OVERVIEW

Find the right CDL training path for your goals

Apex Truck Driving School offers a range of CDL training programs designed to help students build the knowledge, safety habits, and hands-on skills needed for commercial driving. Each program combines classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and behind-the-wheel training where applicable, so students can build confidence in the truck and a clear understanding of the rules of the road.

Air brake inspection and safe braking practice are included within applicable CDL training and skills support; Air Brake is not listed as a separate program on this page.

Students are encouraged to contact the school for current program availability, tuition, fees, payment options, and scheduling.

GETTING STARTED

What is CDL training?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to legally operate certain commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, straight trucks, buses, and other specialized vehicles. CDL training helps students understand CDL rules and regulations, vehicle inspection requirements, safe driving practices, and the skills tested during the CDL exam process.

Class A Commercial Truck Driving Program — 160 Hours

Training includes classroom theory, hands-on practical training, vehicle inspection, range training, behind-the-wheel training, and public road driving. Instruction may include classroom instruction, reading assignments, audio/visual modules, the California DMV Commercial Driver Handbook, educational ELDT videos from CDL Power Suite, ELDT instructor and student manuals from J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., instructor-developed lesson plans, observation, practical demonstrations, and behind- the-wheel instruction.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and/or skills in the following areas:

  • CDL laws and regulations
  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
  • Air brake inspection and in-cab air brake testing
  • Basic vehicle control and shifting
  • Coupling and uncoupling
  • Straight-line backing
  • Offset backing
  • Parallel parking
  • Defensive driving and safe driving practices
  • Cargo securement and weight distribution
  • Logbook and ELD usage
  • Emergency procedures
  • Safe decision-making
  • Professional communication

Class B – Commercial Truck / Bus Driver Program with Passenger Endorsement 120 Hours

The Class B Commercial Truck & Bus Driver Program with Passenger Endorsement prepares students for entry-level Class B commercial driving. The program provides classroom instruction, hands-on training, range training, and public road driving.

Students learn CDL rules, safety procedures, vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, air brakes, defensive driving, passenger safety, and safe operation of Class B commercial vehicles. The program is designed to meet applicable FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training requirements and prepare students for the required DMV written and skills tests.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Class B CDL (120-Hour) Program, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and/or skills in the following areas:
  • CDL laws and regulations
  • Pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
  • Air brake inspection and in-cab air brake testing (when applicable)
  • Basic vehicle control and proper shifting techniques (if operating a manual transmission)
  • Straight-line backing
  • Parallel parking
  • Safe turning, lane positioning, and maneuvering of a Class B commercial vehicle
  • Defensive driving and safe driving practices
  • Cargo securement and weight distribution, as applicable
  • Hours of Service (HOS), logbook, and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) usage
  • Emergency procedures and accident prevention
  • Safe decision-making and hazard recognition
  • Successfully perform the skills required to obtain a California Class B Commercial Driver License in accordance with FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards and California DMV testing requirements.

80-hour Class A Accelerated Behind-the-wheel Skills

The 80-Hour Class A Accelerated Behind-the-Wheel Skills Program is designed for eligible students who already possess a valid Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit, valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and proof of completed FMCSA ELDT theory training, unless the theory portion has already been provided and documented by Apex Truck Driving School.

This program focuses on hands-on Class A commercial motor vehicle operation, including pre-trip inspection, air brake inspection, backing maneuvers, range skills, public road driving, hazard awareness, and CDL skills test preparation. This program does not replace, reduce, or modify Apex Truck Driving School’s currently approved Class A Commercial Truck Driving Program.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Pre & Post Trip Inspection
  • Air Brake Inspection and In-Cab Air Brake Test
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • Straight-Line Backing
  • Parallel Parking
  • Shifting
  • Vehicle Turning, Left and Right
  • Coupling and Uncoupling
  • City Driving / Highway / Interstate Driving
  • Safe Lane Changes
  • Railroad Crossing Procedures
  • Hazard Perception and Defensive Driving

80-Hour Class B Accelerated Behind-the-Wheel Skills

The 80-Hour Class B Accelerated Behind-the-Wheel Skills Program is designed for eligible students who already possess a valid Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit, valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and proof of completed FMCSA ELDT theory training, unless the theory portion has already been provided and documented by Apex Truck Driving School. This program focuses on hands-on Class B commercial motor vehicle operation, including vehicle inspection, air brake inspection if applicable, basic control skills, backing maneuvers, public road driving, hazard awareness, and California Class B CDL skills test preparation. This program does not replace, reduce, or modify Apex Truck Driving School’s currently approved Class B Commercial Truck Driving Program.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Pre & Post Trip Inspection
  • Air Brake Inspection and In-Cab Air Brake Test
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • Straight-Line Backing
  • Parallel Parking
  • Shifting
  • Vehicle Turning, Left and Right
  • Coupling and Uncoupling
  • City Driving / Highway / Interstate Driving
  • Safe Lane Changes
  • Railroad Crossing Procedures
  • Hazard Perception and Defensive Driving

40-hour Full Cdl Refresher Course – Class A / Class B

The 40-Hour Full CDL Refresher Course is designed for individuals who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license and need refresher training before returning to commercial driving or improving current commercial driving skills. The course may be provided for Class A or Class B drivers, depending on the student’s license class, training need, and available equipment. Training may include safety review, pre-trip inspection review, backing maneuvers, basic control skills, road driving, and instructor evaluation. This course is not intended for entry-level students seeking an original CDL and does not replace, reduce, or modify any currently approved Apex Truck Driving School program.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Pre-trip inspection review
  • Air brake review
  • Safe operating procedures
  • Range training
  • Backing maneuvers
  • Basic control skills
  • Parking and yard safety
  • Public road driving
  • Traffic observation
  • Lane changes, intersections, and turns
  • Instructor evaluation
  • Final skills evaluation

WHY APEX

Apex CDL training program advantages

Choosing the right training school matters. Apex Truck Driving School is focused on providing structured, safety-focused CDL training in a professional learning environment.

Structured, focused training

Our training is designed to build the skills and knowledge students need for commercial driving through a clear, step-by-step process.

Students come first

We support students from enrollment through training completion with guidance along the way.

Flexible payment options

Flexible payment options may be available for qualifying students.

Safety-focused approach

Safety is emphasized throughout classroom instruction, range practice, and road training.

STUDENT SUPPORT

How Apex Truck Driving School supports you

Starting CDL training can feel like a big step. Our team is here to help make the process clear and manageable, from your first question through training completion.

Enrollment guidance

We walk students through enrollment, paperwork, and what to expect before the first day.

Permit preparation

Support preparing for the CLP written exam before behind-the-wheel training begins, where applicable.

Hands-on coaching

Patient instruction in the yard and on the road, at a pace that supports student progress.

Ongoing communication

Our team stays available to answer questions throughout training, not just at enrollment.

Take the next step in your driving career.

Contact Apex Truck Driving School to discuss your goals and find the right training option for you.

CONCORD CAMPUS

1070 Concord Ave, Suite 109 Concord, CA 94520

STOCKTON CAMPUS

1627 S Center St Stockton, CA 95206

Call for current tuition, fees, payment options, and program availability. Flexible payment plans may be available for qualifying students.