CDL Class B Training
This CDL Class B training course is offered online, using a self-paced, and interactive learning approach. Upon completing the online part, students may then participate in the hands-on portion.
This course aims to teach students how to operate a box truck with air brakes and a six-speed manual transmission. Class B CDLs are required to drive vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) over 26,001 pounds and towing capacities under 10,000 pounds. In most cases, Class B vehicles don’t have trailers.
In this course, drivers will learn how to get a Class B CDL with air brakes, comply with FMCSA regulations, use logbooks electronically and on paper, read maps, and enroll in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. During the course, drivers will learn how to perform a pre-trip safety inspection and learn the basic control skills for the Alabama CDL test. Additional topics include straight-line backing, offset backing and 90-degree backing. Drivers will also learn how to operate on the road safely. There are topics like city and highway operations, hazardous perceptions, speed and space management, lane control, sign identification, and Class B bridge heights.
CDL Class B Program Progression
1. Submit application (found through big red button below) along with all required documentation listed on the application.
a. The “Letter of Intent” is a letter from an Alabama employer stating that they will consider you to be employable once you obtain
your CDL. This can also come from your current Alabama employer if they need you to obtain your CDL in order to upskill into a new position.
2. Once the complete application packet is received and processed, you will be sent instructions to start the Online Theory Portion of the course. This is done at your own pace and takes everyone varying amounts of time to complete. You must complete this portion with a grade of 80% or higher to progress.
3. Once you have completed the Online Theory Portion, you are automatically added to the NWSCC CDL program In-Truck Lab Portion waiting list. Students are entered onto this list according to when they complete the Online Theory Portion. The wait time to enter the In-Truck Lab Portion can be approximately 12 weeks from the date of Online Theory Portion completion.
4. You will receive a phone call notifying you when a spot is available for you in one of our 3 In-Truck Lab shifts listed below. If the one offered to you is not possible with your schedule we can then offer you the next one available for your schedule. The In-Truck portion of the course is competency-based and lasts on average from 3-5 weeks for most students; however, student times can vary depending on their skill level and progression speed.
a. Monday-Friday: 8:00am-12:00pm
b. Monday-Friday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
c. Monday-Thursday: 4:00pm-9:00pm
5. When you have successfully checked off on all of your competencies with our instructors, you will be cleared to test with the local DMV.
Manager, Business and Industry Training
Office: 256-331-5218
Email: andrew.robbins@nwscc.edu
Business and Industry Training Specialist
Office: 256-331-5218
Email: adam.willis@nwscc.edu
