Precision Driver Training School

Tuition Requirements:

The schedule of tuition payment for current 2025 CDL programs are as follows:

 

Tuition:  $6,500 

The tuition covers all of the course materials, and one time testing fees for the VT CDL permit, VT skills and road exam, DOT drug test, DOT physical, and the motor vehicle records and background 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.

 

Balance due: $6,150  The balance of the tuition shall be paid on or by the first regular class day, which is usually about 4 weeks after the orientation.  The balance shall be paid by check or cash.  If payment in full is not made by the 1st class day, the student will be bumped into the next available class.

 

 

Attendance Requirements:

        As of 02/07/2022, the FMCSA has required that the delivery of all CDL programs be competency based rather than being based on hourly requirements.  Now, all students are required to attend all classes, labs, behind-the-wheel range work, and behind-the-wheel driving lessons until each competency requirement has been met.  There are three main competency areas that must be met including CDL theory, CDL range, and CDL road driving.  All competency 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 CDL skills and road testing until after the ELDTC has been issued.

Students will have 6 weeks to complete the competencies unless special permission was granted by the CDL school.  During that time, students may not accumulate any more than two unexcused absences or four unexcused tardies that are ten minutes late or more.  Students who violate the attendance requirements may be dropped from the course.

 

Time Expectations:

        Class A students should expect to complete a minimum of 150 to 160 total hours of training unless the student has obtained significant and relevant prior experience. The expectation of time for each of the competency areas include:

 

1.  Theory - 55 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

 

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

 

Assessment:

Grades will be generated as follows:

1. Attitude and Attendance  (P/F)

2. Coupling and Uncoupling (P/F)

3. Theory Competency

4. Range Competency

5. Driving Competency

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