FAQ

How do I know which class of license I need to drive a commercial truck?

Does the vehicle (power unit) have a GVWR over 26,000 lbs pulling a trailer with a GVW over 10,000 lbs? If so, you will need a Class A license.

Does the vehicle (power unit) have a GVWR over 26,000 lbs pulling a trailer with a GVWR under 10,000 lbs or no trailer at all? If so, you will need a Class B license.

Does the vehicle (power unit) have a GVWR 26,000 lbs or under pulling a trailer with GVWR under 10,000 lbs, but the GCWR of both vehicle & trailer is over 26,000 lbs? If so, you will need a Class C license

Is the vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver? If so, a passenger endorsement on your CDL is required. The type of CDL will be based on the GVWR of the passenger vehicle and whether you have an existing CDL.

How do I know which CDL training is correct for me?

This depends on your experience and apptitude. Have you ever driven a tractor-trailer combination? Do you know how to double clutch? Have you ever driven a vehicle with as many as 18 gears? Do you know how to preform a pretrip? Do you know how to test and operate the airbrakes? Do you know how to couple and uncouple a trailer? Can you back up the unit straight for a minimum of 100 ft without difficulty? Can you back up the unit starting from a 90 degree angle without difficulty? Can you parallel park the unit, either blind side or sight side? Can you do an offset backing from the right or left side? Do you know how to square off a corner when making turns?

What test are required for the licensing classes?

First you need to decide which license you want to obtain, Class A, B or C. Once you have determined the class then you will need to take the test according to the class you have chosen as follows:

(Please note: these tests can only be taken at DMV) For hours and locations http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/office/anch.htm

Class A - For this class of license you will take three (3) test.

* General Knowlege, Airbrakes and Combination (You must score an 80% to pass.)

Class B - For this class of license you will take two (2) test:

* General Knowledge and, Airbrakes (You must score an 80% to pass)

Class C - For this class of license you will take one to two (2) test

* General knowledge and/or Hazmat or Passenger (You must score an 80% to pass)

Once you have passed the tests necessary for your class of license DMV will issue you a permit and give you your test score sheet showing the tests you have taken as well as any endorsements test you have taken.

What documents do I need to bring with me for training or testing at CEE?

You will need a valid Alaska drivers license, your IA, IB or IC permit, a current DOT physical card, and your Application for Commercial Drivers License score sheet. If you will be testing in your own vehicle you will also need to provide us with the vehicles current registration and insurance card. Without these documents you will not be able to train or test.

What do I have to do to add the Hazmat endorsement to my license?

The department of Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) require any commercial driver wishing to transport hazardous materials to complete a threat assessment background check first. For more information click here.

What types of Financial Aid is available?

Applications for the Alaska Supplemental Education Loan program (applies to six and seven week courses only) are available online at www.akadvantage.alaska.gov. General information is also available by calling 1-800-441-2962.

Funding may also be available, depending on eligibility, from the Veterans Administration (www.gibill.va.gov), Alaska WIA offices, Alaska Job Centers(www.jobs.state.ak.us), or through Native scholarships.

Do you provide Job placement?

CEE does not provide individualized job placement for any student or graduate. However, graduates are provided with information regarding hiring trends, names and addresses of potential employers, a list of potential job websites, and a list of Alaska job centers. Upon request, potential employers are also informed of qualified graduates. CEE does not guarantee employment for students or graduates, nor does it guarantee any wages, salary, or hourly compensation rates.

Am I required to have a DOT physical to operate a commercial vehicle?

FMCSR §391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers.

(a) A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she is physically qualified to do so and, except as provided in §391.67, has on his/her person the original, or a photographic copy, of a medical examiner's certificate that he/she is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

What type of clothing should I wear for training?

Depending on the weather and time of year the following is recommended:

Rain Gear, Gloves, Winter Gear, Work Pants, Work Boot, Work Shirts

Tennis shoes are not allowed for construction technology classes while in field training.

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