Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Learn at an actual test site and take the test in the same truck you trained in.
We are a certified training and third-party testing facility in Montana.
We offer hands-on behind-the-wheel training with experienced instructors.
Program Overview
Using a comprehensive curriculum, students in the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program at Highlands College will receive online and classroom instruction and real behind-the-wheel driving experience on the skills course, within city limits and on both area highways and interstates. The program is recognized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as meeting the Entry-Level Driving Training standards addressing skills, theory/knowledge, tasks, and the duties required of entry-level commercial vehicle drivers. The program meets the needs of students with no prior knowledge or experience in truck driving interested in getting a Class-A CDL.
Mandatory Informational Sessions
Learn about our program, application requirements, class format, class schedules, and funding opportunities at an upcoming Highlands College information session.
We offer morning and evening sessions on our campus at 25 Basin Creek Road, Butte, Montana to fit your schedule:
- Morning Session: 10:00 am
- Evening Session: 5:30 pm
No registration is required to attend.
| Term | Info Session | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | September 29, 2025 | October 14, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | TBD | TBD |
Our program provides comprehensive training for first-time Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) seekers.
- Cost: $4,500
- 6-8-week course
- Prep for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) written exam
- Class A ELDT course
- Behind-the-Wheel training
- Fees include: tuition, drug screen, skills testing fee, course materials
Our CDL model empowers employers to conduct their own behind-the-wheel training while we handle all administrative, compliance, and testing services.
- Cost: $2,500
- 6-8-week course
- Prep for commercial learner's permit (CLP) written exam
- Class A ELDT course
- Fees include: tuition, skills testing fee, course materials, one-day training session with a Highlands instructor
The Behind-the-Wheel program is designed for individuals who have already completed their ELDT theory training and are looking to fulfill the Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) requirements necessary to qualify for the CDL skills test.
- Cost: $1,500
- 6-8-week course
- Fees include: tuition, drug screen, skills testing fee, course materials
The CDL Refresher course is designed for those with an expired medical card or an expired CDL license. This course helps rebuild confidence, reinforce safety practices, and ensure drivers meet current FMCSA standards.
- Cost: $3,000
- 6-8-week course
- Prep for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) written exam
- Behind-the-Wheel training
- Fees include: tuition, drug screen, skills testing fee, course materials
This program is for individuals who have completed their Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training and need to fulfull the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory requirements mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Cost: $500
- 4-6-week course
- Class A ELDT course
Ready to drive your future forward? Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens the door to in-demand careers in transportation, logistics, and beyond. Our CDL training program combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience, all designed to help you build confidence and pass the state CDL exam.
We are proud to be FMCSA-registered and ELDT-certified, ensuring you receive training that meets all federal standards under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate. Whether you're starting a new career or adding a valuable skill, our expert instructors and student support services will guide you every mile of the way.
Dear Kinsley,
Thank you so much! I am immensely excited! Words can’t explain how thankful I am for everybody involved in this program and the help I received to achieve passing my final exam.
Now is the really fun part and choosing what direction I want to take for a very bright future.
Thank you again! You all were not only life savers but some of the greatest people I have met.Robert F. Shipley CDL Class of '24
Admission to the program is open to all individuals who can meet the following requirements/pre-requisites:
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Possess a current Montana Driver's license and age 18 or older for intrastate license and age 21 or older for interstate license
- Pass or hold a current Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical (find DOT physical locations here)
- CLP (Commerical Learner's Permit) is not required to enroll in the CDL course. However, it is highly encouraged that students who are interested in taking the course make themselves a testing appointment and begin studying the manual before class starts. Written permit appointments take place at the DMV.
- Submit Motor Vehicle Record ($4.22)
- Visit https://cars.dojmt.gov/app/_/#0 and click Purchase a driver record.
- MVR’s that include reckless driving or a DUI within the past five (5) years and/or three (3) minor violations within the last three (3) years, unfortunately you will be ineligible for the program.
- Submit Criminal Background Check ($20)
- Visit https://doj.egovmt.com/choprs/ and under Public Users click Start Service.
- Print results and attach with application (results expire after 14 days)
- Pass Drug Test (included in fee)
- Drug Screen appointment will be made for you by Highlands College after all documents have been turned in and you’ve been accepted into the course)
We follow a hybrid format which means you will be required to do online modules at home and attend a couple of in-person sessions throughout the course.
Meet faculty, explore our expertise, and more.
Funding Assistance Programs
| Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Caitlin O’Neill | caitlin.o'neill@mt.gov | 406-594-7374 |
| Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Lacey Reinhardt | lacey@reomontana.org | 406-461-0504 |
We can answer your question and help you get started.
krafish@mtech.edu
406-496-4684