Commercial Driver’s License

CDL Interest Form
Earn your CDL at Clark State and prepare for a in-demand career in transportation and logistics. With continued growth in e-commerce and regional distribution, professional drivers are needed for both local and long-haul routes, offering competitive pay, job security and career flexibility. Clark State’s four- and six-week programs run monthly and combine classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, safety and compliance, and career preparation, using modern, industry-standard equipment including International ProStar sleeper tractors with 10-speed manual transmissions and 48-foot dry van trailers. Students practice range exercises set up at varying levels of difficulty and train with a state-of-the-art driving and shifting simulator to build confidence before getting on the road. For more than 30 years, the program has operated in Tremont City—at the “Crossroads of America”—placing students near major interstates and employers such as Amazon, Procter & Gamble and leading logistics providers. Graduates benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors, an on-site CDL testing facility and strong outcomes, including a 99 percent graduation rate and starting salaries averaging $65,000, with first-year earning potential up to $80,000.

CDL A Truck Driver Training – Weekday Program

Cost: $6,000
This program runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and begins with 40 hours of classroom instruction covering topics such as hazardous materials, logbooks and hours of service, vehicle inspection, trip planning, defensive driving and job placement assistance. Students then complete 120 hours of road and range training focused on pre-trip inspections, backing skills, coupling and uncoupling and safe driving techniques. Over-the-road training includes city, county, state and interstate highways to prepare students for real-world driving conditions. Class sizes are limited to approximately 15 students to allow for individualized instruction.

CDL A Truck Driver Training – Weekend Program

Cost: $6,000
Designed for working adults, the weekend program is held Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Course content mirrors the weekday program, combining classroom instruction with road and range training. Students receive the same comprehensive preparation and testing with certified CDL examiners.

CDL B Endorsement Program

Cost: $3,750
This 80-hour program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of Class B road and range training. Students develop essential skills such as pre-trip inspections, parallel parking, alley dock, straight-line backing and reverse lane changes. Over-the-road training exposes students to city, county, state and interstate driving environments. Class B testing is conducted on the final day of the program.

Tractor-Trailer Refresher Program

Cost: $3,500
This course is designed for experienced drivers who already hold a valid Class A CDL and need to refresh their skills. The program runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and includes 120 hours of road and range training focused on safety, maneuvering and confidence behind the wheel.

CDL Testing and Fees

Prepare for your CDL exam with CristCDL.com’s free DMV CDL practice tests for all endorsements. When you are ready to take the exam, Clark State is a state-approved third-party CDL testing site certified by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, helping reduce testing wait times and allowing drivers to enter the workforce more quickly. Testing is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. by calling 937-328-8072 to schedule an appointment. If no one answers, leave your name and phone number and a staff member will return your call within 24 hours.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a CDL temporary permit dated at least 14 days prior to the scheduled test date.

Once your testing date and time are confirmed, you will receive a text message with a payment link. Phone-scheduled appointments must be paid within 24 hours or the testing slot will be released. Upon payment, you will receive a confirmation text.

Test fees are:

• CDL Full Test (Pre-Trip, Skills and Road): $115
• CDL Skills/Road Partial Test: $88
• CDL Road-Only Partial Test: $61

Each year, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration awards federal grants to eligible entities to reduce crashes and hazardous materials incidents involving commercial trucks and buses. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program funds organizations who provide CMV operator training to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard members and Reservists, as well as certain military family members. Individuals are not eligible and funding decisions are made at the FMCSA’s discretion, not Clark State College. Learn more.