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Commercial Driver's License

Class C CDL Program:

This entry level Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program has been created by the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) for individuals hired as drivers through Kiessling Transit. The program’s main intent is to help guide people in acquiring an entry level CDL license from start to finish. Individuals enrolled in this program will be taught and trained by CDL professionals, some of whom have been in the transportation industry for many years. Our experienced CDL instructors will prepare students for earning their Class C licenses with a passenger endorsement.

Having a license to drive a vehicle beyond a standard car for business purposes has several benefits worth consideration. Some of the benefits include job marketability, flexibility, compensation potential, and job security.

This program is hands-on and individually focused so that students feel comfortable when they are ready to take the CDL Road Test.

The Class C CDL Program Steps:

1. CDL Permit Class- This is a two day class, for five hours each day on a prearranged schedule. The class will cover several sections straight from the Commercial Driver’s License manual issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the class will prepare students for both the General Knowledge Exam and the Passenger Endorsement Test administered by the RMV. It is then up to the student to study independently and review the materials discussed in class to further prepare for the tests.
2. CDL Permit Test-Once the CDL class work is completed in its entirety, it is up to the student to go and take the CDL General Knowledge Exam and Passenger Endorsement Test. Students must take these two tests within two weeks of finishing the CDL permit class at an RMV of their choice.
3. CDL Practical Class- Once the student has successfully passed both the CDL General Knowledge Exam and Passenger Endorsement Test and have their permits in hand, they will be eligible to begin the hands-on portion of the program known as the CDL Practical Class. This portion will require two consecutive Saturdays normally about 5-6 hours each Saturday morning. This practical portion will be broken up into three parts: Pre-trip Inspection, Skills (Course) and an On-Road portion.
4. CDL Test- This last part is done within a week or two following the two consecutive Saturday practical classes. The test itself will be administered through the State of Massachusetts. Once the test is passed, the instructor will stamp and sign the back of the CDL permit and give the student a temporary DPU certificate. The students will need to take their current license, stamped permit paper, and Medical DOT card and go to a Registry to upgrade to a new Class C Commercial Driver’s License with a Passenger endorsement. When at the Registry, students will need to fill out a CDL Application and will need to pay a license fee (remember to ask for a receipt). You should receive your new plastic license in the mail within two weeks and an official DPU certificate within four to six weeks. CONGRATS!

It is important that once students begin this program to acquire an entry level CDL license, they follow through with the process until the end. More often than not, when people postpone getting their CDL, they often never get around to it. People get busy, things come up, trust us we get it. However, we recommend trying to make it a priority. Having a CDL is a $3,000 value and can lead to opportunities mentioned above.

Pre-Requisites for MWRTA Class C CDL Program:

• Must Have a valid Massachusetts Driver's License
• Cannot have a DUI or OUI within the past five years
• Cannot be convicted of a felony within the past five years

For those wishing to apply for a position for our fixed route service please note that the Pre-Requisites for Employment are more stringent than the above pre-requisites for the MWRTA CDL Program. Please contact the General Manager for more information.

Included in the MWRTA Class C CDL Program:

CDL Binder

• Everyone will receive a CDL binder which will include everything needed throughout the process of acquiring a CDL.

Costs Covered in the Program*:

1. CDL General Knowledge Test - $30.00
2. CDL Passenger Endorsement Test- $10.00
3. DPU Test- $60.00
4. New CDL License Fee - $50.00

*Anyone looking to be reimbursed for the above costs must have receipts for those costs. Reimbursements will not be given out without valid receipts. Students must participate in the program steps above to be eligible for cost reimbursements.

Costs NOT Covered in the Program:

1. DOT Medical Exams
2. Any failed or incomplete tests
3. License Renewal Fees/Expenses to maintain CDL license once issued

Attendance Policy

Any individual who misses two or more consecutive classes other than for a sickness or emergency in the MWRTA CDL Program, will risk not being allowed to take another class for one full year from the date of the second missed class at the discretion of the MWRTA.

Remember, this is a $3,000 value!

If you have interest in the MWRTA CDL program please contact MWRTA at (508) 935-2222 or fill out the Contact form below.

Alternatively, you may download this form, fill it out, and send it in via the contact box below.

The Class B CDL Program:

Program Details

The MWRTA Class B CDL Program is a comprehensive training program that is ideal for all people interested in the transit industry, whether they have prior CDL driving experience or not. The program takes approximately four weeks to complete and includes both classroom and behind the wheel training (BTW), yet focuses primarily on allowing students as much hands-on training as possible. In addition to a home study component, this program is divided into two sections followed by the CDL road test. All students are provided a binder on the first day of Permit class with the material to be discussed throughout the Program.

The first section of the Program is referred to as the Permit section. This section of the program begins in the classroom with the basis of the transit bus industry and preparation in obtaining a CDL Class B Permit with Passenger and Airbrakes endorsements. This section consists of three, four-hour classes that prepares students for the General Knowledge permit test.

The first day of the Permit section discusses General Knowledge and allows students to view the bus to visually familiarize themselves with the vehicle they will be testing and training on. The second permit day discusses the airbrakes and passenger endorsement information. The third, and final permit day reviews all the information from the previous two permit classes, and allows students to work on practice test questions both as a group and individually.

The second portion of the class, referred to as the skills portion, begins once the student obtains the correct Class B CDL permit with proper endorsements. The skills portion takes place outside on the CDL course and consists of four to five classes. Students will work both independently and as a group during the entire skills portion. Each class will take about four hours to complete.

Following the successful completion of the skills portion of the class, students will need to complete necessary test paperwork. The MWRTA will then mail the completed paperwork with test fee to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to schedule a CDL road test. Scheduling a CDL test can take up to several weeks so students are highly encouraged to study during that time. Additional practice/review sessions may be offered if time allows. Students are responsible to arrive one hour prior to their assigned test time. This allows for adequate practice and review prior to the test. Students must come prepared to their test with their valid permit, and DOT card in hand.

Training Hours Total: 28-32 Required Weekday Hours

Cost Total: $2,000.00* -- Payment must be received at least 7 business days from the class start date.

Payment Type: Only bank check or money order will be accepted.

*Amount does not include any DOT physical costs, permit costs, or test retakes. Amount does include initial DPU testing/application fee.

Program participants are required to sign enrollment paperwork at least one week prior to class start date. All participants must be able to speak, comprehend, and write in English proficiently.

All interested individuals must complete inquiry form below with contact information. An MWRTA CDL Representative will contact individuals during regular business hours to discuss next steps in the Class B Program enrollment. Enrollment is filled on a first-come first-served basis.

Inquiries:

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