Drive Your Career Forward with CDL Training

Comprehensive Training for CDL-A, CDL-B, and HazMat Endorsements
Chesapeake College’s CDL Program prepares students for careers in commercial driving, with options for CDL Class-A and CDL Class-B licenses and specialized HazMat endorsement training. Gain the skills needed to operate heavy vehicles safely and meet licensing requirements for local and regional driving jobs.

Male and female truck drivers on the yard, smiling and talking.

Earn your CDL and advance your driving career with hands-on training and specialized endorsements.

CDL-A
Tractor-trailer and
large vehicle license
CDL-B
Straight truck and
passenger vehicle license
$$$
Funding
Options Available

This program is suited for individuals interested in professional driving careers, from local trucking to specialized roles involving hazardous materials. Ideal candidates include those with a passion for driving, a desire to travel, and an interest in a well-paying, high-demand career. The HazMat endorsement is recommended for CDL holders who want to expand their credentials and qualify for additional job opportunities.

This license is required for vehicles greater than 10,000 lbs. with an articulating trailer. This training option is ideal for those interested in driving tractor trailers locally, regionally, or over the road. Student will receive training to test for the following license endorsements: Tankers, Doubles & Triples, Passenger, and School Bus (additional fees may apply). All classes take place at the Wye Mills Campus.

  • Day Classes (Length: 9 weeks) Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Night Classes (Length: 16 weeks) Monday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m.
  • Costs: The total cost of the course is $5,145.00. There is an additional cost for students outside of the five-county service area (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot), which is approximately $30. Students can add the Class B Bus endorsement for an additional $655.

Each class covers practical driving, safety regulations, and testing skills needed for licensure. Completing this program opens up diverse job opportunities in transportation, logistics, and construction, where skilled drivers are in high demand.

This license is required for vehicles greater than 26,000 lbs. without a trailer. This training option is ideal for those interested in driving passenger buses (including school buses), dump trucks, or straight trucks. Students will receive training to test for the following license endorsements: Tankers, Passenger, and School Bus.

  • Day Classes Only (Length: 6 weeks) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Costs: ~$3,065

Each class covers practical driving, safety regulations, and testing skills needed for licensure. Completing this program opens up diverse job opportunities in transportation, logistics, and construction, where skilled drivers are in high demand.

This continuing education course will provide instructional classroom training to prepare students for the Maryland CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) HazMat (Hazardous Materials) endorsement examination. Topics covered will include the identification of various hazardous material classes, proper packaging groups, acceptance and refusal of hazardous packages, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

To register, students must hold a current and valid Commercial Driver’s License.

Cost: $125

Please note: Test scheduling and test fee at Maryland DMV is not included in the cost of the course. DMV requires a Criminal Background Check by TSA (not included in the cost of the course) be completed and passed before they will schedule the HAZMAT endorsement test. Refer to Maryland DMV for more information about testing requirements.
Please bring CDL license to class.

Course Sessions Dates Days Times Room
CDL Class-A (Day) 9 weeks Contact for dates Mon–Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wye Mills Campus
CDL Class-A (Night) 16 weeks Contact for dates Mon–Fri 6 – 10 p.m. Wye Mills Campus
CDL Class-B 6 weeks Contact for dates Mon–Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wye Mills Campus
CDL-B Discount (Cambridge) 6 weeks Ends Dec 31, 2024 Mon–Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cambridge
HazMat Endorsement Training 1 11/18/2024 Mon 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. HEC-110
HazMat Endorsement Training 1 1/13/2025 Mon 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. HEC-117
HazMat Endorsement Training 1 3/24/2025 Mon 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. HEC-117
HazMat Endorsement Training 1 5/19/2025 Mon 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. HEC-117

For CDL class dates and information sessions, contact Katie Rosenberry at [email protected]. Some courses are eligible for the Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship.

getting STARTED

How to Enroll

  • 1

    Secure Funding

    Payment is required for CDL courses at the time of registration. Please review the available scholarships for this program below, if necessary, before you start the registration process. It can take up to 6 weeks to secure funding so please keep this in mind!

    Payment can also be made by Employer Sponsorship Billing, Credit Card, Cash or Check. If paying by either of these methods, please notify us at [email protected].

    Payment Information
  • 2

    For HazMat Courses Only

    You may register online using the link below. You may skip Step 3 below.

    Register Online
  • 3

    CDL-A & CDL-B: Attend an Orientation Session

    The CDL office will contact you once we have funding confirmation to schedule a session

    • Choose class option (day or night class) and complete paperwork
    • Complete Department of Transportation (DOT) physical (NOT included in registration costs)
    • Complete NON-DOT drug test (included in registration costs)
    • Pass MVA background check (included in registration costs)
    Upcoming Info Sessions
  • 4

    Come to Class

    The first 2 weeks of class will primarily be held in a classroom setting. The remaining portion of the program, students will be learning Yard and Road Skills outdoors in the CDL yard: rain or shine! Please dress accordingly.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out using the contact information on this page.  Explore directions and our Wye Mills campus map here.

    Map & Directions

Want expert guidance?

Reach out to our dedicated Business & Industry Navigator, David Irby. David is happy to walk you through the enrollment process from beginning to end, ensuring all your questions are answered.

