Class A (Automatic Truck) Basic Plan
Train on automatic transmission equipment and build the road skills needed to pass your CDL exam faster.
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What this plan covers
The Class A Automatic Truck Basic Plan offers complete CDL training focused on operating automatic transmission vehicles with confidence and safety. The program follows the FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) curriculum: classroom theory through pre-recorded lessons you study at your own pace, plus hands-on behind-the-wheel instruction at the training yard and on the road.
Automatic transmissions take shifting out of the learning curve, so you spend your behind-the-wheel hours on the skills the examiner actually scores: inspections, backing, docking, coupling, and confident road driving. Most students find the automatic the fastest route to test day.
One honest trade-off to know before you choose: take your DMV test in an automatic and your CDL carries an E restriction (no manual-equipped vehicles). Plenty of modern fleets run automatics, so for many local and regional jobs that's no obstacle — but if you want every door open, look at our Class A Manual plan.
- Operate automatic Class A equipment with confidence
- Perform pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections
- Master backing, docking, coupling, and road maneuvers
- Prepare for the CDL exam with instructor-guided practice
Program curriculum
160 clock hours — 20 theory (online, self-paced) + 140 behind-the-wheel
Theory — 20 hours
- Basic operation: orientation, control systems & dashboard, pre/post-trip inspections, basic control, shifting & operating transmissions, backing and docking, coupling and uncoupling
- Safe operating procedures: visual search, communication, distracted driving, speed & space management, night operation, extreme driving conditions
- Advanced practices: hazard perception, skid control & recovery, jackknifing and other emergencies, railroad-highway grade crossings
- Vehicle systems: identifying and diagnosing malfunctions, roadside inspections, maintenance
- Non-driving activities: cargo handling and documentation, environmental compliance, hours of service, fatigue and wellness, post-crash procedures, trip planning, drug & alcohol and medical requirements
Hands-on — 140 hours
- Range: outside vehicle inspection, in-cab & air brake testing, straight-line backing, off-set backing, coupling and uncoupling
- Road: turns, lane changes, curves at highway speed, interstate entry and exit, shifting, signaling, visual search, speed & space management, hazard perception, night and extreme conditions
Enrollment requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Read and write English at a 10th-grade level (no other prior education required)
- Pass a DOT physical exam and a 5-panel drug test
- Hold a current Class C California driver's license
Physical exam and licensure fees are paid directly to the provider or the state — they are not collected by the school. Non-refundable CLP application fee to CA DMV: $89. Physical exam fee (varies by provider).
Training equipment
- 2013 Freightliner DD13 DayCab (manual)
- 2011 International DayCab (automatic)
- 2011 International DayCab (manual)
- 3 × 28ft MOTAC flatbed trailers
1-acre training yard in San Bernardino, by the 210, 15, and 215 freeways.