Ask Midwest CDL Training

Question 1

What is Midwest CDL Training?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL Training is a one-stop CDL shop in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering ELDT theory courses, behind-the-wheel training, certified third-party CDL skills testing, drug and alcohol screening, and a video training library. It rebranded from Midwest Towing & Recovery in 2024.

Question 2

How long have you been training drivers?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL's examiners have been leading state-licensed examiners for 10+ years, providing CDL testing and training successfully. The company rebranded as Midwest CDL Training in 2024 (founded by Midwest Towing & Recovery).

Question 3

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL Training is based in Lincoln, Nebraska. You can reach the team at (402) 470-1571.

Question 4

Who can train with Midwest CDL?

Accepted Answer

Everyone is welcome, new drivers working toward their first CDL, drivers adding classes or endorsements, and license holders who just need testing or a retest, from Nebraska or out of state.

Question 5

How do I get my CDL?

Accepted Answer

In general: complete the required ELDT theory (online), do behind-the-wheel road and range training, then pass the CDL skills test. Midwest CDL offers all three, theory, training and third-party testing, so you can do it in one place. Contact the team to map your path.

Question 6

What classes of CDL can I get?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL supports Class A, Class B and Class C, plus upgrading Class B to Class A, along with endorsements such as Passenger, Hazmat and School Bus.

Question 7

How long does it take to get a CDL?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the class, your experience and how many training hours you need. Midwest CDL's packages are sized by hours, and the team can estimate a timeline when you enroll.

Question 8

What is the pathway to getting a CDL?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL lays out a step-by-step pathway: get your learner's permit, complete ELDT theory, train behind the wheel, practice the pre-trip and skills, then take the third-party skills test. The team helps you move through each step.

Question 9

What is ELDT?

Accepted Answer

ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is the federally required training, theory plus behind-the-wheel, that new CDL applicants must complete before the skills test for applicable classes and endorsements. Midwest CDL offers the theory online and the behind-the-wheel training in person.

Question 10

Do I need ELDT first?

Accepted Answer

For applicable new CDL classes and endorsements, federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory is required before you take the CDL skills test. Midwest CDL provides the ELDT theory online.

Question 11

What ELDT courses do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL offers online ELDT theory courses for Class A, Class B, Upgrade Class B to A, Class C, Passenger, Hazmat, and School Bus (for non-Nebraska residents only).

Question 12

What endorsements can I get?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL's courses cover the Passenger, Hazmat and School Bus endorsements. Note: Nebraska residents obtain the School Bus endorsement through the Nebraska Safety Council (see the school bus questions).

Question 13

Is the ELDT theory online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL's ELDT theory courses are completed online, and the behind-the-wheel portion is done in person.

Question 14

Do you offer the Hazmat endorsement course?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL offers the Hazmat endorsement theory course online, alongside the other ELDT courses.

Question 15

How does school bus training work?

Accepted Answer

To drive a school bus you generally need a CDL (usually Class B) with the Passenger and School Bus endorsements. Important: in Nebraska, the School Bus endorsement is obtained through the Nebraska Safety Council (combined with Level 1 instruction), so Midwest CDL's online School Bus ELDT course is for non-Nebraska residents only. Midwest CDL provides the CDL training, passenger prep and testing that lead up to it.

Question 16

Can Nebraska residents get the School Bus endorsement from you?

Accepted Answer

For Nebraska residents, the School Bus endorsement is obtained through the Nebraska Safety Council (with Level 1 instruction), not through Midwest CDL's online course, which is for non-Nebraska residents. Midwest CDL can still handle your CDL training, Passenger preparation and skills testing.

Question 17

Can you help schools find or train bus drivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL helps address the school bus driver shortage by training and testing CDL candidates (often Class B with Passenger), and it points Nebraska candidates to the Nebraska Safety Council for the School Bus endorsement. Districts can contact the team to set up a pathway.

Question 18

Do you train out-of-state school bus drivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL's online School Bus ELDT course is available for non-Nebraska residents, alongside its other ELDT courses.

Question 19

Are you a certified third-party tester?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL conducts CDL skills testing with certified state third-party examiners, including retests, for Nebraska and out-of-state license holders.

Question 20

What behind-the-wheel training do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL offers road and range training, one-on-one or with multiple students, plus pre-trip inspection training, test preparation and skills practice coaching. You can train on their equipment or your own.

Question 21

Can I use my own vehicle to train or test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can train and test using Midwest CDL's equipment or your own vehicle.

Question 22

Do you offer CDL skills testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL provides CDL skills testing with certified state third-party examiners, including retests, for Nebraska and out-of-state license holders.

Question 23

What is on the CDL skills test?

Accepted Answer

The CDL skills test generally has three parts: the pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and the on-road driving test. Midwest CDL coaches all three so you're prepared.

Question 24

Will testing in an automatic restrict my license?

Accepted Answer

Testing in an automatic-transmission vehicle can add an automatic restriction to your CDL. Ask the Midwest CDL team about manual options if you want to avoid the restriction.

Question 25

What are your training packages?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL offers training packages sized by hours to match your experience and goals. The packages are quoted directly rather than priced online, so you only pay for what you need.

Question 26

How much does training cost?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL doesn't list prices online, packages are quoted directly based on the hours and training you need. Contact the team for a quote for your situation.

Question 27

How do I enroll or get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Call Midwest CDL at (402) 470-1571 or use the contact form at midwestcdltraining.com, or leave your name and email here and the team will follow up to enroll you or send a quote.

Question 28

What is your hours or refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL's packages are hour-based; its policies include refunding unused hours, with retests not included and payment due before training. Confirm the current terms with the team when you enroll.

Question 29

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL is a one-stop CDL shop: online ELDT theory, behind-the-wheel training, certified third-party CDL skills testing, drug and alcohol screening with consortium services, and a video training library.

Question 30

Do you offer drug and alcohol screening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Midwest CDL offers drug and alcohol testing and consortium services as part of its one-stop CDL offerings.

Question 31

What is the video training?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL offers a video training library, available with a paid subscription, to support your CDL preparation.

Question 32

How do I contact Midwest CDL?

Accepted Answer

You can call Midwest CDL at (402) 470-1571 or use the contact form at midwestcdltraining.com. You can also leave your name and email here and the team will follow up.

Question 33

Where can I follow Midwest CDL?

Accepted Answer

Midwest CDL is on Facebook. You can also reach the team by phone at (402) 470-1571 or through the contact form at midwestcdltraining.com.

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