Requirements

1. Must have a valid Class C California driver's license or be able to obtain one.                                                                                                2. Must have a valid Class A permit.                                                        Please note: The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will want you to present your social security card when you apply for this permit.
3. Completion of Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination done by your own doctor or clinic prior to starting class. For a clinic recommendation click here. Physical forms are available at our office or any DMV office.
4. An acceptable driving record (see below, Your Driving Record). 
5. Must be at least 18 years of age.

What You Need

What many prospective students don’t know is that to obtain their Class A permit they must study certain information. Why pay a school extra money to assist you in committing this information to memory? This is why Falcon Truck School has prospective students study this information and obtain their Class A permit on their own. You should obtain and thoroughly study the applicable chapters (1-3, 5 and 6) in the California Commercial Driver Handbook. This handbook is available at any DMV office, downloadable from the DMV website or Falcon Truck School will provide you with all necessary study material free of charge.   

Please note: DMV will require you to re-take the written examination for the Class C (automobile) and Class M1 (motorcycle), if you already possess these licenses. Be familiar with this material as well.

You will be required to complete a DOT standard physical examination prior to testing at DMV. You should have no physical impairment that might conflict with driving safety regulations. The DOT physical forms are available at any DMV office or our office. For a clinic that can perform this physical examination, click here.

After you have completed your DOT physical examination, take the completed DOT physical form with you to DMV and take the written examination for General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles (as well as Class C and Class M1, if applicable) to obtain a Class A permit. These examinations will consist of approximately 85 questions (for sample DMV tests click here). At the end of your training, Falcon Truck School will accompany you to DMV for your drive test.

Dollars and Cents

Beyond the cost of the course, the only additional fees are:

Your Driving Record

You should request a copy of your driving record from DMV for your own information. You should review your record and immediately reconcile any outstanding violations. If you have anything unresolved or are under 18 years of age, you will not be able to obtain your Class A permit.

While an absolutely flawless record is preferred, it is not necessary. Most insurance carriers require periodic review of driver's records. Less than 3 violations in 3 years generally will not be questioned, but any suspensions, Failures to Appear, Driving Under the Influence or 3 or more violations in 3 years will certainly cause difficulty for finding future employment.              Please note: a negative criminal history could also affect your employability.

Drug Testing

All trucking companies will require a pre-employment urine test for illicit drugs and substance abuse. You will most likely be re-tested randomly, annually and in the event of an accident or erratic behavior. Falcon Truck School is also required to conduct a drug and/or alcohol screen during each month of training.

TO PRE-ENROLL FOR AN UPCOMING CLASS, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR PRE-ENROLLMENT APPLICATION.

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