Interstate Truck Driving School is a veteran-owned business that provides Minnesota truck driver training. The school has licensed instructors that once served as State CDL Examiners. Combined, they have 30 years of experience that is invaluable to students.
The school has been in operation for more than two decades and leverages technology to provide students with the best possible education and training.
Training and Testing Minnesota Drivers in Wisconsin
Although Interstate Truck Driving School serves Minnesota, they train and test students in Wisconsin.
They do this for several reasons:
- Wisconsin allows the training and testing of out-of-state drivers.
- Minnesota’s backlog of testing appointments makes it difficult for students to obtain their licenses in a timely manner. Appointments for a CDL test can take 4-12 weeks in Minnesota. Students can test quickly in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin is compliant with federal guidelines for CDL testing, whereas Minnesota is not.
Students must complete their training and exam in Hudson, Wisconsin if going this route. Students may choose to be tested in Minnesota instead, but pass rates are much higher for those who go to Wisconsin.
Class A Truck/Trailer Training
Interstate Truck Driving School offers a few training programs. In order to qualify and enroll in any of their programs, students must meet a few basic requirements:
- Pass a DOT drug screen
- Obtain a CDL permit
- Pass a DOT physical
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Must be able to communicate in English
Professional Tractor Trailer Program
For new Class A CDL hopefuls. This program includes:
- 40 hours of classroom training
- 40-60 hours of lab work
- 10-30 hours on simulator training
- 10-30 hours of backing practice
- One-on-one training on the road with a licensed instructor
- Retests (if necessary)
In total, students receive 160 hours of training if using an automated transmission and 200 hours if using a manual transmission.
The school focuses on safety and will provide up to 320 hours of training if necessary to ensure that drivers understand how to operate the vehicle safely.
- The first week of class is online via ZOOM
- Lab work begins the second week
Your progress will depend on your performance.
The school will not push students to take their CDL test before they are ready. Students are given unlimited access to driving activities to ensure they are confident behind the wheel before they take their exams.
Most students complete this course in 7-8 weeks. The school has a 100% placement rate with this program, which means virtually all students will have a job as soon as they complete their training.
Class A Refresher Course
Experienced Class A CDL holders who have been out of the industry for a while can enroll in the Driver Refresher Program.
This program offers:
- 100 hours of classroom and coursework material
- Up to 30 hours of backing range practice
- Up to 20 hours of simulator training
- Up to 10 hours of one-on-one training
Online CDL Training and Simulators
Interstate Truck Driving School offers online training and access to simulators to make training as flexible, convenient and thorough as possible.
Online Training
All students can access the school’s Bumper to Bumper online program, which covers a variety of subjects:
- Hours of Service regulations
- Pre-trip, en-route and post-trip inspections
- Federal Whistleblower Protection
- Driver wellness
- Driving emergencies
- Air brake systems, adjusting air brakes and performing inspections
- Accident procedures
- Night driving
- Hazardous driving conditions
- Hazardous materials
- Cargo security
- Trailer coupling
- Shifting multi-speed transmissions
- Rules of the road
The online training material can be accessed using any internet-connected device.
Simulator Training
Interstate is the only truck driving school in Minnesota that offers advanced truck simulators to train new drivers. These are the same systems used by trucking companies for driver continued education.
Simulators complement classroom training and allow students to get hands-on experience from the comfort and safety of the classroom.
Students receive plenty of on-the-road training, but simulators help everyone get a feel for driving before they get behind the wheel.
Interstate Truck Driving School Admissions
Students are not required to have their permits when they begin training, but the school encourages you to obtain one as soon as possible. They offer free CDL permit classes online to help with this.
For admissions, students must:
- Pass a DOT physical by the end of the second week of their training.
- Pass a DOT drug screening, which is administered the first day of training if you don’t have your CDL permit.
- Pass an English comprehension assessment the day you register.
Tuition must be paid in full the first day of training. The school offers help with financing the tuition through Climb Credit, but $500 will still need to be paid out of pocket.
