Available CDL Courses

The San Juan College CDL Program begins with the CDLT 144 Class A Introductory class. The four-week hybrid course prepares students with the knowledge needed to be safe, legal and efficient drivers. Utilizing several resources including the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) manual, students will be trained extensively on safety, driving techniques, air brakes, HAZMAT, Hours of Service/Log Book/eLog, forklift, fire extinguisher and defensive driving for professional drivers through the National Safety Council. Successful completion of the course will position the student to pass the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) Class A CDL learner’s permit exam.

 Requirements:

  • 18 to 21 years of age (New Mexico residents only)
    • 21 years of age and up are all welcome (some conditions apply)
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Provide a current and valid driver’s license
  • Provide an MVD driver record report
  • Provide a birth certificate
  • Provide a social security Card (cannot accept a card with “for work purposes only”)
  • Provide two types of proof of residency
  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug test (during the course)
  • Green Cards must have “permanent resident alien” on the card
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

Once accepted into the course you must be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug test during class. Failure to pass a drug test or physical exam will result in the student being removed from the program and forfeiture of tuition (pro-rated). Students are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while in the program.

NOTE: You will have to take a DOT physical exam during this class. Please consider any impairments; Vision, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart disease, Seizures, Stroke, Sleep apnea, Lung diseases, and current medications. If you have a history of any of these issues consult your doctor before registering for this class.

Upon successful completion of the CDLT 144 class and attainment of the MVD Class A CDL learner’s permit, students will move into the CDLT 146 Class A Driving class. Over the course of four weeks, students will receive hands-on instruction and guidance in San Juan College semi-trucks. Students will practice driving skills both in a controlled environment as well as on the road. Students will gain experience with non-synchronized transmission tractor/semi-trailers with air brakes in preparation for the final Class A driving exam which allows them to obtain their Class A driver’s license.

 Requirements:

  • 18 to 21 years of age (New Mexico residents only)
    • 21 years of age and up are all welcome (some conditions apply)
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Must be registered for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing House prior to registration
  • Provide a current and valid driver’s license
  • Provide a valid Class A CDL Permit
  • Provide a Medical Card
  • Take a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test prior to the course date and pass
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

NOTE: Students are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while attending this class.

San Juan College offers an eight-week Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program that helps students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Class A driver. The four-week hybrid course prepares students with the knowledge needed to be safe, legal and efficient drivers. Utilizing several resources including the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) manual, students will be trained extensively on safety, driving techniques, air brakes, HAZMAT, Hours of Service/Log Book/eLog, forklift, fire extinguisher and defensive driving for professional drivers through the National Safety Council. Successful completion of the course will position the student to pass the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) Class A CDL learner’s permit exam.

Upon successful completion of the CDLT 144 class and attainment of the MVD Class A CDL learner’s permit, students will move into the CDLT 146 Class A Driving class. Over the course of four weeks, students will receive hands-on instruction and guidance in San Juan College semi-trucks. Students will practice driving skills both in a controlled environment as well as on the road. Students will gain experience with non-synchronized transmission tractor/semi-trailers with air brakes in preparation for the final Class A driving exam which allows them to obtain their Class A driver’s license.

Requirements:

  • 18 to 21 years of age (New Mexico residents only)
    • 21 years of age and up are all welcome (some conditions apply)
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Provide a current and valid driver’s license
  • Provide an MVD driver record report
  • Provide a birth certificate
  • Provide a social security Card (cannot accept a card with “for work purposes only”)
  • Provide two types of proof of residency
  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug test (during the course)
  • Green Cards must have “permanent resident alien” on the card
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

Once accepted into the course you must be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug test the very during class. Failure to pass a drug test or physical exam will result in the student being removed from the driving portion of the program and forfeiture of tuition (pro-rated). Students are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while in the program. 

NOTE: You will have to take a DOT physical exam during this class. Please consider any impairments; Vision, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart disease, Seizures, Stroke, Sleep apnea, Lung diseases, and current medications. If you have a history of any of these issues consult your doctor before registering for this class.

View Academic Catalog for CDL Class A Certificate Course Plan

San Juan College offers a one-week driving only course that will prepare an experienced driver to upgrade to a higher level of driving or refresh their driving skills. 

Requirements:

  • 18 to 21 years of age (New Mexico residents only)
    • 21 years of age and up are all welcome (some conditions apply)
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Must be registered for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing House prior to registration
  • Provide a current and valid driver’s license
  • Provide a valid Class A CDL Permit
  • Provide a Medical Card
  • Take a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test 5 business days prior to the course date and pass
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

NOTE: You will also be required to speak with an instructor in the CDL program to determine eligibility for this course. Based on this interview, you may be asked to take a CDL driving evaluation in person. Students are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while attending this class.

San Juan College offers a one week driving only course that will prepare the student to take the CDL driving test in a Class B commercial vehicle. It includes instruction on pre-trip inspection, backing skills, and highway driving in a straight truck with a gross weight rating of over 26,000 lbs.

Requirements:

  • 18 to 21 years of age (New Mexico residents only)
    • 21 years of age and up are all welcome (some conditions apply)
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Must be registered for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing House prior to registration
  • Provide a current and valid driver’s license
  • Provide a valid Class B CDL Permit
  • Provide a Medical Card
  • Take a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test 5 business days prior to the course date and pass
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

NOTE: Students are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while attending this class

San Juan College offers a two-day course that will prepare a licensed commercial operator to pass the passenger endorsement driving exam.

Requirements:

  • 18 to 21 years of age (New Mexico residents only)
    • 21 years of age and up are all welcome (some conditions apply)
  • Read, write, and speak English
  • Must be registered for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing House prior to registration
  • Provide a current and valid driver’s license
  • Provide a valid Class B CDL Permit with a P endorsement
  • Provide a Medical Card
  • Take a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test 5 business days prior to the course date and pass
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

NOTE: Students are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while attending this class.

San Juan College offers a one-day classroom training course that covers either Hours of Service regulations and Log Book training, Defensive Driving for the Professional Truck Driver training and certification, Air Brake adjustment training and certification, or Hazardous Materials endorsement training.

Requirements:

  • Have a valid driver's license
  • Have a clear payment history with San Juan College

For more information please call:

505-566-3017

To schedule a driving exam the applicant must provide the following:

  • Current CDL Restricted Learner's Permit
  • Current regular driver's License without hole punch
  • Current DOT Physical Examination card
  • Non-New Mexico driver's license holders must provide proof of training in New Mexico such as a training certificate 
  • Vehicle to be examined in
  • Exam fee of $200.00
    • Must be paid in full in order to be scheduled

Vehicle Requirements:

  • Current annual DOT inspection papers for both the truck and trailer (dated within the last 12 months)
  • Current insurance and registration papers for both the truck and trailer
  • Safety equipment that includes:
    • At least 3 reflector triangles
    • At least one fully charged fire extinguisher
    • Extra fuses (if the truck is equipped with fuses)
  • The truck must be empty during the exam (no other occupants or load will be allowed)

To cancel or reschedule a driving exam:

If the applicant fails to cancel or reschedule a scheduled driving exam at least 1 business day in advance or fails to appear an administrative fee of $75.00 will be charged.

Contact

cdl@sanjuancollege.edu
Phone: (505) 566-4215

5301 College Blvd.
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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