Commercial Driving

instructor and students doing a truck inspection

Southern Tech and Central Tech are proud to be a training provider for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the base line for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This applies to those seeking to:

Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

CDL Process

Step 1

Determine which class of CDL you need. Here is a definition of two CDL License types and examples of each:

Class A CDL License - Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater.
- Vehicle examples: Tractor-Trailers (also known as Semi, Big Rig or 18-wheeler), truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, flatbeds.
Class B CDL License - Any single vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight that does not exceed 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).
- Vehicle examples: Straight trucks, large buses, segmented buses, box trucks, & dump trucks with small trailers.

Step 2

Step 3

Once the student has their permit, enroll and take the Southern Tech Behind-the-Wheel Course. Once the student has completed Theory and Behind-the-Wheel they have met the educational requirements to complete ELDT and are ready to set up with their Department of Public Safety their driving test.

Oklahoma state CDL requirements in addition to the ELDT are

Proof of U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence Status
Proof of OK Residency
Valid Ok Driver’s License
DOT Medical card from having passed a DOT Physical
Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit for a minimum of 14 days.

Federal law prohibits the use of marijuana for any safety-sensitive employee. This includes truck driving.

Class A

Southern Tech is excited to announce a new partnership with Central Technology Center to expand opportunities for individuals in southern Oklahoma to obtain professional Class A Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL).

Beginning November 2025, Truck Driver Training classes will be offered locally through this partnership, providing direct access to one of the most in-demand career fields in the nation.

Call 918-352-7316 for further details.

Train for Your CDL Class A License!

Southern Tech and Central Tech have partnered to offer hands-on CDL Class A training right here in southern Oklahoma!

Classes begin every 6 weeks
28 training days (1 week classroom + 4½ weeks driving)
Small class size: 6 students max
Job placement rate: 99%

Average first-year pay: $61,000

Apply now through Central Tech!

Class B

Theory Course

The Southern Tech theory course is a Bumper-to-Bumper computer-based training and is self-paced.

Class B Theory: 35 hours
Cost: $80

Behind - the - Wheel Course

Students must obtain their CDL permit through the Department of Public Safety prior to enrollment in Southern Tech’s Behind-the Wheel Course. A copy of the student’s CDL permit must be provided at enrollment.

The Southern Tech Behind-the-Wheel course is hands-on training completed both on the Range and Open Road. This in-person instruction takes place at the Ardmore Campus and has a variable schedule based on which instructor is leading the class and their availability.

Class B Behind-the-Wheel: 25 hours
Cost: $250

Apply now through SouthernTech!

*Tuition assistance or payment plans maybe available.