no image
young driver kneeling by tire doing a vehicle inspection

Flexible Pathway CDL Training

Class A - Class B

Questions about CDL licences and courses? Call 605-367-8439 or email cdl@southeasttech.edu

At Southeast Technical College, we offer a number of options approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to obtain Class A or Class B CDL licensure. 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 theory and behind-the-wheel training, offered by STC in CDL 103, CDL 106 (Class B) and CDL 107/108 (Class A).

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. 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 and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

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.

Range and Public Road Training class is required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training program and includes eight hours of instruction on the skills needed to successfully pass the Class B CMV skills test. Includes range and open-road instruction in an automatic transmission vehicle.

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

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 the FMCSA and provides one-on-one behind-the-wheel training in a closed range and on public roads an automatic transmission vehicle. The class includes 20 hours of equipment use with 16 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 4 hours preparation for the South Dakota Third Party Exam. Individuals enrolled to this course are responsible for the cost of the third party exam. Behind-the-Wheel instruction is provided to develop the skills needed to fulfill FMCSA requirements for Class A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) skills test. Additional hours may be purchased as necessary.

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

Objectives: Provide students with the necessary ELDT as outlined and required by the FMCSA. This course provides training on how to safely and correctly operate a Class A CMV on a closed range and public road emphasizing on how to correctly complete the range backing maneuvers and navigate the public road skill test. 

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. Participants of this two-hour course will meet in person one time to learn the online format and complete the first module. Then, the course is completed self-paced and online for completion within 30 days.

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.

Eight hours 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 eight hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training. Cost of the third-party exam is not included; individuals are responsible for this cost on their own.

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.

*Pending approval - to take effect July 1, 2025.

Dates and Times

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)

  • DOT Drug Screening (no more than 30 days before the first day of class)

Additional Requirements

Students are required to obtain and read the CDL manual before class to review the rules of the road, classifications and safety information. The manual can be obtained from the DMV or by visiting the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s website. 

DOWNLOAD THE CDL MANUAL 

How To Enroll

Follow These Steps

  1. 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

    Email: CDL@southeasttech.edu   Call: 605-367-8439

  2. Review Entrance Requirements

    Review the entrance requirements set forth by Southeast Tech and the Department of Transportation.

    View Flex Path Requirements

  3. 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.

  4. Pay Balance

    The balance of the course must be paid in full prior to classes beginning.

  5. Enroll

    When all required documentation and application materials have been submitted and processed, applicants will work with STC to officially enroll.