Contact David for one-on-one assistance. Email or call using the links below.

Headshot of recruiter David Irby

CDL FAQs

Students are evaluated on each skill taught in the classes. A student’s attitude, judgment, and coordination are also evaluated. Grade percentages are calculated from all grades earned and are issued to students at the completion of the program. A grade percentage of 80% or higher is required for completion.

The College has eight tractors and seven trailers: five that are 48’ x 102’ dry vans for road use, and two 36′ beverage trailers for testing. In addition, the College boasts a state-of-the-art simulator to earn real-life driving experience in a variety of road conditions.

All equipment is well maintained and regularly updated. All tractor trailers are manual transmission to allow students the ability to obtain a non-restricted CDL Class A license.

The College has two school buses with an automatic transmission.

The Chesapeake College Training Range is located at 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679. The student driving experience begins at this site. Before driving on public roads, students are required to perform driving exercises such as shifting and moving the truck through a series of maneuvers. Road  exercises include operating the vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. Instructors evaluate student performance to determine readiness to advance to more challenging traffic patterns.

The following items are required for class: pens, gloves, rain gear, and umbrella. Textbook, road atlas, and other training materials are provided.

Classes are conducted in all weather conditions  including rain, shine, sleet, and snow. Students should come to class prepared for the forecasted weather. Appropriate footwear is required.

Payment can made with credit card, cash or check. Grants may be available to you through the Workforce
Investment Board ([email protected]) and American Job Centers (www.careeronestop.org). See below for more information on Scholarships and Ways to Pay.

A student officially withdrawing by the last College business day prior to the start of a class is eligible for a 100% refund of tuition and applicable fees. Additional  criteria for refund procedures can be found on the College website or in the College schedule of classes.

The College reserves the right to cancel any course due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. However, every attempt will be made to prevent undue hardship on students. Students enrolled in courses cancelled by the College will automatically receive a full refund of tuition and fees.

The standards of conduct at the Chesapeake CDL Training Program are the same as those in the trucking industry. Students are expected to observe the College regulations, to follow  directions given by the instructor, and to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

The following activities at or around the College facilities and  equipment will be cause for immediate dismissal:

  • Being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Smoking or using any tobacco or cannabis product or use of e-cigarettes, vaporizers or inhalers; Chesapeake College is a tobacco-and cannabis-free college
  • Performing an unauthorized truck start-up or operation
  • Harassment of fellow students
  • Use of cell phones on the CDL lots or within CDL vehicles

Being under the influence, using, possessing, or selling controlled dangerous substances, including alcohol, on College property, in College vehicles, or at any time when attending training with the College is strictly prohibited.

All students will be provided with the full Drug and Alcohol policy prior to beginning the program, and are required to undergo drug testing prior to being accepted into the program. Random drug testing will be completed according to FMCSA regulations. 

Success in this program depends on student attendance and participation. Students are expected to attend each class, join discussions, and ask questions.

Attendance is taken every class; each student must meet the 80% attendance criteria required by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and Federal regulations. Excessive  absences and/or tardiness may be cause for dismissal. Missed  time may be made up if time, equipment, and instructors are available. This is arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Students must complete the following in order to graduate from the program:

  • Attend a minimum of 245 regularly scheduled hours of training
  • Successfully complete all classroom assignments
  • Successfully complete all range assignments
  • Successfully complete all road assessments
  • Earn an overall grade percentage of 80% or higher
  • Pass the Commercial Driver’s License Skills Exam

Students that successfully complete the program will receive the following items at graduation:

  • Chesapeake College certificate (280 clock hours)
  • Entry-Level Driver Training Certificate (in accordance with FMCSA ELDT Rules)

Part I: Basic Vehicle Operation

  • Learner’s Permit preparation: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combinations
  • Endorsements: Tankers, School Bus, Passenger Bus

Part II: Basic Vehicle Operation

  • Vehicle Equipment Orientation
  • Coupling and Uncoupling
  • Putting the truck in motion
  • Shift development
  • Techniques backing/parking
  • Space and speed management
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Road development: rural roads and bridges

Part III: Basic Range/Road Development

  • Operating practices
  • Parking and docking
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Trip planning/map reading
  • Hours of service (log books)
  • Emergency maneuvers
  • Road development: mountain driving
  • Lifestyle of a driver
  • Driver fatigue
  • Resumes and interviews

Part IV: Advanced Range/Road Development

  • Backing, parking and docking
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Road development: city driving
  • Operation Lifesaver: railroad crossings
  • Driver qualifications and employment preparations
  • Motor Vehicle Administration Licensing: testing
  • FMCSA Entry-Level Driver mandated training sequence

Additional CDL-specific questions? Contact Katie Rosenberry at [email protected].

equipped for the FUTURE

WAYS TO PAY

Convenient payment options for noncredit students.

At Chesapeake College, we offer several payment options to help you manage your tuition and fees in a way that best suits your financial situation. Whether you’re paying upfront, setting up a payment plan, or utilizing employer sponsorship, we’ve got you covered.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for an assortment of institutional scholarships, Workforce Investment Board funding, and Maryland Promise Scholarships, among others. Before registering for your course, make sure you have allowed ample time to apply for scholarships at the link below. 

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