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Aloha, mahalo for your interest in our Maui CDL-A licensing program. If you are interested in attending a Maui CDL-A training class, please fill out our Maui Workforce Development application and select CDL-A as an interest. We will reach out to you from there. Should you have any questions, please contact us at trades@hawaiiancouncil.org. Mahalo.

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Get your CDL-A License

Living on an island means many of our goods are shipped or flown in. The trucking industry is vital for moving cargo from Hawaiʻi ports and airports to their final destination. The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program is designed to provide hands-on training to students interested in driving commercial vehicles. The CDL-A program focuses on obtaining a CDL Class A license. The course is taught by experienced CDL-A licensed professionals.

About the Program

The CDL Program follows the FMCSA-required Theory and Behind-the-Wheel training curriculum and consists of several phases over eight to 10 weeks. Students are expected to commit 100% attendance.

PHASE 1: ORIENTATION

Overview of course expectations, format, and schedule, and students meet fellow classmates, CDL instructors, and program staff.

PHASE 2: HAWAIIAN CULTURAL ENRICHMENT & FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Students gain cultural perspective and sense of place as a Hawaiʻi islander in a class with CNHA’s cultural ambassador. Students gain financial education to help empower them to manage finances with the anticipation of a new/advanced job and increased wage.

PHASE 3: THEORY TRAINING

Students receive training that utilizes lessons from the J.J. Keller book “Entry-Level Driver Training Obtaining a CDL” that helps them to be knowledgeable, skilled, professional, and safe drivers.

PHASE 4: SIMULATOR TRAINING

Students spend time in a driving simulator (SIM) learning how to operate a manual transmission class A commercial motor vehicle (truck) while being guided by the instructor. The SIM provides adaptive training, including interactive shifting and backing modules to help students prepare for behind-the-wheel training.

PHASE 5: RANGE & ROAD TRAINING

Students get behind the wheel of a real rig alongside the instructor, where information learned from Theory training and skills practiced in the SIM are applied in this live setting to prepare students for the CDL skills test to earn their CDL-A license.

PHASE 6: JOB READINESS

Students are offered assistance in creating/updating a resume and sharing basic interview skills and techniques to help them be job-ready for employment.

PHASE 7: CDL SKILLS TESTING

When deemed ready by the instructor, students schedule themselves for the county CDL skills test with the CDL Office, at which time the instructor will accompany the student on Exam day.

GRADUATION

Students are honored for their accomplishments at a graduation ceremony at the end of the program.

Requirements

  • Must be 21 years of age or older (industry standard)
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license
  • Must submit a copy of a valid Hawaiʻi CDL-A permit
  • Must submit a copy of current medical examiner’s certificate (Form MCSA-5876) completed by a qualified medical examiner on the national registry of certified medical examiners
  • Must pay for fees associated with the CDL-A skills test appointment and license

The fee for the course is $250 and does not include industry related fees and expenses.

NOTE: Space is extremely limited. The CDL-A permit is mandatory for consideration, but does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

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