CDL Training in Ohio
Napier Truck Driver Training offers Class A CDL programs for students in the greater Cincinnati area. Programs are designed for people with no prior trucking experience who want to start a career in the industry. Napier provides both a full-time weekday schedule and a part-time weekend option, and all programs meet federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
The sections below give an overview of each program and topic covered on this site. Follow the links to find more details on each one.
What Is a CDL?
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a state-issued license required to operate large commercial vehicles. There are three classes — A, B, and C — based on the type and weight of the vehicle being driven. The class of license a driver needs depends on the job they want to pursue.
For students interested in tractor-trailer driving, over-the-road work, or the broadest range of commercial driving jobs, a Class A CDL is the starting point. The Napier blog covers CDL types and the job opportunities that go with each class for students who want more background before choosing a program.
Learn More About What a CDL Is →
Class A CDL Training
Napier’s full-time Class A program runs five weeks at 200 clock hours. It includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training on a closed range, city streets, and highways. Students do not need a CDL permit or prior experience to enroll. The program prepares graduates to sit for Ohio’s CDL skills test and enter the workforce as entry-level commercial drivers.
Students who want to understand the full steps involved in getting licensed in Ohio can read Obtaining Your Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio on the Napier blog.
See Full Details on the Class A CDL Training Program →
Weekend CDL Training
The weekend program covers the same Class A curriculum as the full-time course but runs Saturday and Sunday over 10 weekends (160 clock hours). It is designed for students who need to keep a weekday job or meet other obligations during the week. No prior experience is required.
See Full Details on the Weekend CDL Training Program →
CDL Refresher Course
The CDL refresher course is a short, customizable program for drivers who already hold a valid Class A CDL and have recent driving experience. It is not a path to a first-time license. The minimum schedule is three days, and the course is built around the individual driver’s needs. Napier graduates who have recently completed a full program may also qualify.
See Full Details on the CDL Refresher Course →
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Federal regulations require all first-time CDL applicants to complete an ELDT program through a registered provider before taking their CDL skills test. Napier is a registered ELDT provider. Both the full-time and weekend Class A programs satisfy these requirements.
Learn More About ELDT Requirements →
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in any Napier CDL program, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements. An admissions representative will review these with each applicant before enrollment.
- Be at least 21 years of age (applicants between 18 and 20 may enroll through individual counseling)
- Hold a valid driver’s license from their state of residence
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Understand U.S. highway traffic signs and signals
- Provide a copy of all applicable driving records from their state DMV
- Pass a DOT physical exam and drug screen
- Meet the requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Section 391
Start the Enrollment Process →
Financial Aid and Job Placement
Several options are available to help students cover the cost of CDL training, including government-funded assistance programs, private loans, and employer tuition reimbursement. After graduation, Napier provides job placement assistance and has relationships with regional and national carriers who recruit directly from the school.
Explore Financial Aid Options → Learn About Job placement Assistance →
Hear What CDL Training is Like from a Student
Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training
When does the next class start?
New classes start throughout the year. Contact Napier at 888-368-2495 or check the event calendar for upcoming dates.
Can a DUI or traffic violation affect CDL eligibility?
Yes. Certain convictions can disqualify an applicant under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. An admissions representative can review a driving record and advise on eligibility before enrollment.
Is a CDL issued in Ohio valid in other states?
Yes. A CDL issued in Ohio is federally recognized and valid for commercial driving in all 50 states.
Will getting a CDL affect a personal auto insurance rate?
A CDL itself does not directly affect personal auto insurance. However, violations recorded on a commercial driving record may be visible to personal insurers depending on the state.
Call Napier at 888-368-2495 or request information online to learn more about enrolling.