepares a driver physically, mentally and behaviorally for the challenges of operating a vehicle under various conditions, without risk of costly incidents. Its curriculum teaches skills in a structured sequence and measures the trainees’ performance as those skills are demonstrated. The ability to provide timely feedback in each scenario serves to motivate trainees by showing how to improve performance. As the trainee experiences the scenarios and practical hands-on training, the trainee will progress from simple basic controls to more complex skills development through execution, feedback, learner control and replication.

The trainee will have the option to operate large pickup trucks, city cab, over the road tractors, buses and fire trucks in the simulated environment. In addition, they can pull gooseneck, tanker, 28’, 40’, 45’, 48’ and 53’ trailers through urban, suburban, highway and mountain scenarios.

The simulator is not only available to CDL students, but can also be used by businesses for remedial training for existing drivers, pre-employment evaluation of driving skills and more. Usage fee includes access to a subject matter expert. Call 307.432.1637 or email cdlFREELARAMIE for more information. 

Training Equipment:

The CDL program utilizes Kenworth Over the Road (OTR) tractors, Bulk Haulers, and Belly Dump trailers. 
Students will receive training on 10-speed manual transmission. Automatic transmissions will be considered as demand increases.

Testing:

CDL instructors are certified third party examiners for the state of Wyoming. Instruction, training and final skills examination are conducted at LCCC.

Students receive a certificate of completion for the program (Part 380.717). Upon successful completion of the CDL test, a Class A CDL license is issued by the State of Wyoming.

View the State of Wyoming Commercial Drivers License requirements.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is helping with the training.  

Training Hours:

Classes are offered year round with day and evening options.  New classes start each Monday.  Most class A students complete behind the wheel training in 3 weeks.  However, it may take up to 8 weeks, depending on the student.

  • Days: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Evenings: Monday - Friday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Program Cost

The course fee for CDL Class "A" training is $5,100.  The college has limited financial aid opportunities through our Outreach & Workforce Development program. Contact Darlene Kaelin dkaelinFREELARAMIE or 307.778.4381 to learn more.


photo of a student using the CDL simulator with an instructor standing beside
photo of a student driving a semi in the cab
photo of one of the LCCC semi trucks

Program Process

  • Apply for financial aid
  • Register for course
  • Provide documentation
  • Complete theory training
  • Obtain commercial learner’s permit
  • Register in FMCSA clearinghouse
  • Complete behind the wheel training
  • Test for CDL

Program Attendance Policy

Trainee participation in all types of instructional sessions is expected. The trainee is responsible for completing online training (18-20 hours) over thirty calendar days. The theory training (online) is self-paced and can be completed as fast as possible, or using all thirty days. The trainee then has an additional thirty days to obtain their CLP after which they will be assigned to BTW training. If the trainee does not obtain a CLP after thirty days the Program Manager may drop the trainee from the course. BTW training is based on progressive learning, therefore missing any scheduled class will impact the trainee’s ability to complete and test for their CDL. If a trainee has circumstances that will cause the trainee to no longer attend class on their designated dates they must notify the trainer before their first missed class for other training options (if available). Chronic absences may result in removal from the program.

Excused Absences – Absences that occur as a result of unexpected events (illness, accident, death in the immediate family, inclement weather, etc.) are excused at the faculty’s discretion. The faculty may require documentation (doctor’s note, etc.) for the absence. Faculty may also require the student to make up the missed work and/or may require appropriate substitute assignments for unique, in-class learning experiences

Unexcused Absences – Absences that are not “approved” or “excused” shall be considered unexcused.

Refund Policy

If a class is cancelled by LCCC, a 100% refund will be issued.  Withdrawal two business days before class begins will be refunded 100%.  There will be no refund for withdrawal after refund deadline of 2 business days before first day of class.  If campus has a long term closure, in-person classes that cannot be held virtually will receive a prorated refund.

Career Opportunities

Students and potential students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and hiring managers of local companies. 


Our Instructors

Photo of Mike GeisslerMike Geissler is a military veteran, an experienced operations manager and tenured truck driver/ instructor, logging thousands of miles over the road primarily on the East Coast hauling HAZMAT and sensitive airplane turbine parts. His passion for safety and commercial trucking led to him starting his own corporate transportation service that grew internationally prior to being sold in 2016.

