CDL & Transportation Classes
Here’s your chance to learn to drive the big rigs and cash in on the nationwide shortage of qualified drivers! Carriers are hiring and wages are very attractive. We are your one-stop shop in northeastern South Dakota for your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) needs. Let us help you earn your CDL and take advantage of this high-demand career opportunity. We also offer endorsements and refresher training. Our professional instructors use the latest equipment and techniques to provide second-to-none CDL and transportation training classes. We offer reasonable rates for Written Test Preparation Classes, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Video, ELDT Theory and Course, CDL Exams or Refresher Training, School Bus/Passenger endorsements, etc.
Get Your CDL – Step by Step Instructions
Get Your School Bus and Passenger Endorsement – Step by Step Instructions
Pierre, SD – CDL Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) & ELDT Fast Track Assessments – February 3 – 28, 2025
Lake Area Technical College Corporate Education is offering online and on-location CDL Entry-Level Driver Training & ELDT Fast Track Assessments in Pierre, SD. The following courses will be offered February 3 – 28, 2025. Please see below for costs, time commitment, and registration links.
CDL Written Test Preparation and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory – Online
This online self-paced class is for drivers who are applying for an initial Class A or Class B CDL or drivers upgrading their current CDL from Class B to Class A. This course will cover general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. The class must be completed with a score of 80 percent or better to satisfy the theory portion of the ELDT requirements. After completion, individuals will be able to visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the three written exams to obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). ELDT Theory is valid for one year after the completion date.
Class Length: Approximately 8 hours at your own pace
Registration Fee: $200 per person
Click to Register: https://lakeareatech.wufoo.com/forms/zn7d4fu12zpckm/
CDL Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Anyone wishing to obtain a Class A CDL Manual will be required to take this training in Pierre on February 3rd – February 28th, 2025. Both range and over-the-road instruction will be covered. The training will be completed in a vehicle of the same group or type that the driver-trainee intends to use for the CDL skills test. Range training topics include vehicle inspection, cone navigation, as well as backing and parking. Over-the-road training topics include turns, lane changes, shifting, and visual search.
Class Length: This course is competency-based. Once students have shown competency in all areas and are ready, their information will be uploaded to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Students then can schedule the driving exam with a Third-Party Examiner. On average, participants can plan on training 3-4 hours per week for approximately 2-4 weeks.
Registration Fee: $400 per hour
Click to Register: https://lakeareatech.wufoo.com/forms/m9z3j901fevy62/
ELDT Fast Track Assessment
Drivers that have experience operating semi-tractor/trailers can schedule a driver assessment with LATC’s CDL instructor. This is not the same as Behind the Wheel training. This is a 2-3 hour session where the driver will conduct a vehicle inspection, perform a brake check, demonstrate backing, and drive a route around Pierre/Fort Pierre. If the driver shows proficiency in all these behind-the-wheel competencies, their information will be uploaded to the Training Provider Registry and they will be able to schedule the driver exam with a Third-Party Examiner.
Prerequisite: Proof of ELDT Theory completion
Assessment Fee: $1,000 per person. Additional $300 truck rental fee (no charge if students provides own truck).
Click to Register: https://lakeareatech.wufoo.com/forms/m1ylyb491cuq2gx/
Important: Behind the Wheel Training and the Fast Track Assessment will be conducted in a 10-speed manual transmission combination vehicle. Training for a Class A automatic transmission as well as Class B automatic or manual would be available as an option, but the participant will need to provide their own vehicle.
CDL Third Party Exam
Third party exam testers for the Pierre/Fort Pierre area can be found at https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/commercial-drivers-license/third-party-testers. Successfully passing this vehicle inspection and driving test will earn you your CDL. This testing is offered year-round. You must currently possess your commercial learner’s permit and have a current South Dakota Driver’s License. Lake Area Technical College is unable to offer third party exams for this region.
Cost: $150
IMPORTANT
Upon registration for Behind the Wheel Training or the Fast Track Assessment, participants will need to
provide the following:
- Proof of ELDT Theory Completion
- Copy of Commercial Learner’s Permit
- Copy of Driver’s License
- Copy of Clean Drug Screen
- Copy of DOT Physical (if applicable)
Lake Area Technical College reserves the right to reschedule classes based on inclement weather or equipment failure.
LATC is in partnership with Morris, Inc. of Pierre, SD. We thank Morris for providing the training location for the Lake Area Technical College Commercial Driver’s License courses.
