DrivePoint CDL Academy in Denver, Colorado offers CDL Training and Testing. Ralph Smith CDL DOT
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Entry Level Driver Training Provider In Denver, Colorado

CDL Third Party Examiner

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DrivePoint CDL Academy offers CDL Training and Testing to the Denver Metro area. Whether you're an aspiring owner-operator, exploring a new career path, or looking to refresh your driving skills, we offer more than just training. We build confident, capable drivers. With a clean, modern approach and a focus on real-world readiness, our programs are designed for those who want to stand out on the road. Driven by excellence, professionalism, and unmatched support, DrivePoint is where your journey begins — and your future takes the wheel.

ELDT

Entry Level Driver Training

FMCSA has established minimum training standards for individuals applying for their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time. These individuals are subject to the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements and must complete a prescribed program of instruction provided by an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). This course is intended to meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in the federal regulation 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements, and includes Sections covering Basic Operation, Safe Operating Procedures, Advanced Operating Practices, Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions, and Non-Driving Activities.

We are FMCSA approved, and listed in the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Please explore this website or contact us for more information!

Our Courses

  • A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the most versatile type of commercial license you can earn. It allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.

    In short: if you’re looking to drive big rigs like semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and livestock haulers, this is the license you need.

    What You Can Drive with a Class A CDL

    • 18-wheelers / Semi-trucks

    • Tractor-trailers (including doubles and triples with endorsements)

    • Flatbed trucks

    • Tanker vehicles

    • Livestock carriers

    • Most Class B and Class C vehicles (with proper endorsements)

    📍 Common Careers That Require a Class A CDL

    • Long-haul or regional trucking (OTR)

    • Local delivery drivers (freight, fuel, construction materials)

    • Heavy equipment transport

    • Agriculture and livestock hauling

    • Oil and gas industry drivers

    • Government and utility fleet drivers

    🛠️ Why Train with DrivePoint?

    At DrivePoint CDL Academy, we prepare you to not just pass the test — we train you for real-world driving. You’ll learn:

    • Pre-trip inspections

    • Backing and coupling maneuvers

    • Safe highway and city driving

    • How to handle heavy loads and long trailers

    • Skills for mountain driving (unique to Colorado terrain!)

    • Federal regulations and logbook basics

  • A Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) allows you to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs 10,000 pounds or less.

    This license is ideal if you're planning to drive straight trucks, buses, or other large commercial vehicles that don’t require a trailer.

    At DrivePoint CDL Academy, we go beyond the basics. Our Class B program trains you to:

    • Conduct full pre-trip inspections

    • Navigate tight urban driving scenarios

    • Operate commercial vehicles safely under load

    • Understand federal and state CDL requirements

    • Build confidence through hands-on training with real vehicles

    We also offer passenger and school bus endorsements if you plan to drive for a school district or transit agency.

  • A Class C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is for operating vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials (HazMat) — when the vehicle doesn’t meet the weight requirements for Class A or B.

    This license is ideal for small passenger vehicles, shuttles, and specialty transport vehicles.

    🔑 What You Can Drive with a Class C CDL

    • Passenger vans and shuttle buses

    • School vans (not full-size school buses)

    • Hotel and airport shuttles

    • Medical transport vans

    • Vehicles carrying HazMat materials (with HazMat endorsement)

    • Small HazMat trucks

    📍 Common Careers That Require a Class C CDL

    • Shuttle driver (airport, hotel, campus)

    • Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT)

    • Charter or tour van driver

    • Courier or delivery drivers handling hazardous materials

    • Transit agency support vehicles

    🛠️ Why Train at DrivePoint for Class C?

    We tailor your Class C training to the job you're aiming for — whether it's passengers or HazMat. You’ll learn:

    • Safe vehicle operation

    • Passenger safety protocols

    • Defensive driving in city and suburban settings

    • HazMat handling (with proper endorsement prep)

    • Pre-trip inspections and CDL skills testing

  • Passenger (P) Endorsement

    What It Is:

    A Passenger Endorsement is required for anyone driving a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

    This endorsement is typically added to a Class B or Class C CDL.

    What You Can Drive:

    • School buses (with additional “S” endorsement)

    • Shuttle buses (airport, hotel, campus)

    • Charter or tour buses

    • Transit vans and small buses

    • Employee transport vehicles

    Requirements:

    • Hold a valid CDL permit

    • Pass a Passenger Endorsement knowledge test

    • Complete a skills test in a passenger vehicle

    • Pass a background check and medical screening (especially for school-related work)

    What You’ll Learn at DrivePoint:

    • Passenger safety and loading procedures

    • Emergency protocols and evacuation

    • Mirror usage and blind spots

    • Passenger interaction and professionalism

    • Proper braking, turning, and backing in passenger vehicles

    Great for students entering school districts, transit systems, or hospitality-based transport work.

    HazMat (H) Endorsement

    What It Is:

    A Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HazMat or "H") is required to operate vehicles that carry materials classified as hazardous under federal law — including chemicals, gases, explosives, and certain medical or industrial materials.

    Usually added to a Class A, B, or C CDL.

    What You Can Transport:

    • Fuel, oil, and flammable liquids

    • Compressed gases and chemicals

    • Radioactive or corrosive materials

    • Industrial, medical, and waste products

    • Any cargo labeled with a DOT HazMat placard

    Requirements:

    • Be at least 21 years old

    • Pass the HazMat knowledge test

    • Pass a TSA security threat assessment (background check + fingerprinting)

    • Valid DOT medical card

    • Citizenship or legal resident status

    📚 What You’ll Learn at DrivePoint:

    • Hazard class identification

    • Proper placarding and labeling

    • Loading, unloading, and segregation of materials

    • Emergency response and incident reporting

    • Federal and state HazMat transportation regulations

    Great for students entering fuel transport, chemical delivery, or government/industrial fleet jobs.

  • Non-CDL Vehicle Training & Certification

    Not every commercial vehicle requires a CDL — but every driver still represents your brand.

    At DrivePoint CDL Academy, we offer non-CDL driver training and vehicle certification designed for small businesses, municipal fleets, and contractors who want to ensure safety, professionalism, and insurability — even when CDL isn’t required.

    What Is Non-CDL Driver Certification?

    This training is for drivers operating light- to medium-duty commercial vehicles that fall below CDL weight limits (under 26,001 lbs GVWR and towing under 10,000 lbs).

    We provide real-world instruction and evaluation to help companies:

    • Protect their fleet and employees

    • Improve public image and customer confidence

    • Lower insurance risk

    • Build accountability into hiring and onboarding

    Who It’s For:

    • Food trucks, florists, coffee carts

    • Mobile service fleets (cleaning, dog grooming, landscaping, etc.)

    • Contractors with vans or small box trucks

    • Nonprofit, campus, or municipal support vehicles

    • Local delivery businesses

    • Real estate and media production crews with company vehicles

    What’s Included in Training:

    • Basic vehicle safety inspection (daily checklist)

    • Safe driving habits for city and suburban environments

    • Backing, turning, and parking practice

    • Hands-on driving evaluation with certified trainer

    • Legal and insurance documentation standards

    • Optional: Company-specific policy integration or compliance training

    What You’ll Receive:

    • Driver Certification Report

    • Printable Certificate (great for HR and insurance files)

    • Vehicle Safety Checklist

    • Optional annual re-certification available

    Why It Matters:

    Even without a CDL, your drivers are operating branded equipment on public roads. One bad driving experience can damage your reputation or cost you thousands in claims.

    Our Non-CDL Certification program gives you peace of mind that your drivers are:

    • Trained

    • Evaluated

    • Documented

    • And representing your business the right way.