CDS Tractor Trailer Training

CDS Tractor Trailer Training has been offering CDL training in Fredericksburg, VA since 1999. The school has multiple locations in Virginia. CDS has four training centers and provides training at eight community colleges in the state.

CDS is well-regarded as a leading CDL training school. They are members of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association and the Virginia Trucking Association. They offer a variety of training programs that meet EDLT requirements.

CDL Training in Virginia That Meets EDLT Regulations

CDS offers CDL training that meets the standards in the new EDLT mandate. The school’s training programs have been approved and listed in the Training Provider Registry.

The programs at CDS were approved without needing any changes, meaning they already met the standards of federal CDL training.

CDS CDL Training Programs

CDS Tractor Trailer training offers a robust schooling opportunity for anyone who wants to get behind the wheel of a big rig – or more. Training programs include:

Class A CDL

The Class A program from CDS offers 160 hours of training that starts with theories in the classroom and moves on to behind-the-wheel training on the range and road. Students entering the course will learn about:

• General trucking knowledge
• Air brakes
• Combination vehicles
• Endorsements

At the end of the course, students will have completed everything required under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to enter the industry as an entry-level driver.

Training full-time is Monday through Friday from 8 am – 5 pm over the course of 20 days. Part-time training is also available on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 5 pm, and training lasts 10 weeks.

Class B CDL

Class B CDL training, with the option of a Passenger Endorsement, is also available. Training will allow students to drive numerous vehicles, including:

• Dump truck
• Mixer trucks
• Straight trucks
• Utility trucks
• Tow trucks
• More

Students can also add the “P” endorsement to have the credentials to drive a bus. Training lasts 120 hours and is spread over 15 days. Full-time training lasts three weeks, while part-time training lasts seven weeks.

CDL Refresher

CDS helps CDL drivers who have been out of the industry for a long time reenter with a CDL refresher course. Program length is 40 hours, and training is customized to the student. Most companies require you to take a 40-hour refresher course, and CDS allows you to schedule your CDL refresher around your lifestyle.

Training will include some basics, such as:

• Backing
• Shifting
• Road skills

Carrier Company Training

CDS also creates custom training program options for carriers. Private and personalized training is provided either on-site or at their facility.

Training is offered by instructors that are Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) certified.

CDS provides training on the following:

• Vehicle/pre-trip inspections
• Parking and backing up
• Driving in adverse weather conditions
• Shifting training
• Yard jockey
• Air brake/ABS systems
• Safety and accident prevention seminars
• Entry-level driver training
• Carrier contract training
• Fleet training and testing

Companies can utilize the training programs from CDS to improve driver safety and ensure that drivers are properly trained.

40 HR DMV

The 40 HR DMV program is for CDL A and B students who failed the DMV General Knowledge test three times and must undergo 40-hours of classroom training.

Once the program is complete, CDS will provide documentation that you can take to the DMV to obtain your learner’s permit.

Job Placement Assistance With CDS

Students who complete their training with CDS receive job placement assistance. CDS can connect students with dozens of employers who offer national, regional, local, and dedicated opportunities.

While training, students will meet with coordinators to help with job placement. Coordinators work closely with students to help them find an employer who meets their needs. Recruiters also visit the school and give presentations so that students can learn more about their companies.

According to CDS, many students have jobs waiting for them when they complete their training and earn, on average, $700-$1,200 per week during their first year.

CDS Tractor Trailer Training is one of the industry’s best training schools to help trucking prospects get behind the wheel of a big rig. CDS provides all potential drivers the training and documentation to obtain their CDL A, B, and numerous endorsement options.

Locations are available across Virginia in three key locations: Fredericksburg, Richmond and Roanoke.

Tuition assistance and job placement are also available to students who attend CDS.