Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which class of license I need to drive a commercial truck?
  • Does the vehicle (power unit) have a GVWR over 26,000 lbs pulling a trailer with a GVW over 10,000 lbs? If so, you will need a Class A license.
  • Does the vehicle (power unit) have a GVWR over 26,000 lbs pulling a trailer with a GVWR under 10,000 lbs or no trailer at all? If so, you will need a Class B license.
  • Does the vehicle (power unit) have a GVWR 26,000 lbs or under pulling a trailer with a GVWR under 10,000 lbs, but the GVWR of both vehicle
  & trailer is over 26,000 lbs? If so, you will need a Class C license.
  • Is the vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver? If so, a passenger endorsement on your CDL is required. The type of CDL will be based on the GVWR of the passenger vehicle and whether you have an existing CDL.
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How do I know which CDL training is correct for me?
That depends on your experience and aptitude. Have you ever driven a tractor-trailer combination?
Do you know how to double clutch? Have you ever driven a vehicle with as many as 18 gears? Do you know how to perform a pre-trip? Do you know to test and operate the air brakes? Do you know how to couple and uncouple a trailer? Can you back up the unit starting from a 90 degree angle without difficulty? Can you parallel park the unit, either blind side or sight side? Can you do an offset backing from the right or left side? Do you know how to square off a corner when making turns?
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What tests are required for the licensing classes?
First you need to decide which license you want to obtain, Class A, B or C.
Once you have determined the class then you will need to take the "written" test according to the class you have chosen as follows:
(Please note: These tests can only be taken at DMV.) For hours and locations click here Alaska DMV.

  • Class A - For this class of license you will need to take three (3) tests: General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination (You must score an 80% to pass.)
  • Class B - For this class of license you will take two (2) tests: General Knowledge and Air Brakes (You must score an 80% to pass.)
  • Class C - For this class of license you will take one (1) to two (2) tests: General Knowledge and/or Hazardous Materials or Passenger (You must score an 80% to pass.)

Once you have passed the tests necessary for your class of license DMV will issue you a Permit and give you your test score sheet showing the tests you have taken as well as any endorsement tests you have taken.
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What documents do I need to bring with me for training or testing at CEE?
You will need a valid Alaska Driver License, your IA, IB or IC Permit, a current DOT Physical, and your Application for Commercial Driver License score sheet.
  • If you will be testing in your own vehicle you will also need to provide us with the vehicle and trailer current registrations and insurance card. The vehicle and trailer are required to be in good working condition and road worthy.
  • Without these documents or a proper working vehicle you will not be able to train or test.

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Am I required to retake the Hazardous Materials test at DMV when I renew my CDL?
Yes, if you want to keep that endorsement on your license.
Note: You are also required tto take the 49CFR 172.704 Transportation Awareness (4-hour) every three years. This course is offered on a regular basis. We recommend you attend this class before going to DMV to retake your test as a refresher as well.
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What do I have to do to add the Hazmat Endorsement to my license?
The Department of Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) require any commercial driver wishing to transport hazardous materials to complete a threat assessment background check and finger printing first. For more information click here.
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Am I required to have a DOT Physical to operate a commercial vehicle?
FMCSR 391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers:
(a) A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she is physically qualified to do so and, except as provided in 391.67, has on his/her person the original, or a photographic copy, of a medical examiner's certificate that he/she is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
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When can I renew my License? You can renew your license 364 days before your actual renewal and it keeps the same 5 year renewal cycle. Thatway you can renew your license when it is convenient.
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Does CEE provide Job placement?
CEE does not provide individualized job placement for any student or graduate. However, graduates are provided with information regarding hiring trends, names and addresses of potential employers, a list of potential job websites, and a list of Alaska Job Centers.
Upon request, potential employers are also informed of qualified graduates.
CEE does not guarantee employment for students or graduates, nor does it guarantee any wages, salary, or hourly compensation rates.
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What type of clothing should I wear for training?
Students are expected to dress appropriately for the industry and a treat the training as if going to work. All clothing should be neat, clean and presentable. No torn, frayed or ripped clothing.
Depending on the weather and time of year the following is recommended: Rain gear, gloves, winter gear, work pants, work shirts, work boots (steel toe is not required).
Tennis shoes and open toed are not allowed for construction technology classes while in field training. Open toed shoes are not allowed in driver training courses.
Hours of Service regulations have been challenged several times in the court system. On October 13, 2009, the most recent HOS regulations challenge was settled out of court. The settlement required that the existing rules be reviewed and …
•New rules be proposed by December 26, 2010. View proposed rules.
•New final rules be published by July 26, 2011.

According to a status report filed on May 20, 2011, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the FMCSA now intends to publish a final rule by October 28, 2011, about three months later than originally scheduled. The agency says the delay is necessary due to its need to collect additional public input on several studies being used in the rulemaking process.
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