CDL-A Truck Driver Training Program
- Get licensed in less than 2 months
- Flexible schedules
- Optional endorsements available
- Job placement assistance after graduation
CDL-A Training Program Overview
Every 3 Weeks
160 Hours
What is CDL-A Truck Driver?
Truck drivers are one of the most in-demand careers available, today. And NTI has been Maine’s top CDL school for over 25 years.
CDL-A (Commercial Driver’s License – Class A) drivers are licensed to operate commercial trucks that tow trailers filled with goods.
Drivers mostly transport cargo across local and state lines under tight schedules.
As a Commercial Truck Driver you’ll spend your workday:
- Maintaining vehicle and operation logs;
- Managing delivery paperwork;
- Loading and unloading cargo;
Performing vehicle inspections before and after trips; - And much more.
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Your 3 Step Career Path
Undeniably, school is a major commitment and can feel complicated. That is why we’ve broken the process down into 3 simple steps:
1. Schedule An Admissions Interview
First, meet with Admissions and learn about student life, courses, and payment options.
2. Enroll & Begin Your Career Training
Secondly, enroll and learn from industry pros and build your skills. Because NTI's flexible classes work around your busy life.
Program Start Dates >>
3. Graduate Ready For Your New Career
Finally, after graduation you'll get 1-on-1 help with finding a job. And, you'll connect with companies that want to hire you.
Career Development Office >>
Commercial Trucking Program Description
The CDL-A program is designed to teach you safe operating procedures, and give you a working knowledge of the industry.
As a student, you’ll get practice behind-the-wheel at our driver training yards. And both country and city driving environments. You can become a licensed driver with 160 hours of logged training.
You’ll also have the opportunity to train for endorsements in air brakes, hazardous materials (optional), tankers, and doubles/triples.
CDL school graduates are prepared for licensure through the State of Maine’s Department of Transportation.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
As part of a federal mandate, in order to take your state road test, you will need to provide proof that you have successfully completed a qualified ELDT program.
The CDL-A Commercial Truck Driver program at NTI is designed to meet all ELDT requirements. And the school is registered on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Hands-on CDL Training
Because trucking is a hands-on job, you’ll be trained by industry pros in fully equipped yards and classrooms. Above all, you’ll learn by doing.
To summarize, CDL-A program students get full training in:
- Pre-trip inspections;
- Truck engines & Transmissions;
- CDL examinations;
- Safety for CDL drivers (FMCC);
- Rules of the road;
- Professional development for CDL drivers;
- Logbooks and trip planning;
Straight backing; - Alley Docking;
- Parallel parking;
- Drop and hook;
- City, highway, and country driving.
CDL Training Yards
You’ll receive part of your CDL training in a classroom, and the rest in our driver training yards. In addition, you’ll learn from licensed and experienced truck drivers.
Both training yards (located in Scarborough and Bangor, ME) are equipped with the trucks, trailers, and tools you’ll need to earn your license.
CDL-A Endorsements
Endorsements are a formal system of letting employers know how skilled you are.
CDL training endorsements include:
Air Brakes;
Tankers;
Doubles;
Triples;
Hazardous Materials (optional).
CDL-A Endorsements
The Maine Motor Transportation Association (MMTA) has partnered with Maine Savings FCU to implement a ZERO percent interest loan for tuition costs.
Program Basics:
- 100% financing of tuition costs (up to $7,000) of a CDL course through approved CDL schools;
- 0% interest rate;
- First payment deferred to 60 days after completion of course.
Due to its short length, the CDL-A program is not yet eligible for Federal Financial Aid. But, NTI does offer a short-term payment plan for all students.
During your Admissions Interview, you’ll be given an overview of your tuition cost and ways to pay for school.
After Graduation
As a graduate of the CDL-A program, you’ll be prepared to take your state-administered commercial driving test. Upon licensure by the State of Maine Department of Transportation, you’ll be ready to start your career. CDL-A truck drivers work for:
- Distribution centers;
- Freight companies;
- Retail businesses;
- And much more.
Job Placement Assistance
You don’t have to search for a job alone! To clarify, once your education is complete, our Career Services Office helps you find a job.
The Career Services Office offers:
- Help filling out applications;
- Resume and cover letter prep;
- Interview techniques;
- Employer connections;
- And job fairs.
Student Testimonials
Request Information
Companies That Hire Our Graduates.
NTI by Numbers
CDL-A Truck Driver Career Statistics
The Average Hourly Pay Rate
(Maine, 2020)
The Average Annual Pay Rate In Maine, (Maine, 2023)
Estimated Industry Growth Over 10 Years (2020)
Estimated Amount Of Jobs Added Over 10 Years US (2020)
F. A. Q
Frequently Asked Questions
Since we’re a school, NTI’s goal is to train as many students as we can. That is why NTI has moved away from traditional semesters and start dates. Generally, NTI programs start every 3 – 10 weeks (depending on the program).
Healthcare Professional training starts every 3 weeks. And programs include:
Phlebotomy Technician training starts every 5 weeks.
CyberSecurity training starts every 8 weeks.
Systems Technology training starts every 8 weeks.
CDL-A Truck Driver training starts every 3 weeks.
CDL-B Truck Driver training starts every 3 weeks.
HVAC/R Technician training starts every 10 weeks.
Specifically, tuition at NTI ranges from $2,895 to $18,495 depending on the program. And, most programs are eligible for financial aid and GI Bill® benefits
Before any payment is made, all students must take part in an admissions interview with one of our Admissions Representatives. During the interview, the advisor will explain the program, determine eligibility for admission to the program, and discuss financial aid and payment options.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Yes!
That is because NTI is a nationally accredited career school with State and Federal approval for Financial Aid.
After completing your admissions interview, our Financial Aid Office staff will help you through the whole process. Furthermore, they’ll help you find grants, loans, and scholarships.
Additionally, for programs that are not Title IV eligible, we will discuss several tuition financing options available to students.
To clarify, NTI is prohibited from guaranteeing job placement. But, the Office of Career Development is available to every student during and after graduation.
The Office of Career Development offers every student:
Job coaching;
Resume and cover letter assistance;
Connections with local employers;
And more.
Learn more about the Career Services Office >>
For accreditation purposes, NTI is required to place at least 70% of our graduates in careers in their field of study. And NTI’s rate in recent years has been in the high 80’s and low 90’s percentage range.
To summarize, going back to school is a huge commitment in time, effort, and money. So, NTI wants to make sure everyone understands what career training means.
With this in mind, the admissions interview is designed to share information about our programs and career opportunities. As well as measuring employability in your chosen field. Additionally, we’ll also gauge your desire and commitment to graduate.
Currently, all of NTI’s career training programs can be completed within one year. But, course lengths vary depending on the program that is chosen.
Healthcare Training Programs:
- Clinical Medical Assistant I: 27 weeks
- Phlebotomy Technician: 6 weeks
- Medical Billing & Coding: 33 weeks
HVAC/R Technician Training Program: 30 weeks
CDL-A Truck Driver Training Program: 160 hours
CDL-B Truck Driver Training Program: 80 hours
Network Administration & Design Training Program: 34 weeks
Presently, you can request either an official or unofficial copy of your student transcripts right here on our website.
Click Here To Request A Transcript >>
*NOTE* There is a $5.00 service fee for unofficial transcripts, and a $10.00 service fee for official transcripts. Payable by credit card only.