Commercial Driver’s License Certification Classes
CDL Written Test Preparation and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory – Online
This class is for drivers who are applying for an initial Class A or Class B CDL or drivers upgrading their current CDL from Class B to Class A. This course will cover general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. The class must be completed with a score of 80 percent or better to satisfy the theory portion of the ELDT requirements. After completion, individuals will be able to visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the three written exams to get their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). ELDT Theory is valid for one year after completion date.
ONLINE
Class Length: Approximately 8 hours (at your own pace)
Registration Fee: $200 per person
CDL Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Anyone wishing to obtain a CDL (Class A or B) is required to take this training. Both range and over-the-road instruction will be covered. The training will be completed in a vehicle of the same group or type that the driver-trainee intends to use for the CDL skills test. Range training topics include vehicle inspection, cone navigation, as well as backing and parking. Over-the-road training topics include turns, lane changes, shifting, and visual search.
Dates and times to be determined by CDL instructors’ schedules and participant availability.
Class Length: This course is competency based. Once students have shown competency in all areas and are ready, their information will be uploaded to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). They can then schedule the driving exam with a Third-Party Examiner. On average, participants can plan on training 3-4 hours per week for approximately 2-4 weeks.
Cost: $350 per hour
ELDT Fast Track Assessment
Drivers that have experience operating semi-tractor/trailers can schedule a driver assessment with LATC’s CDL instructor. This is not the same as Behind the Wheel training. This is a 2-3 hour session where the driver will conduct a vehicle inspection, perform a brake check, demonstrate backing, and drive a route through Watertown and Interstate 29. If the driver shows proficiency in all these behind-the-wheel competencies, their information will be uploaded to the Training Provider Registry and they will be able to schedule the driver exam with a Third-Party Examiner. LATC truck rental is $300/hr.*
*Prices subject to change.
Prerequisite: Proof of ELDT theory completion.
Assessment fee: $750 per person
CDL Third Party Exam
Third Party Exam testers are available through LATC. Successfully passing this vehicle inspection and driving test will earn you your CDL. This testing is offered year-round. You must currently possess your commercial learner’s permit and have a current South Dakota Driver’s License. LATC truck rental is $300/hr.*
*Prices subject to change.
Registration Fee: $150 per exam or retake, per person
NOTE: Lake Area Technical College reserves the right to reschedule classes based on inclement weather or equipment failure.
CDL & Endorsements Flow Chart
Endorsements
PLEASE NOTE: In order to obtain your Passenger, School Bus, or Hazardous Materials Endorsement you must have a current Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License.
School Bus and Passenger Theory – Online
School bus drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement and a school bus endorsement if they drive a school bus designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver. Lake Area Tech’s School Bus/Passenger Theory course is available for those looking to obtain their School Bus and Passenger endorsements. The class must be completed with a score of 80 percent or better to satisfy the theory portion of the ELDT requirements. After completion, individuals will be able to visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the written exam to get their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). School Bus and Passenger Theory is valid for one year after completion date.
ONLINE
Class Length: Approximately 8 hours (at your own pace)
Registration Fee: $200
Hazmat Driver ELDT Theory
The Hazardous Materials Regulations require every hazmat employer to train, test, and certify every hazmat employee. In addition, drivers who transport hazmat are also required to take modal-specific training. The Hazmat ELDT Theory course must be completed with a score of 80 percent or better to satisfy the theory portion of the ELDT requirements. After completion, individuals will be able to visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the written exam.
Hazmat Theory is valid for one year after completion date.
ONLINE
Class Length: Approximately 8 hours (at your own pace)
Registration Fee: $200
Before You Sign Up You Must Have:
- A valid South Dakota driver’s license
- Clean drug screening
- A current Department of Transportation physical card, If driving across state lines.
- Participants are responsible for studying the applicable CDL laws in other states.
Who cannot get a South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License?
- Persons under the age of 18. Drivers are not permitted to cross state lines until age 21.
- Persons who have a license under suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification.
- Persons who are not a resident or domiciled in South Dakota.
- Persons who have accumulated child support arrearages of $1,000 or more (may be eligible for a six-month temporary).
CDL Manual:
- SD Class A CDL Permit – Sections to study for Class A course: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicle
- SD Class B CDL Permit – Sections to study for Class B course: General Knowledge and Air Brakes
Lake Area Tech CDL Bridge Program
Lake Area Tech’s bridge program provides one of the first steps in a career pathway for low-skill adults by connecting adult education programs to postsecondary technical education.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse contains information about holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) who are covered by FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. More information can be found here: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules and Regulations Resources
Drivers can find a wide range of information regarding rules and regulations here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ .
Lake Area Tech Corporate Education
Terri Cordrey, Director of Corporate Education
Shane Swenson, Director of Outreach
605-882-5284 ext. 320
corped@lakeareatech.edu
