What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating/or registered weight of 26,001 lbs or more provided gross weight being towed is in excess of 10,000  It allows you to tow in excess of 10,000 pounds.  Most Class A licenses will allow you to operate smaller classes of vehicles, like class B or C.

How do I Apply for a CDL?

Start your application from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or most town/city offices or download the application at www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/forms.

What do I need to begin training?

You must have a valid State Issued Driver’s License and a Driver’s Permit.  You must complete a course contract, and arrange scheduling and payment.  It’s just that simple.

What methods of payment are accepted?

Alternate Route is associated with the Adult Education Program and is a vendor for the Career Center.  Other methods of payment accepted are Cash, Check, Money Order, or MasterCard or Visa.  Please contact Alternate Route with further questions regarding financing.

What kind of Jobs are available to CDL drivers?

Class A CDL operators have a choice when seeking employment.  There are many local driving jobs available, as well as over the road jobs.  The choice is yours.

Where can I train with Alternate Route?

Alternate Route is able to meet you where it’s convenient for you.  If you need to train as close as Guilford or as far away as Rumford, the instructor and vehicle will come to you.

*update: until further notice, Alternate Route is limited to weekday training only, due to Military Deployment

What kind of scheduling does Alternate Route offer?

Alternate Route offers flexible scheduling.  You can book up to a week of training, which typically involves 55 hours of training.  Or you can book smaller blocks, starting at 5 hour blocks.

Does Alternate Route guarantee I’ll have my license?

Alternate Route offers some of the best individualized training available.  Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will pass your driving test.  However, should you not pass, we will work with you for additional training and your retest.

How much time will be spent actually driving?

Other schools have large blocks of time spent in the class room.  Alternate Route is strictly driver training, so 100% of your time is spent behind the wheel.  Your driver training will involve training range and real world road training.  It will focus on areas you need to improve on, in order to make you a better driver.

Does Alternate Route offer programs for women?

Alternate Route is owned and operated by a professional woman driver.  She has over 2 million safe miles and over 20 years of experience in the trucking industry.  She actively encourages women to become drivers and offers flexible scheduling to all students.  All students, but women and single parents particularly, can benefit from Alternate Route, because of the flexible scheduling and local training available.