DOGWOOD

CDL TRAINING

FMCSA & TWC APPROVED SCHOOL

Join one of our weekly classes to become a certified CDL driver.

Dogwood CDL classes are for drivers who have obtained their CDL permit & have some experience driving a semi.

We’ll work with you one-on-one to make sure you get the training you need to know the CDL pre-trip, road, basic maneuvers and air brake tests. Our trucks are clean and ready for inspection during the DPS skills test. We will schedule your skills test & make sure you have a truck ready for use at your scheduled appointment time.

EARN YOUR CDL IN TWO WEEKS!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know starting your CDL journey comes with a lot of questions—and we’re here to make it simple. Below are answers to the most common questions about our program, requirements, and what to expect so you can feel confident taking the next step.

  • The very first thing you’ll need to do is get your DOT physical and medical card.

    Next, you’ll need to schedule CDL permit tests at the DPS. You will need to have your medical card with you, proof of identification, proof of residency and social security number.

    The written tests you’ll need to pass are:

    • TX Commercial Vehicle Operation

    • General Knowledge

    • Air Brakes

    • Combination

    After you pass the CDL permitting tests, you will be able to learn to drive with a licensed driver by your side. Most of our students work for companies that let them use their equipment to learn to drive.

    You must hold your CLP (Commercial License Permit) for 14 days, before your can enroll in our ELDT course. As soon as you hold a permit, we can schedule you in one of our weekly training classes.

  • The very first thing you’ll need to do is get your DOT physical and medical card.

    Next, you’ll need to schedule CDL permit tests at the DPS. You will need to have your medical card with you, proof of identification, proof of residency and social security number.

    The written tests you’ll need to pass are:

    • TX Commercial Vehicle Operation

    • General Knowledge

    • Air Brakes

    After you pass the CDL permitting tests, you will be able to learn to drive with a licensed driver by your side. Most of our students work for companies that let them use their equipment to learn to drive.

    You must hold your CLP (Commercial License Permit) for 14 days, before your can enroll in our ELDT course. As soon as you hold a permit, we can schedule you in one of our weekly training classes.

  • If you don’t have a medical card already, you will need to schedule a DOT physical and get a medical card.

    Next, you’ll need to schedule a CDL permit test at the DPS. You will need to have your medical card with you, proof of identification, proof of residency and social security number.

    The only test you’ll need to pass is:

    • Combination

    You must hold your CLP (Commercial License Permit) for 14 days, before your can enroll in our ELDT course. As soon as you hold a permit, we can schedule you in one of our weekly training classes.

  • This is the equipment provided:

    Class A:

    • 2015 International 8600 Single Axle Day cab truck

    • 2007 Great Dane 28’ Box Trailer

    Class B

    • 2015 International 8600 Single Axle Day cab truck

  • Dogwood offers an online training program for driver’s who already hold a Commercial Drivers License.

    How do I enroll in an online course?

    Just add the endorsement training to your cart. Follow the registration or enrollment instructions provided.

    We will send all of your course information to the email given during the registration process.

    What technology do I need for an online course?

    You'll typically need a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection.

    Is this course self-paced?

    Yes, this online course is self-paced, allowing you to progress through the material at your own speed. Once you have completed all of the courses, we will be notified of your final grade.

    We will automatically transmit results to the Training Provider Registry. Once these results are accepted, the driver will be permitted to take the required knowledge test for obtaining a HazMat endorsement at your local Texas DMV.

    How do I access course materials?

    We will send an email with your personalized access to the course materials.

    Is there a requirement for passing the course?

    Yes, you must have an overall score of 80% to pass the course.

  • Week 1: All Online, Theory Portion

    Week 2: All In-Person, M-F 8-5

    Weekends available by appointment only

  • FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This was established as of February 7, 2022:

    • Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;

    • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or

    • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

    The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.

    Click here for the FMCSA Training Regulations

  • • All applicants for a CDL in the state of Texas must have a Texas driver’s license.

    • When you apply for your CDL, you must obtain and hold a Commercial Driver License Permit and hold it for at least 14 days, before applying for an ELDT class.

    • Applicants must complete the CDL application before arriving at their local office.

    • Applicants must be able to verify their identity and provide a Social Security Number.

    • Applicants must pay the application fee.

    • Applicants must pass a vision exam, have their pictures taken, and provide a thumbprint.

  • Yes, Dogwood CDL Training only accepts students who have held their CLP for 14 days and know how to drive on public roads.

  • Vehicle Inspection (pre-trip) Test: Knowledge of vehicle safety before operation.

    Basic Vehicle Control Test: This tests drivers on their control skills in large commercial vehicles, including forward and backward movements, turns, and other maneuvers.

    Road Test: This tests drivers on a variety of traffic situations to ensure their ability to perform safely and efficiently during common and uncommon driving scenarios.

  • We will book your skills test at the closest DPS location. This will mainly be at the Midland, Texas location. In an event that there aren’t any available appointment times during your ELDT enrollment, we may have to send you to Crane, Big Spring or Andrews, Texas. Dogwood will provide their CMVs for your skills testing and make sure it’s in proper working order before you get on the road.

  • Your Commercial License Permit is only valid for 180 days. If you aren’t able to pass your skills test in that time, you will have to start the process all over. In the event you fail the skills test at the DPS, Dogwood is able to re issue a CMV for you to use at your next appointment for a fee. Contact us for more information.

  • Currently, the only endorsement we offer is H - HAZMAT.

  • Dogwood can still train drivers with a CDL or CLP from out of state. Our entry level driver training is good for the entire U.S. However, we cannot schedule the state driving test or have a vehicle for you to use in another state. We can assist you in scheduling the test in your home state, but you will need to rent a CMV for use on your own.

  • https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/dl-7c.pdf

  • Our instructors all have real-world experience on the road and in the oil field.

    Caleb - director & instructor

    Benny - instructor

  • This school has a Certificate of Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The TWC-assigned school number is: S 6888 . The school’s programs are approved by TWC, as well as (name(s) of other Texas state agencies, as applicable) and (name(s) of any relevant accrediting bodies). Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog. Schools are responsible for ensuring and documenting that all students have received a copy of the school’s grievance procedures and for describing these procedures in the school’s published catalog. If, as a student, you were not provided with this information, please inform school management. Students dissatisfied with this school’s response to their complaint or who are not able to file a complaint with the school, can file a formal complaint with TWC, as well as with other relevant agencies or accreditors, if applicable. Information on filing a complaint with TWC can be found on TWC’s website at www.texasworkforce.org/careerschoolstudents.