CDL Permit Prep

Get Ready to Pass Your Commercial Learner's Permit Exam.

Course Description

This class is designed to help future CDL drivers prepare for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) exam. Students will learn how to navigate the Arkansas CDL Manual, use CDL study tools and practice tests, utilize the CDL Prep mobile app, and schedule their permit exam. 

What Students Will Learn

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Download and navigate the Arkansas CDL Handbook 2026.
• Identify key topics covered on the CLP knowledge exam.
• Use the CDL Prep App and online study resources effectively.
• Complete practice tests and identify areas needing improvement.
• Understand the permit testing process and required documentation.
• Schedule a permit exam appointment.

Class Details

The class is 1.5 hours long and will be held on Friday, September 18th from 10 AM - 11:30 AM in the Welcome Center, room 217. Katrina Stevens, Community Education Coordinator, will facilitate the class. 

What to Bring

Students will need to bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to class. 

Cost 

This class is free. 

Your Fire Career Starts Here

Prepare for a career in the fire service through comprehensive Firefighter I (FFI) and Firefighter II (FFII) training that combines classroom instruction with hands-on, fire-ground experience. Students will develop essential skills in fire suppression, structural firefighting, hazardous materials, wildland firefighting, traffic incident management, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) use, and other critical emergency response operations. The program includes practical skills training, live-fire exercises, job performance requirements, and written examinations aligned with Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA) standards and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1010. Successful completion of the required coursework and examinations may lead to AFTA, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), and Pro Board certification in Firefighter I and II. The complete FFI & FFII pathway requires a minimum of 320 hours of training and is designed to prepare students to perform safely, confidently, and effectively as professional firefighters. This program is a partnership between the participating fire departments of Independence County and the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB).

Tuition

The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship will cover 100% of the tuition for eligible students.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an Arkansas resident for at least 12 months.
• Must be a high school graduate or have received a high school equivalency (GED).

Get Started

To register for this program and secure tuition coverage through the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, follow these steps:

• Apply to the program by clicking "Add to Wait List" at the link above.
• Get a signed Student Sponsorship Letter from your Fire Chief. This process includes completing a physical exam through your fire department.
• Provide a copy of your high school diploma, transcript, or GED to workforce@uaccb.edu.
• Call 870-612-2082 or email to schedule an appointment to complete your Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship application.

Class Schedule and Location

• Dates: October 6, 2026 – April 15, 2027
• Days & Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Course Hours: 360
• Location: White River Firefighter Training Center at UACCB 

Prerequisites & Clearances

Prerequisites and clearances required for enrollment must be completed before registering for the Firefighter Rookie School.

Required Before Enrolling in Firefighter Rookie School

• CPR Certification — Must be completed before enrolling and prior to the start of the program.
• Physical & Administrative Clearance — Required clearance confirming the student meets the program’s physical and administrative requirements.
• Medical Clearance — A full physical evaluation clearing the student for rigorous physical training and hands-on practical activities.
• Student Sponsorship Letter — A signed letter from the student’s Fire Chief confirming the student’s sponsorship, clearance, and completion of required prerequisites.

Required Certifications

Must Be Completed Prior to Firefighter I Testing

The following certifications must be completed before the student is eligible for Firefighter I testing:

• TIMS — Traffic Incident Management Systems
• ICS-100 — Introduction to the Incident Command System
• ICS-200 — Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• IS-700 — National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
• IS-800 — National Response Framework, An Introduction
• Wildland Firefighting

Important: Students should carefully review these requirements and begin completing the required certifications early. The prerequisites & clearances listed above must be completed before registering. The required certifications must be completed prior to Firefighter I testing. 

How to Submit

Once completed, submit your Student Sponsorship Letter using any of these methods:

• In-Person: Bring documents to the Welcome Center. 
• Email: Send documents to workforce@uaccb.edu.
• Phone: Call 870-612-2082 to finalize your enrollment.

Deadline to Register

The deadline to register and have all requirements completed is strictly 2 weeks prior to the course. Deadline is September 22, 2026. 

Act fast — seats are limited!

A minimum of 6 students is required for the class to run. The maximum enrollment is 20 students. 

Take the first step today

• Your career as a certified firefighter starts here!
• Call 870-612-2082
• Email workforce@uaccb.edu
• Visit the Welcome Center on UACCB's campus

Get behind the wheel of opportunity

Launch a career in one of America’s most in-demand industries. UACCB’s CDL Class A Training Program blends expert instruction, hands-on driving, and career support to help you earn your license and step into a stable, high-paying job. Whether you’re aiming for local routes or long-haul driving, we’ll prepare you to succeed.

Students who successfully complete this course will earn a Class A Commercial Driver License.

Act fast — seats are limited! 

Clicking the link to join our CDL Training waitlist is free, quick, and gets you started on the road to your career.

Why choose UACCB?

