Precision Driver Training School

1.       Tuition Requirements:

The schedule of tuition payment for current 2026 CDL programs are as follows:

 

Class B auto transmission tuition:           $5,500.00

Class B standard transmission tuition:   $6,000.00

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Class A auto transmission tuition:           $6,500.00

Class A standard transmission tuition:   $7,500.00

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The tuition covers all of the course materials, and first time around testing fees for the VT CDL permit, VT skills and road exam, a 2 yr CDL license, a DOT drug test, a DOT physical, and the VT DMV motor vehicle records check. 

 

Deposit: $350  Students are registered on a first come - first served basis. To register and reserve a seat in a specific class, students are required to make a $350 non refundable deposit prior to the course orientation date.  The deposit gets counted toward the total tuition.  The deposit secures the student’s seat in a specific class.  It also covers the course materials, the records check, and the DOT drug test & physical.

 

The balance of the tuition shall be paid on or by the first regular class day, which is usually about 3 to 4 weeks after the orientation.  The balance shall be paid by check made out to Precision Driver Training School or cash.   If payment in full is not made by the end of the 1st class day, the student may be bumped into the next available class.

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Students who have been awarded any grants, scholarships, or forgivable loans will be reimbursed for any such payments made directly to the school once those funds are received.

 

 

2.       Attendance Requirements:

        All students are required to attend all classes, labs, behind-the-wheel range work, and behind-the-wheel driving lessons until each competency has been completed with a passing score.  Unless special permission is granted by the head instructor, students will have 6 weeks from the first instructional class to pass all competencies.  Students may be charged an hourly rate for instruction and practice time required beyond 6 weeks.  

A student may not accumulate any more than two unexcused absences or four unexcused tardies of ten minutes or more, otherwise, the student may be dropped from the course.

        All requirements must be met before students are issued the virtual on-line FMCSA CDL entry level driving certificate (ELDTC).  Students are not eligible to apply for the state CDL skills and road test until after the ELDTC has been issued.

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3.       Time Expectations:

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        As of February, 2022, all CDL courses transitioned away from time requirements to competency based performance evaluations to determine the student's pass/fail status.

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        A beginning CDL student should expect to complete around 160 total hours of training unless the student has obtained significant and relevant prior experience.  The expectation of time for each competency areas for a CDL class A include:

 

1.  Theory - 60 to 80 hours of classroom plus independent study.

   • Classroom training is currently held in-person in a traditional group classroom setting.  Instruction provided covers topics such as, but is not limited to:

     • Basic Operation

     • Safe Operating Practices

     • Advanced Operating Systems

     • Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

     • FMCSA Familiarization

 

    2.  Range & Lab Training - 70 hours

1. • Lab training is a limited group activity held outside of the classroom.  It includes areas such as:

   • Pre-Trip Inspection

   • Identifying and reporting hazardous conditions and malfunctions

   • Straight Line and Offset Backing

   • Alley Docking

   • Coupling and Uncoupling

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    3.  Road Training - 15 to 30 hours

1. • Road training is individualized.  It includes actual vehicle operation on public roads and highways open to the general flow of traffic. Road training, which concepts are supported by classroom training, provides the student with practical instruction and experience navigating a tractor trailer on various types of roads. It includes areas such as, but not limited to:

• Interacting with traffic and pedestrians

• Observing and crossing railroad tracks

• Making left and right turns

• Speed & brake control

• Proper gear selection and shifting synchronized transmissions

• Negotiating mountainous terrain

• Performing the hill stop/start maneuver

• Identifying hazards including bridge clearances

• Zone control

• Effective intersection searching patterns

• Situational awareness

• Title 23 & DOT compliance

 

4.       Credential Requirements:

         Whenever engaged in activities that involve actual operation of CDL vehicles on a public highway or in a public vehicular area that is not closed off to the general flow of traffic, all students are required to be in possession of the following:

• Vermont CDL Permit

• Vermont Driver’s License

• Medical Examiner's Certificate

 

5.       Assessment:

Grades will be generated as follows:

1. Attitude, Attendance and Compliance  (P/F)

2. Coupling and Uncoupling                        (P/F)

3. Theory Competency                                 Must score 80% or higher

4. Range                                                          Must score 80% or higher

5. Driving                                                         Must score 80% or higher

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Class B students may expect to complete the course in less time since they will not be required to pre-trip or back with a trailer.

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Students must pass each P/F section and achieve a score of 80% in each competency area before the ELDTC will be issued.

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