CDL Training Program
Career-ready training for infrastructure & transportation roles — taught by professionals who still do the work.
- Taught by active-industry professionals
- Hands-on, real-world training
- Tanker endorsement preparation
- Automatic transmission vehicles
Enrollment
Start Your CDL Career
No payment due to apply — this just starts the conversation.
- Flexible payment — cash, payment plan / loan, or employer-sponsored
- No payment due to apply
- We schedule your CDL road test
- We follow up with exact cohort dates
Reserve Your Spot
Takes about a minute. Secure your place in the next training cohort — no payment due now.
Upcoming CDL Class Sections
Each section is a three-week program at Jackson College. New sections open through the end of 2026 — pick the start date that fits, then reserve your spot.
- Full · Waitlist
CDL-100-61
Jul 20 – Aug 8, 2026
- Open
CDL-100-50
Aug 31 – Sep 20, 2026
- Open
CDL-100-51
Sep 21 – Oct 11, 2026
- Open
CDL-100-52
Oct 12 – Nov 1, 2026
- Open
CDL-100-60
Nov 2 – 22, 2026
- Open
CDL-100-61
Nov 30 – Dec 19, 2026
Full sections still take waitlist sign-ups — we'll reach out if a seat opens.
Not sure where to start? Get the Michigan CDL Starter Guide — free.
The simplest first step before you apply. A plain-English walkthrough of how to get your permit, what training really costs, and exactly what to expect — built by active-industry pros who still do the work.
What’s inside the guide
- The CLP roadmap. Exactly how to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit first — study at cristcdl.com/michigan, then get the permit at your local Michigan Secretary of State office.
- Real cost & payment options. $5,500 total, broken down plainly — cash, payment plan / loan, or employer-sponsored. $0 is due to apply.
- What’s included in training. Tanker endorsement prep, automatic-transmission instruction, and active-industry instructors who still do the work.
- The requirements checklist. 18 to drive in-state, 21 for interstate — and why you must already hold your CLP before the program starts.
- What to expect. A clear timeline from application to road test (we schedule it), so you know each step before you commit.
Built for real-world jobs
Designed for individuals who just want to be a truck driver or are seeking utility-focused roles, our CDL program bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution.
We pride ourselves on offering training for real-world jobs. That means your instructors are currently active professionals — people who still do the work daily. This hands-on approach ensures you aren't just learning how to pass a test, you're learning how to succeed on the job site.
- CDL fundamentals and essential regulations
- Automatic transmission operation (taught strictly on automatic transmission vehicles)
- Tanker endorsement preparation
- Safety, compliance, and rigorous pre-trip inspections
See the Training For Yourself
Real clips from behind the wheel and around the yard.
Before you start
To participate in the AOUS CDL Program, applicants must meet the following state criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age to operate within the state of Michigan.
- Must be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving across state lines.
- Must already have your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) before the program starts.
Steps to Get Your Permit
Securing your CLP is a crucial first step. Use the resources below to prepare for and schedule your test:
1. Study for your CLP test
Michigan CDL test prep & manual2. Schedule your test
Apply for a CDL (Michigan SOS)Get your CLP early. A Michigan CLP is valid for a full year — so there’s no reason to wait. Come prepared with it before your first day: it sets you up for success, and it lets us add you to our waitlist to move into a sooner class if a spot opens.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you reserve a spot.
How much does the AOUS CDL training program cost?
The program is $5,500 total. No payment is due to apply — submitting the form just reserves your spot and starts the conversation.
Do I need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) first?
Yes — you must already have your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before the program begins; there isn’t time to get it once training starts. You obtain the CLP yourself: study at cristcdl.com/michigan, then get the permit at your local Michigan Secretary of State office.
How long is my Michigan CLP valid, and when do I need it?
A Michigan CLP is valid for a full year, so get yours early — there’s no reason to wait. Come prepared with your CLP before your first day: being ready sets you up for success, and it lets us add you to our waitlist to move into a sooner class if a spot opens.
What are the age requirements for CDL training?
You must be at least 18 years old to operate within the state of Michigan, and at least 21 years old for interstate driving across state lines.
Is the training on automatic or manual transmission?
Training is conducted strictly on automatic-transmission vehicles.
Does the program include endorsement preparation?
Yes — tanker endorsement preparation is included in the program.
What payment options are available?
Flexible options: cash, a payment plan / loan, or employer-sponsored. No payment is due to apply.
Who teaches the CDL program?
Active-industry professionals who still do the work daily — so you learn real-world, job-ready skills, not just how to pass a test.
Where is the CDL training located?
Training is hands-on in Jackson, Michigan, in William Atkinson Hall — where students train on real equipment with active-industry instructors.
Can I get my Michigan CDL through this program?
Yes. The program prepares Michigan students to pass the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam, and we schedule your CDL road test. You’ll need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) first, which you obtain on your own before the program begins — study at cristcdl.com/michigan, then get the permit at your local Michigan Secretary of State office.
What makes AOUS CDL training different from other Michigan CDL schools?
AOUS trains in a dedicated hands-on facility with active-industry instructors and tanker endorsement preparation included — focused on real, job-ready skills, not just passing the exam.
Ready To Get Behind The Wheel?
Reserve your spot in the next cohort — it takes about a minute, and no payment is due to apply.
Reserve Your Spot