• Hands-on learning: With only three students per class, you’ll receive individual coaching and spend most of your time behind the wheel.
• Career-ready skills: Learn pre-trip inspections, safety practices, and advanced driving maneuvers to meet employer expectations.
• Full support: From getting your Commercial Learner's Permit to job connections with employers like JB Hunt, our team is with you every step.
• Affordable tuition: Scholarships such as the Arkansas Workforce Challenge can significantly lower your cost.

Download the Drive Your Future booklet - your guide to enrollment steps, financial aid, schedules, and career outcomes.

Download the Arkansas CDL Handbook 2026 - your study guide to prepare for the Commercial Learner's Permit examination administered by the state.

CDL Orientation Meetings

Orientation is your on-ramp to a new career. Schedule a 30-minute personal orientation meeting with us at UACCB's Welcome Center by calling 870-612-2082. 

About the Classes

• Length: 4 weeks (new class starts every month)
• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
• Format: Small classes of three students, with personalized, hands-on training centered on real driving experience.

Upcoming Day Classes

• Sept. 21 - Oct. 15, 2026 | 9:30 am to 5:00 pm | Mon. to Thu. (Class is full!)
• Oct. 19 - Nov. 12, 2026 | 9:30 am to 5:00 pm | Mon. to Thu. (Class is full!)
• Nov. 16 - Dec. 18, 2026 | 9:30 am to 5:00 pm | Mon. to Thu.

Upcoming Evening Classes

Aug. 24 - Nov. 12, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Mon-Tue-Thurs (Class is full!)
Jan. 11 - Apr. 8, 2027 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Mon-Tue-Thurs 

Take the first step today

• Your career as a professional truck driver starts here!
• Call 870-612-2082
• Email workforce@uaccb.edu
• Download the Drive Your Future booklet
• Visit the Welcome Center on UACCB’s campus

Drive with purpose

UACCB’s Class B CDL training program prepares you to earn the license required to drive a school bus, commercial passenger vehicle, or a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

Students who successfully complete this course will earn a Class B Commercial Driver's License with a School Bus and Passenger Endorsement.

This training is especially valuable for teachers, coaches, and school staff in rural districts who need the flexibility to transport students safely and legally on school buses. But the Class B CDL has wider value as well. It is commonly required for drivers of medium-duty commercial vehicles smaller than 18‑wheelers—such as box trucks used by delivery companies, construction firms, manufacturers, and municipal service providers.

Seats are limited, and enrollment is first-come, first-served. Students must have a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and a satisfactory DOT Physical or School Bus Physical before they can begin class.

Act fast — seats are limited! 

Clicking the link to join our CDL Training waitlist is free, quick, and gets you started on the road to your career.

Why choose UACCB?

• Focused training: Complete a 24-hour hybrid program that combines classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel practice.
• Convenient schedule: Evening classes meet twice a week for four weeks, with additional driving practice until skills are mastered.
• Personal support: Our team guides you step-by-step through permits, physicals, drug screening, and scholarship paperwork.

Orientation and enrollment support

The first step to enrolling in our CDL Class B course is meeting with our team at UACCB's Welcome Center or over the phone. During this one-on-one orientation meeting we'll answer questions and help you enroll.

Download the Drive with Purpose booklet - your guide to enrollment steps, financial aid, and training requirements.

Download the Commercial Driver' License Manual - your study guide to prepare for the Commercial Learner's Permit examination administered by the state.

About the class

• Length: 24 hours of instruction and practice
• Vehicle: UACCB provides the school bus for your training and testing
• Format: Hybrid course with classroom, online theory, range practice, and driving in real-world conditions on local roads
• Required Minimum: A minimum of 2 students is required 

Upcoming evening classes

• Aug. 25 to Sept. 17, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Sept. 22 to Oct. 15, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.
• Nov. 17 to Dec. 17, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Tue. & Thur.

Take the first step today

• Your career as a school bus driver starts here!
• Call 870-612-2082
• Email workforce@uaccb.edu
• Download the Drive with Purpose booklet
• Visit the Welcome Center on UACCB’s campus

UACCB offers a self-paced online training course to help you prepare for the CDL Hazmat Endorsement exam. Video instruction is provided by Bryan Anderson, CDL instructor.   

Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk to health, safety, and property during transportation. Hazardous materials include explosives, various types of gas, solids, flammable and combustible liquid, and other materials. Because of the risks involved and the potential consequences these risks impose, all levels of government regulate the handling of hazardous materials. The course includes the information needed to prepare for the Arkansas Hazardous Materials endorsement test.

This is a self-paced online course. Upon registering, UACCB will grant you access to the class. You will have 30 days from the date of access to complete the training. For questions, call 870-612-2082. 

Steps for Your Hazmat CDL Endorsement

• You must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid CDL.
• Register and pay the $99 fee for the Hazmat course. 
• Take your original birth certificate to the Revenue Office and pay the $10 fee.
• UACCB will provide you 30 days of access to Blackboard.
• Complete the Hazmat course within the 30-day access period. 
• Complete fingerprinting and the required federal background check.
• Schedule and pass your written Hazmat test.

Click here to view course syllabus

Cancellations: To cancel a class, five (5) business days' notice prior to the course starting date is required to withdraw and receive a refund.