Napier’s Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your CDL Training Questions

We know that deciding which CDL school to attend can come with many questions, especially if this is your first introduction to the trucking industry. That is why we have created a list of frequently asked questions, which are meant to help you quickly find the information you need to begin planning your education.

A CDL is a Commercial Drivers License. There are three main CDL classes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class allows drivers to operate specific vehicle types. At Napier, we offer Class A CDL training and CDL refresher courses.
The key differences between each CDL class are the type of vehicles they’re allowed to operate. A Class A CDL is the highest level, giving drivers the most freedom, while Class B CDLs and Class C CDLs have more restrictions. Vehicle weight plays a major role in deciding what vehicles fall into each class.
Class A CDL vehicles are large and have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds. These vehicles include but are not limited to:
  • Tractor-trailers, also referred to as semi-trucks
  • Truck and trailer combinations
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Tanker vehicles (with the correct endorsements)
With the proper endorsements, Class A CDL holders can also operate some Class B vehicles. At Napier, we focus on training students to earn their Class A CDL, as this class offers the highest earning potential.
Class B CDL vehicles are classified as having a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, but the towed vehicle must not be heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class B CDL, drivers can operate:
  • Straight trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Passenger busses (with the correct endorsements)
Class C CDL vehicles have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds, and anything being towed must weigh less than 10,000 pounds. Additional endorsements are often required to operate Class C vehicles, which include:
  • Smaller hazardous materials vehicles (with a hazmat certification)
  • Passenger vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers (with a passenger endorsement)
  • Other vehicles not included in the Class A or Class B classification
To earn a CDL, you’ll first need to determine what CDL class is right for you. It’s important to pick a reputable school from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, like Napier Truck Driver Training. These schools offer ELDT certified training programs, ensuring that students learn the most thorough and up to date information. Napier’s Class A CDL training program will assist students in earning their Ohio CDL permit at the beginning of the course and work with them to gain the knowledge needed to pass the CDL skills test, the final step to earning a Class A CDL.
The CDL skills test is a tree part exam that students must pass in order to obtain their CDL. The exam consists of a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills testing, and an on-road driving portion.
To begin truck driver training with Napier, contact us! Our admissions team will reach out to help you begin your truck driving journey. You can also call us and speak with an advisor about your training options.
No, students do not need to have their permit before starting training. If you’re enrolled in our full-time training program, you’ll earn your Ohio CDL permit during training hours. If you’re enrolled in a weekend program, we’ll help you prepare for the permit test, but you will need to schedule a time to take the test on your own time.
Training time depends on the program chosen and the course time. At Napier, we offer full and part time training options for Class A CDL training. CDL refresher courses are also offered and are customizable to the needs of the student. See all training options.
The cost of truck driver training can vary based on the program you pick and tuition assistance qualifications. Napier offers multiple payment options, including government programs, veteran’s benefits, and tuition reimbursement.
Tuition reimbursement is a payment option for students that have already committed to an employer carrier. Usually, the payments are made on a monthly basis, as long as the driver remains employed at the company. We work with multiple employer partners that offer tuition reimbursement.
Napier offers veterans benefits to active service members, reservists, veterans, dependents, and spouses working to obtain their Ohio CDL.
Napier’s team is dedicated to student success, so we work with students and graduates to help them find careers that fit their needs. We partner with multiple trucking carriers that visit our campus to recruit our students. Our job placement team also offers interview tips, resume assistance, and help with the application process.
The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Mandate was put into effect in 2022 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to standardize the curriculum of truck driving school. By implementing this, schools are able to train safer drivers, as the mandate requires an appropriate balance of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. For those looking to obtain a CDL, it’s important to attend an ELDT certified school, or they will be ineligible to take the CDL test.
Napier is located in Hamilton, OH, and serves the surrounding areas of Hamilton County, Butler County, Waren County, and more.

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