Commercial Driver's License
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program is a short term, non-credit workforce training offered through the Career & Technical Education Division. Our program is unique in the state of Montana that brings businesses and people together, offering job assistance and connecting students with business partners. It’s a perfect opportunity for students to earn a paycheck while completing their driving training. It’s truly a win-win for job seekers, business partners and the community! We have smaller class sizes and experienced staff who are dedicated to YOUR success.
Application materials must be complete and submitted to: Great Falls College, 2100 16th Avenue South, Great Falls MT 59405. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Informational Session
Want to know more about the program? Attend an Informational Session, held on the first Monday of every month @ 5:30pm in Rm. G45/46. The session lasts one hour and will cover details of the program, including cost, funding resources, and the class schedule.
The address to the college and directions to the classroom are as follows:
Great Falls College – 2100 16th Ave. S.
- Park in back of the building (access of 23rd street)
- Enter through Door #6
- Take an immediate right into the classroom, Rm. G45/46
Program Details
- New classes begin every month as needed.
- Must attend an informational meeting to be eligible to enroll in the program.
- Classroom theory is a “hybrid” format and two and half weeks long. Students are required to complete online modules and pretests on their own along with attending class in person.
- Students have an opportunity to train on our state-of-the art simulator.
- Students who enroll in our Classroom Theory will receive the following:
- CPR certification
- Truckers Against Trafficking certification
- Work ethics training
- Financial literacy training
- Dept. of Transportation training
- Substance abuse training
- Mental health training
Requirements/Pre-Requisites
- Valid driver’s license and must be 18 years old
- DOT physical: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/search-medical-examiners?as=false&range=10&location=59404)
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR): https://cars.dojmt.gov/app/_/#1
- Background check: https://doj.egovmt.com/choprs/
- Drug test (included in cost, the college will send you once all other requirements are met)
Class Options
- Classroom theory only (for those who just need a permit)
- Behind-the-wheel training only (for those who have completed theory)
- Classroom theory and job assistance (for those seeking employment)
- Classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training
Business Partnerships
We cannot provide this training without the partnership of businesses! Our collaborative framework pairs education and industry for optimal CDL training results. Partners are given a price break when paying for their employees. Currently, we have 37 business partners and have enrolled over 60 employees.
Whether you’re looking to hire CDL drivers or have current employees who need their CDL, we have an option for you!
CDL Snippets
- The Entry Level Driving Training program was established on February 7, 2022 by FMCSA.
- The college began their CDL program in July 2022.
- Graduates have the opportunity to interview with business partners, increasing their chances of securing employment.
- Our instructors have over 30 years of combined experience. Two of them have been with the program from the start.
- Must be 21 years of age to drive across state lines.
- Having a hard time deciding if you want to be a truck driver? We have a simulator that you can try before enrolling in the program. Call/email us to schedule an appointment.
- The average starting wage for CDL truck drivers in Montana is around $49,010 annually.
Continuing Education & Training Department
Call
Call: (406) 268-3734
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Office: G100
