Learn Local. Drive Local. Live Local.
CDL Training in Colorado
Northern Colorado Truck Driving Academy (NCTDA) is a locally owned and operated Fort Collins business with deep roots in the community. We are a Registered Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Provider, fully approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (DPOS) and licensed by Colorado CDL. We’ve proudly served Northern Colorado for over 25 years.
Put the Pedal Down on a Great New Career
At NCTDA, Our graduates earn an average of $70,000–$90,000 annually, with full benefits—and many begin their careers immediately after graduation. Most also stay close to home, able to sleep in their own beds every night. Thanks to our strong local industry relationships, every graduate receives access to our exclusive career referral list, connecting you to over 65 local, vetted employers actively hiring NCTDA-trained drivers. These aren’t just long-haul or over-the-road jobs; these are local opportunities with companies who value our high-quality, job-ready graduates.
Types of CDL Training
We offer training and testing for CDL A, CDL B, and CDL C licenses, including endorsements for passenger and school bus commercial vehicles. From your first day, we support you through every step—getting your DOT medical card, permit, UA screening, and more. You’ll receive hands-on, 1-on-1 driving instruction from experienced professionals who prioritize your safety and long-term success.
CDL Course Offerings
Contact us today with any questions or to sign up for the CDL course that’s right for you.
Introduction to Tractor-Trailer Driving
Our flagship course gets your foot in the door with all walks of the CDL industry. Local, OTR and energy jobs are available to you upon graduation. We have the referrals that will lead to careers earning $70-90k annually with benefits.
This course requires a Medical DOT Exam, drug screen and driver’s license for enrollment. If you don’t know where to start, call us for details we can help you get it done..
Job placement assistance offered.
Courses start every 2 weeks.
Introduction to CDL B Driving
This course has three options for students: train and test for a Passenger CDL B license; train and test for a School Bus CDL B license; or, train and test for a Manual CDL B license.
This course requires online ELDT theory completion or exemption, a valid medical DOT certificate, a valid permit with the correct endorsements, and a valid driver’s license to enroll.
Job placement assistance offered.
Scheduling is based on truck and trainer availability.
24-hour Manual CDL Course
If you have the infamous Automatic (E) Restriction on your existing CDL, this is your course. 24 hours of one-on-one training to learn how to safely operate a manual CMV. We will also incorporate some pre-trip inspection and backing maneuvers into this course. We need to make certain that you still have what it takes to pass the CDL test.
This course requires a Medical DOT Certificate, valid Permit, and valid CDL driver’s license to enroll. Scheduling is based on truck availability.
Job placement assistance offered.
Scheduling is based on truck and trainer availability.
10-hour CDL B Course
The 10-hour CDL B Course is 10 hours of one-on-one training complete with a CDL test. A passenger or school bus endorsement can be applied to training as well.
This course requires an online ELDT completion or exemption, a medical DOT exam card or certificate, a CDL permit with the correct endorsements, and a valid driver’s license to enroll. This course is for an automatic ONLY and not available in a manual. Please refer to the 24-hour Manual CDL Course.
Job placement assistance offered.
Scheduling is based on truck and trainer availability.
10-hour CDL A Refresher Course
The 10-hour CDL A Refresher Course is 10 hours of one-on-one training complete with a CDL Test. You must have a previous or current CDL A license to enroll.
This course requires currently holding a valid CDL or proof of previously holding a valid CDL, a medical DOT exam card or certificate, a CDL permit and a valid driver’s license to enroll. This course is not available in a manual if you previously drove an automatic CMV. Please refer to the 24-hour Manual CDL Course.
Job placement assistance offered.
Scheduling is based on truck and trainer availability.
CDL Permit Preparation Class
Getting your CDL permit doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our focused 7-hour class equips you with the essential knowledge to confidently pursue your CDL Class A, B, or C permit. We’ll walk you through the key information needed, prepare you for testing, and give you a clear understanding of what to expect on test day, at the DMV. With our guidance, you’ll be ready to take the next step toward your CDL with confidence.
This course requires a Medical DOT Exam, drug screen and driver’s license for enrollment. If you don’t know where to start, call us for details.
Courses are scheduled upon request and are 7 hours in length
Hourly Training Option 1: Custom Skills Improvement
3 Hours Minimum
NCTDA can sculpt hourly training to meet your needs with a focus on pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers or on-road driving. Think of this training as “touch up” for your existing skills. This training is NOT last-minute prep for the CDL test.
This training option will only be provided if you have a valid CDL and Medical DOT card. Please note: Our trainers are great at what they do. However, they cannot effectively teach how to safely operate a CMV in 3 hours. More time will almost certainly be necessary.
Scheduling is based on truck and trainer availability.
Hourly Training Option 2: Passenger and/or School Bus
The P and S Endorsement hourly training offers one-on-one training for 5 hours. A CDL Test is administered two days later, per ELDT requirements. This course has two options. Option 1 – train and test for a Passenger CDL B license. Option 2 – train and test for a School Bus CDL B license. If you have CDL A, the P or S endorsement will be applied to your existing CDL A license.
This training requires an online ELDT completion or exemption, a valid medical DOT certificate, a valid permit with the correct endorsements, and a valid driver’s license to enroll.
You must have a previous or current CDL A, B or C license to enroll.
Scheduling is based on truck and trainer availability.
Truck Drivers Wanted—Always
Truck drivers are always in demand. At Northern Colorado Truck Driving Academy (NCTDA), our entry-level CDL courses are designed to set you on the road to a stable, high-paying, and life-changing local career. Companies are looking for our graduates. We’re your trusted hometown provider for all your CDL training and testing needs. Learn local. Drive local. Live local.