Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and CNB Wagner Enterprise, LLC are partnering to help fulfill the need for more commercial driver’s licensed (CDL) drivers. Classes for CDL Class A licenses will be held at CNB Wagner’s range located in Forest County at 727 Route 36 in Tionesta. The cost of the program is estimated at $4,625.00, which includes the cost of the course fees. Additional costs will be associated with obtaining the Class A permit issued through PennDOT.
CNB Wagner’s approach to CDL training is unique. The company has a five-part process for learners, which includes completing the online Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory Course on students own time, passing a physical examination by a healthcare provider, obtaining a CDL permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), completing entry-level driver training at their range, and testing after completing the 40 hours of training time at their range. The online training that can be completed on learners’ own time and pace paired with the one-on-one instruction time helps to make this program convenient for learners. So convenient that students not just locally, but from around the country have come to Forest County to be trained in this innovative program.
“We have a Monday to Friday training that allows students to test on the final day,” shared Bret Wagner, owner of CNB Wagner. “Our advantage is the unique one-on-one instruction that students get by completing their training with us, as well as taking less time than with other training providers. Students hit the road if they’re able to do so on day one. We also mix up the different trucks, trailers, and instructors during the course. This helps assure students are comfortable with different combinations of what they may be driving, and they get unique training from each trainer.” The one-on- one training also allows each person’s training to be unique for their own specific needs. In other words, CNB’s training is not dictated by a schedule like it is in a group training situation. CNB’s training, pace, style, and techniques are tailored for each individual who comes through the program.
NPRC’s Assistant Director of Workforce Development Dawn Hull, shared, “Our new partnership with CNB Wagner exemplifies Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of our students. By providing a more flexible training model, we are expanding access to students who are eager to enter and grow within this essential industry but have been unable to commit to our traditional four-week program — an option we will continue to offer at other locations. Tionesta is an underserved community, and we are excited to establish and cultivate this partnership with CNB Wagner to support workforce development in the immediate region.”
Courses at CNB Wagner are held weekly and multiple drivers can schedule per week at the range. The individual driving time is unlike many traditional CDL courses where students commonly rotate driving between a group of students over a several week period. With CNB Wagner, drivers receive 40 hours of training in one week and typically conclude that week of driving by testing to earn their license. The pricing for students includes a test, and a retest if needed, at the conclusion of the 40 hours. By instituting one-on-one driving time, the program allows people to miss less time at work and in their personal lives, while still having time to complete their CDL training and earn their license. “We are hopeful that this partnership will allow many more drivers to advance their careers,” noted Wagner.
Financial assistance is available to help students combat the cost, while self-pay is also an option for financing this program. The process for registration includes students registering for the course with NPRC and receiving a registration confirmation letter outlining course dates, location, and fees; CNB Wagner sharing the online ELDT training with students via email; the learner completing ELDT training; and finally the student and CNB Wagner scheduling and completing 40 consecutive hours of behind-the-wheel training and testing.
CDL Class A courses with CNB Wagner are eligible for CareerLink funding through Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Workforce Development System. All training courses meet the requirements set forth by the new federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals are also required. For more information about CDL courses involving NPRC and CNB Wagner, head to the College’s website.
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the College reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@rrcnpa.org.