1. What is a CDL Class A?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A allows you to drive:

CDL Class A training Job Corps

• Combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more,

• Vehicles like tractor-trailers, tankers, or flatbeds.

It’s the most versatile commercial license—once you have Class A, you can usually drive Class B and C vehicles too.

2. Job Corps and CDL Training

Job Corps is a federal program for young adults (16–24) to learn skills and trades, including CDL training.

• They provide hands-on truck-driving training, classroom instruction, and sometimes paid internships or apprenticeships with trucking companies.

• Training can take 3–12 weeks depending on the center and the schedule.

3. Eligibility

To train for a CDL Class A through Job Corps, you typically need to:

• Be 16–24 years old

• Meet health and driving requirements (good vision, no disqualifying criminal history for commercial driving)

• Pass a DOT physical

• Have a valid driver’s license (non-commercial)

Some centers may also require a background check.

4. Costs

• Free for eligible participants—Job Corps covers tuition, training, and sometimes even housing and meals.

• Some centers might require a small fee for CDL testing or personal gear, but many cover it fully.

5. Next Steps

1. Find a Job Corps center that offers CDL Class A training.

   • Not all centers have trucking programs.

   • You can check the official Job Corps site jobcorps.gov and search by career training program: Transportation/Truck Driving.

2. Apply to Job Corps and select the center with CDL training.

3. Complete the program:

   • You’ll do classroom instruction (laws, safety, regulations)

   • Behind-the-wheel training on trucks

   • Prepare for the CDL knowledge test and road skills test

4. Get your CDL and start working in trucking or logistics.