Earn Your Class A CDL in as Little as 3–4 Weeks

Train in a 13-speed manual Freightliner, gain real road-driving experience, learn to haul heavy equipment, and prepare for a Class A CDL without an automatic-only restriction.

Apply Now Call 501-628-7309

Class A CDL Training Built Around Real Driving

Heavy Equipment Operating Academy’s Class A CDL training program prepares students for the complete testing process through ELDT theory, skills-range practice, public-road driving and instructor-guided test preparation.

Students train in a Freightliner day cab equipped with a 13-speed manual transmission. Testing in a manual truck allows successful students to avoid an automatic-only transmission restriction, giving them greater flexibility when applying for driving positions.

Because HEO Academy also offers an 8-Week Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program, students may gain experience transporting equipment on a lowboy trailer. This practical experience can be especially valuable for students planning to work in construction, utilities, pipeline, excavation or equipment transportation.

Why Train for Your CDL at HEO Academy?

No Automatic-Only Restriction

Train and test in a 13-speed manual Freightliner so you can qualify to drive both manual and automatic trucks.

Real Public-Road Driving

Build confidence through supervised driving on local roads, intersections, highways and real traffic conditions.

Heavy Equipment Hauling

Gain experience working with a lowboy trailer and transporting heavy equipment as part of your training.

Performance-Based Progression

Students progress at different rates. Instructors recommend testing when they believe a student is prepared.

Why Heavy Equipment Operators Should Consider a CDL

Operators who earn a Class A CDL often become more valuable to their employers. Heavy equipment is constantly being transported between jobsites. If you can both operate the equipment and legally haul it, your employer has one person who can handle both responsibilities. That reduces the need to hire a third-party driver or dedicate another employee solely to transporting equipment.

A CDL can also help you stand out during the hiring process. Imagine an employer has ten qualified applicants for the same heavy equipment position. If one applicant also holds a Class A CDL, they bring another valuable skill to the company. While hiring decisions depend on many factors, having a CDL can make you a more versatile candidate and may open the door to additional opportunities.

Students interested in operating and transporting equipment may also want to explore our 8-Week Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program, which combines hands-on heavy equipment training with the skills employers look for on today's jobsites.

Based on what we have observed in the field, operators who also hold a CDL may earn approximately $2–$4 more per hour than operators without one. Of course actual wages vary by employer, location, experience, overtime and job responsibilities.

Your Path to a Class A CDL

Complete the first two steps before arriving, then HEO Academy guides you through training, test scheduling and final licensing.

1

Get Your Learner’s Permit

Obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit in your home state before class. You must pass General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles.

2

Complete Your DOT Physical

Obtain a valid DOT Medical Card from a certified medical examiner before arriving for training.

3

Train With Our Instructors

Complete ELDT theory, skills-range practice, pre-trip training and public-road driving. Students progress as their skills develop.

4

Take Your CDL Skills Test

When your instructor believes you are ready, we schedule your official test. You test in the same manual Freightliner used throughout your training.

5

Receive Your Class A CDL

After passing, your results are federally reported. Visit your home-state licensing office to have your Class A CDL issued.

Three-Part CDL Training

Your program combines federally required theory with practical range instruction and real public-road driving.

Phase One

ELDT Theory

Complete 48 JJ Keller online modules that satisfy the federally required Entry-Level Driver Training theory portion.

  • ✓ Online and self-paced
  • ✓ Often completed before arrival
  • ✓ Covers required CDL theory topics
Phase Two

Skills Range

Develop control and confidence in a structured training area before moving onto public roads.

  • ✓ Pre-trip inspection
  • ✓ Straight-line backing
  • ✓ Offset and alley-dock backing
  • ✓ Coupling and uncoupling
Phase Three

Public-Road Driving

Apply your skills in real traffic while learning to operate safely, shift smoothly and make sound driving decisions.

  • ✓ City and rural driving
  • ✓ Intersections and railroad crossings
  • ✓ 13-speed manual shifting
  • ✓ Defensive driving

What You Will Learn

Training is built around the skills needed to pass the CDL exam and begin working safely as a professional commercial driver.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Learn how to inspect the truck, trailer, brakes, tires, lights, coupling system and safety equipment.

Air Brake Systems

Understand air pressure, warning systems, brake testing and safe operating procedures.

Manual Shifting

Practice selecting gears and operating a 13-speed manual transmission smoothly and safely.

Backing Maneuvers

Develop the control needed for straight backing, offset backing, alley docking and other tested maneuvers.

Coupling & Uncoupling

Learn the correct procedures for safely connecting and disconnecting tractors and trailers.

Public-Road Driving

Gain supervised experience handling traffic, turns, lane changes, intersections and highway conditions.

Lowboy Transport

Gain exposure to hauling heavy equipment using a lowboy trailer.

Test Preparation

Prepare for the pre-trip, backing and road portions of the official CDL skills test.

Prepare for Your Learner’s Permit

Before class begins, you must obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit in your home state.

We recommend the free CDL Prep app by Jeffrey Diaz. Students frequently tell us the practice questions are very similar to the questions they see on the written permit exams.

General Knowledge
Air Brakes
Combination Vehicles
Download for iPhone Download for Android

We Help You Through the Testing Process

You are not left on your own after training. When your instructor believes you are prepared, HEO Academy schedules your official CDL skills test.

You will test in the same 13-speed manual Freightliner used throughout your training, so the truck and controls are already familiar.

  • ✓ Pre-Trip Inspection: Explain and demonstrate required safety checks.
  • ✓ Skills Range: Complete required backing and control maneuvers.
  • ✓ Public-Road Test: Demonstrate safe commercial driving in real traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit and valid DOT Medical Card before beginning in-person training.

Out-of-state students should obtain their permit in their home state before traveling to Arkansas.

Yes. Students from other states can complete training and testing through HEO Academy.

After passing, your test results are federally reported. You can then return to your home-state licensing office to have your Class A CDL issued.

Students who test in an automatic truck receive an automatic-only restriction on their CDL.

Training and testing in our 13-speed manual Freightliner allows successful students to qualify to drive both manual and automatic commercial vehicles.

Most students complete the program in approximately three to four weeks.

Progress is performance-based, so the exact timeline may vary depending on the student’s experience, learning pace and readiness for testing.

Yes. Students must be at least 18 years old to enroll.

Drivers ages 18 through 20 are generally restricted to commercial driving within their home state. Once they turn 21, they may become eligible for interstate and over-the-road driving, subject to applicable requirements.

Yes. When your instructor believes you are ready, HEO Academy schedules your official CDL skills test.

You will test in the same manual Freightliner used throughout your training.

Yes. Affordable housing is available near the academy, subject to availability.

Shared rooms are $350 per month, and private bedrooms are $700 per month.

Affordable Housing for CDL Students

Students traveling from outside the area may request housing in furnished three-bedroom homes located approximately five to ten minutes from the academy.

Kitchens, living areas and other common spaces are shared. Availability is limited, so students should speak with admissions as early as possible.

Shared Room

$350/month

Share a bedroom and the home’s common living areas with other students.

Private Bedroom

$700/month

Private bedroom with shared kitchen, living room and other common areas.

Ready to Start Your CDL Training?

Apply online or speak with admissions about upcoming classes, prerequisites, housing and the enrollment process.

Apply Now Call 501-628-7309