Flexible Pathway CDL Training
Class A - Class B
Questions about CDL licences and courses? Call 605-367-8439 or email cdl@southeasttech.edu.
The Flexible Pathway at Southeast Technical College offers Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliant Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A or B CDL Licensure. Participants complete the training through a self-paced, flexibly scheduled, hybrid format that combines in-person and remote learning.
Students may register independently or in conjunction with their employer or other trainers to complete the custom training and exam options necessary to get licensed and get on the road or job site.
The FMCSA minimum requirement for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) includes ELDT Theory and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training. The CDL FlexPath program meets these requirements through CDL 103: ELDT Theory, and CDL 106 (Class B)/CDL 114 (Class A): BTW Training.
Flex-Path Course Offerings
Choose Just the Training Options You Need
ELDT Theory meets in person one time in a two-hour class, and is then completed remotely from a smartphone, tablet or computer at the student’s pace. ELDT Theory is required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training Program for first-time Class A CDL or Class B CDL applicants, or if you are upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL license. During the initial in-person session, students will log in to online content and complete one module. Instructors will demonstrate how to complete documentation and schedule drive times. The session will also include an inspection overview so students are ready for driving. This course meets the requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association. This course will help prepare the student for driving commercial motor vehicles. Course topics include, but are not limited to, basic vehicle operation, vehicle systems and malfunctions, vehicle controls, vehicle inspections and extreme driving conditions.
Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License, Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and completed registration requirements.
Objectives: Identify different vehicle systems and possible malfunctions and defects. Explain proper driving techniques in hazardous road conditions. Identify and explain cab and emergency controls. Discuss the skills needed for basic vehicle controls. The complete curriculum satisfies the FMCSA requirement for theory training and documents behind-the-wheel driving training.
Behind-the-Wheel Range and Public Road Training are required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements of the FMCSA. The Flexible Pathway provides one-on-one behind-the-wheel training in a closed range and on public roads in an automatic transmission vehicle. This class includes one full day or two half days of instruction and equipment use for the third-party CDL exam. Individuals enrolled in this course are responsible for the cost of the third-party exam. Additional training may be purchased as necessary.
Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License, Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and completed registration requirements.
Objectives: Provides students with the necessary ELDT as outlined and required by the FMCSA. Operational training for a Class B vehicle will be covered in this course and includes introduction to vehicle inspections, range driving (backing maneuvers) and open-road driving (operating on public roadways).
Behind-the-Wheel Range and Public Road Training is required to complete the Entry-Level
Driver Training requirements of FMCSA. The Flexible Pathway provides one-on-one behind-the-wheel
training in a closed range and on public roads in an automatic transmission vehicle.
This class includes 2 full days or 4 half days of instruction and equipment use, and
use of equipment for the South Dakota third-party exam. Individuals enrolled to this
course are responsible for the cost of the third-party exam. Additional training may
be purchased as necessary.
Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License, Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and completed registration
requirements.
Objectives: Provide students with the necessary ELDT as outlined and required by FMCSA.
This course provides vehicle inspection training and safe and correct instruction
for a Class A CMV on a closed range and on a public road.
Endorsements
The ELDT Hazardous Materials Endorsement course is a 12-module online course that satisfies the theory education requirements outlined by the FMCSA to obtain a Hazardous Materials Endorsement for a CDL. This course is self-paced and completed online.
Objectives:
In this course, participants will be educated on the following ELDT learning objectives:
- Basic hazardous materials requirement
- Reporting hazardous materials crashes and releases
- Tunnels and railroad highway grade crossing requirements
- Loading and unloading hazardous materials
- Hazardous materials on passenger vehicles
- Bulk (hazardous) packages
- Operating emergency equipment
- Emergency response procedures
- Engine fueling when carrying hazardous materials
- Tire inspection
- Routes and route planning
- Hazardous materials safety permits
Completion of these 12 learning objectives will satisfy the required ELDT Theory Training outlined by the FMCSA.
This course includes one full day or two half days of Behind-the-Wheel Training on how to operate a manual transmission properly and effectively with an unsynchronized gear box. Training in double clutching will be provided as necessary to remove an “E” - no manual transmission equipped Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) restriction. This training includes the use of the truck and trailer for the third-party exam upon completion of Behind-the-Wheel training. Cost of the third-party exam is not included; individuals are responsible for this cost.
Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Must hold a current Class A CDL or be in process of obtaining one through STC’s Traditional or FlexPath CDL programs.
Objectives: Provide students with the necessary ELDT to operate an unsynchronized gear box that requires double clutching. This course will provide training on how to operate a Class A CMV with manual transmission safely and correctly. An emphasis on double clutching will occur. Vehicle operation and training will occur in both a range and open road setting.
CDL 103 - FMCSA ELDT Theory Curriculum - Day
CDL 103 - FMCSA ELDT Theory Curriculum - Evening
CDL 103 - FMCSA ELDT Theory Curriculum - Day
Requirements
Pre-Registration Documents
- Completed Registration Form
- Signed Release Form
- Copy of Driver’s License
- Copy of Instructional Permit (required prior to the first day of class)
- Tuition payment or third-party payment authorization (if an employer is covering tuition)
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DOT Drug Screening (no more than 30 days before the first day of class)
How To Enroll
Follow These Steps
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Review Entrance Requirements
Review the CDL Flex-Path Handbook for entrance requirements.
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Request information and Submit your application
Individuals interested in the Flex-Path program should complete an inquiry form. Then, a representative from Southeast Tech's Corporate Education division will be in touch with application and registration materials.
Request Information and Apply -
Submit Required Documentation
Prepare and submit the additional documentation needed to enroll. Examples include, but are not limited to drug screen, DOT physical, and a disclosure and release form.
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Pay Balance
The balance of the course must be paid in full prior to classes beginning.
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Enroll
When all required documentation and application materials have been submitted and processed, applicants will work with STC to officially enroll.