Commercial Driver License Training Program

Are you a St. Lawrence County resident and interested in getting your commercial driver license for free? We can help you! In partnership with the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, CCE St. Lawrence County is sponsoring 10 individuals from local farms and ag businesses to complete an 8-10 week CDL course through SUNY Canton CREST. Funding for this opportunity is available through a USDA Rural Business Development Grant award.

What is the program? 
This is an 8-10 week program (50 hours total) with 10 hours of required lecture time that will be held at SUNY Canton. Lectures will be held Thursdays 5:30-8pm during weeks 1-4. The remaining 40 hours of the program will be one on one instruction, scheduled by you and the course instructor. The $7,000 tuition fee will be covered for those who meet the program eligibility requirements. 

When does it run? 
The next available programs are May and July. There are 5 slots available per class and they run every 10 weeks.

Do I Qualify?
Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a St. Lawrence County Resident
• Complete Application
• Valid NYS Class D, driver's and Class A Learner’s Permit
• DOT Physical Results (Option to receive a free physical from Community Health in Canton, NY)
• Driver’s Abstract
• Drug Test within 30 Days of Course

This program will be available on a first come first serve basis. Farms/Businesses may send one employee.

How Do I Apply? 
Step 1: Register here.

Step 2: Download and complete the Student Commercial Driving Registration Form here. Email completed form to krg75@cornell.edu. 

Items Needed Before Final Acceptance into Program:
1. Completed Application

• View application here: https://www.canton.edu/media/pdf/CDL-brochure.pdf

2. Class A Learner’s Permit

• $10 permit fee at DMV
• NYS Department of Motor Vehicles CDL Learners Permit
• View details from the NYS DMV here: https://dmv.ny.gov/get-cdl
  

3. DOT Physical Results

• DOT Physical Providers
• View details from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners here:
  https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/national-re...

4. Drug Test Results (test required within 30 days of course start)

• Find Drug Test Providers near you here: https://managementinfoservices.com/individual-dru...

5. Driver’s Abstract

• $7 download fee online through MyDMV
• Find guidance on how to access your NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s Abstract here: https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving...

6. Payment of Tuition or proof of financial support

• Under funding agency on the application please list IDA and CCE

Last updated November 20, 2023