As our CDL Coordinator, Mike is eager to pass on his knowledge and life experiences to those who share the love of operating big rigs and answer the call of the open road. In addition to his many job experiences, he was also a firefighter in New York and Colorado. 

Photo of Jim KassahnJim Kassahn is a seasoned over-the-road driver, a 15-year military veteran and safety training professional. Over his career, he has moved freight, started a safety review board and been designated lead truck driving instructor.  Jim has a passion for driving truck and passing on his knowledge of the freight industry and best practices for safety. 

Photo of Juan PaganJuan “Oscar” Pagan is an active military member in the United States Air Force where he has taught and trained other military members to become truck drivers. As an LCCC CDL instructor, Oscar is keen to coach and develop new drivers into the transport industry. Guided by his joy for trucking commerce, Oscar seeks to prepare new drivers in a safe and productive environment to keep America rolling.

photo of Dennis Pino Dennis Pino has four decades of experience as a truck driver, instructor and certified test examiner. A highlight of his tenure with the City of Cheyenne is winning four state championships at the Wyoming Truck Driving rodeo. His passion for the industry led him to LCCC where he can instill his passion for the industry and knowledge of driving with the next generation of truckers.

Photo of James DrudgeJames Drudge is an experienced distribution manager and software developer as well as over-the-road truck driver. James held multiple positions with Lowes Distribution at facilities in Rockford, Illinois, Milton, Ontario, and the corporate offices in both Mooresville and Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He ended his distribution career as the Regional General Manager in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Prior to Lowes, James was a software developer for the Online Computer Library Center and netLibrary in Boulder, Colorado as well as Business Applications Systems in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. 

Despite success in other fields, James’ first love remains truck driving. As he says, “There aren’t too many jobs that pay you to see the country.”  He began 30 years ago, driving “48 and Canada,” with North American Van Line’s COMTRANS division, later moving on to Werner and Pacific States Transport, reentering the field many years later as a regional, dedicated driver for Schneider.

It is this love that drives his passion to teach those looking to enter the field.  He desires to instill his passion for the career, pass on tips and tricks he’s learned and raise students’ awareness of potential issues, lessening the impact should they encounter them, all while helping students gain a firm foundation to build their careers upon.

Photo of Jeff LydayJeff Lyday has more than ten years experience as a CDL driver and has utilized his license in multiple ways. Currently, he oversees multiple CDL drivers in their daily operations as a delivery service manager. He knows firsthand the importance of professional drivers and looks forward to helping people. Jeff is dedicated and highly motivated to teach new drivers to succeed in their new role. 

Photo of Joe SanchezJoe received his CDL in 2011.  He has driven several types of vehicles ranging from cranes to car haulers to pickups with goosenecks.  He enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and helping them find their passion.

JD KingJD has been driving commercial vehicles since 1976 for Davis Ranch and King Ranch in Buford, WY hauling livestock and water.  He also drove when he served in the military.  After retiring he decided to go back to driving and work as a driver for HAZMAT, over the road, and in the oil fields of Wyoming and surrounding states.  He started his career as an instructor in 1994 teaching students during 4 and 6-week classes.  During his career, he has been accident and ticket free for several million miles.

Tina Scott

Tina is a single mom with two older daughters born in Nebraska raised in Cheyenne! She enjoys CDL driving and enjoys even more to teach and train new CDL students.

Mark Narvais

Mark has been a commercial truck driver for 7 years driving for the same transportation company since he received his CDL, hauling a wide variety of different freight from HAZMAT to hospital supplies. He has a passion for driving and delivering goods to customers on a daily basis. Working with LCCC allows him to enjoy his passion of helping others to succeed with their life goals.

Sue James

Born and raised in Wisconsin Sue has lived in Cheyenne for 12 years. Before becoming the Transportation Manager for the Cheyenne Street Railway, she was a Recreation Director in Long Term Healthcare Facilities. She started driving the trolleys in 2018 and became the Transportation Manager in April of 2021.  She recently became  an LCCC adjunct instructor for the Class C bus with passenger endorsement.