Manual Transmission
Build shifting skills in a 13-speed manual truck and prepare to test without an automatic-only restriction.
Class A CDL Training
Take the Wheel. Build Your Future.
Train in a 13-speed manual Freightliner, build real road-driving skills, and prepare to earn your Class A CDL without an automatic-only restriction.
- Typical Training Time
- 3–4 Weeks
- Transmission
- 13-Speed Manual
- Training Goal
- Class A CDL
- Tuition
- $4,250
Built Around Real Driving
Real Trucks.
Real Roads.
Real Training.
Learn what it takes to operate a commercial truck—from checking the equipment before you roll to shifting, backing, and driving on public roads. At HEO Academy, you build those skills with instructors beside you and a real truck beneath you.
Public-Road Driving
Take your training beyond the range with real traffic, turns, intersections, and road conditions.
Equipment Hauling
Opportunities to train with a lowboy trailer connect your CDL skills to heavy equipment transport.
Performance-Based Training
Progress by demonstrating the skills. Instruction focuses on what you can safely and confidently do.
From Permit to License
Your Path to a Class A CDL.
Get your permit and DOT physical before arriving.
We’ll guide you through training and testing.
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Get Your
Learner’s PermitBefore You Arrive
Obtain your permit in your home state before training.
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Complete Your
DOT PhysicalBefore You Arrive
Get your DOT Medical Card from a certified examiner.
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Train With
Our InstructorsBuild Your Skills
Practice inspections, backing, shifting, and road driving.
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Take Your
CDL Skills TestShow What You Know
We help schedule your test in the truck you trained in.
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Receive Your
Class A CDLYour Next Chapter
Complete licensing with your home-state office after passing.
More Than a License
Learn to Drive. Bring More to the Job.
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.
Operate It. Haul It.
Add commercial driving to your equipment skills.
Why Equipment Operators Should Consider a CDL
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 can reduce the need to hire a third-party driver or dedicate another employee solely to transporting equipment.
A Class A CDL adds another valuable skill to your application. When an employer is comparing qualified equipment operators, the ability to transport equipment can help you stand out. It makes you a more versatile candidate and may open the door to additional opportunities.
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. Actual wages vary by employer, location, experience, overtime, and job responsibilities.
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
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.
Ready to Start Your CDL Training?
Apply online or speak with admissions about upcoming classes, prerequisites, housing and the enrollment process.