Class A (Manual Truck) Basic Plan
Master manual transmission, earn an unrestricted license, and open more career options behind the wheel.
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What this plan covers
The Class A Manual Truck Basic Plan provides in-depth CDL training focused on gear shifting, double clutching, inspections, safety protocols, and real-world trucking operations — built on the FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) curriculum. Test in a manual and your Class A license comes with no transmission restriction: you can drive both manual and automatic equipment professionally.
Manual is the harder license to earn and the more valuable one to hold. You'll train on our 2013 Freightliner DD13 DayCab until the 10-speed pattern feels natural — double clutching, progressive shifting, downshifting on grades, and clutch control at creep speed for tight yard maneuvers.
Why it pays off: drivers who test in an automatic get an E restriction stamped on their CDL, which filters them out of any job running manual or older equipment. An unrestricted license keeps owner-operator trucks, vocational fleets, and many higher-paying freight jobs on the table — employers read it as proof you can handle any truck in the lot.
- Master manual shifting, double clutching, and vehicle control
- Earn an unrestricted Class A license (manual + automatic)
- Practice city, highway, parking, and backing maneuvers
- Prepare for the CDL exam and broader career opportunities
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
- Manual transmission mastery: double clutching, progressive shifting through the 10-speed pattern, downshifting on grades, and clutch control at creep speed
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.