Free CDL Training Opportunities at Leeward Community College

Former Leeward CC CDL Student John Magee

Former Leeward CC student John Magee and CDL Instructor Michael Scully

Seats are available in free Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and bus driver training programs offered by Leeward Community College for eligible Oʻahu residents interested in pursuing careers in the transportation sector starting this May. The successful completion of the intensive, hands-on training serves as a direct pathway to becoming a commercial vehicle driver or bus driver.

Oʻahu residents without a commercial motor vehicle ermit are invited to apply for the free two-day CDL permit prep course on May 27-28, 2025. Applicants who already have a permit may apply for the free 95-hour Commercial Motor Vehicle Training Series, which prepares students for the State of Hawai‘i Commercial Driver (CDL Class A) license test with course start dates in June 2025.

Leeward CC's CDL rep and Commercial Motor Vehicle Training courses prepare students for a career in the transportation sector by providing state of the art, curriculum, facilities, instructors, a Virage 600 driving simulator, and new vehicles. Students can expect to learn a balanced mix of “theory based and behind the wheel training” to include:

• Basic operation
• Safe and advanced operating and driving procedures
• Vehicle systems and reporting
• Non-driving transportation sector responsibilities
• Weekly skill assessments that prepare students for achieving their commercial license

Free tuition for these courses is available for eligible Oʻahu residents through the Good Jobs Hawai‘i initiative.

Students will also be offered pathways to employment opportunities as commercial vehicle drivers with local employers.

Visit goodjobshawaii.org to learn more and apply directly online for the CDL Permit Prep Course, the Commercial Vehicle Driver program (for applicants with a permit) or Bus Driver course. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act for underemployed or dislocated workers, and CDL program requirements.

Financial support provided by the State of Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council in coordination with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. 

For more information, visit: http://goodjobshawaii.org