Are you interested in training for a commercial driver’s license? Consider attending a CDL program through New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS), where we offer CDL training programs at our locations across the Northeast. At this point, you may be wanting to make sure you’re eligible to apply. Learn more about the CDL school requirements at our locations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts below.
CDL School Basics
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a specialized license that allows a driver to operate commercial vehicles. At NETTTS, two types of entry-level CDL training programs are available:
- CDL Class-A: This CDL enables truckers to operate commercial vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more or a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more.
- CDL Class-B:This CDL allows drivers to operate commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more or tow vehicles with less than 10,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight.
These CDL programs can provide an in-depth introduction to long-haul driving through in-classroom instruction and hands-on training. Our CDL programs are offered at our campuses in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Completing a NETTTS CDL program can help prepare students to take the CDL licensure exam in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. Keep reading to learn about the CDL program requirements.
Do I Need to Be a High School Graduate or Have a GED?
You may think that it is required to have a High School diploma or GED in order to train for a CDL, but this not the case. Applicants who don’t have a valid high school diploma or GED may take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE), which is an approved entrance exam used at NETTTS. An applicant must get a minimum passing score of 11 on the SLE to gain acceptance to the CDL program.
Keep in mind that financial aid is available for those who are qualified at NETTTS. Any student applicant admitted by passing the SLE is not eligible for Financial Aid or Federal grant funding , which requires an applicant to submit documentation of a valid high school diploma or its equivalent (GED, HISET, TASC) during the enrollment process.
Can Homeschooled Students Apply?
Yes, but they may have to take more steps. Applicants who received a homeschool education must provide a secondary completion credential issued by their state. If the state doesn’t provide a secondary completion credential, they will have to certify that they received a homeschool education.
Is There a GPA Requirement?
There is no previous GPA requirement for admission to the NETTTS CDL program.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Age for Students?
Yes, there is a minimum age requirement for the CDL program at NETTTS. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or beyond the compulsory attendance age of secondary education in their state. There is no maximum student age.
Is There an Admissions Test?
For student with a high school diploma or GED, there is no admissions test for the NETTTS CDL program. Applicants who don’t have a valid high school diploma or GED may take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE), which is an approved entrance exam used at NETTTS. An applicant must get a minimum passing score of 11 on the SLE to gain acceptance to the CDL program.
However, all applicants must have a personal interview with the Director of Admissions or an Admissions Representative at NETTTS. The personal interview can be conducted at the school or your home. It helps to assess the applicant’s ability to learn from the training and be successful in the workplace after their training is complete.
Do I Need to Have a Clean Driving Record?
You’ll have the opportunity to discuss past driving history with an Admissions associate. Together you’ll be able to identify and address any concerns regarding qualifications around CDL training. Applicants residing in RI must possess a valid driver’s license for no less than two years. Applicants from MA, NH, CT, NY, or ME must possess a valid driver’s license from their respective states.
Do I Need to Be in Good Physical Condition?
Applicants to the CDL programs at NETTTS are required to pass a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical before any field training. A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months and may include a doctor checking things like hearing, eyesight, blood pressure, and performing a general physical exam.
Request More Information About Our CDL Program Today
If you meet the CDL school requirements at NETTTS, you could be ready to find out more about one of our CDL training programs. Available at all four of our campus locations in the Northeast, our CDL programs help prepare students to take their CDL licensing exams. NETTTS also has financial aid available for qualified students, CDL simulators, a fleet of training trucks, and more benefits to offer you. Request more information today and get started on applying to our CDL program.