Commercial Driver’s License Behind-the-Wheel Instructor Workshop

Tuesday, May 12–Thursday, May 14, 2026
In‑person

1900 County Road I West
Shoreview, MN 55126

Tuesday, July 14–Thursday, July 16, 2026
In‑person

16589 County Road 142
Brainerd, MN 56401

Tuesday, September 29–Thursday, October 1, 2026
In‑person

526 Willow Drive
Alexandria, MN 56308

Instructors and students standing near the front of a large commercial vehicle

Register

Capacity

  • May 12–14, 2026: 10 seats for local agencies, 15 seats for private industry
  • July 14–16, 2026: 10 seats for local agencies, 10 seats for school bus operators
  • September 29–October 1, 2026: 10 seats for local agencies, 15 seats for private industry

About the Workshop

This intensive three-day course is designed to equip commercial driving professionals with the core instructional skills, teaching methodologies, and evaluation techniques necessary to train the next generation of commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers. The program provides a strong foundation in effective communication, performance assessment, and driver mentorship within a structured educational environment.

Participants will gain expertise in adult learning principles, student evaluation, and hands-on coaching strategies to deliver engaging, impactful, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-compliant instruction. The course combines classroom learning with guest speakers and interactive components to prepare future instructors for real-world training scenarios.

The curriculum is structured into three key components:

  • Classroom instruction: Focused on teaching strategies, learning theory, and curriculum delivery.
  • Lab activities: Hands-on demonstrations and simulations to reinforce instructional techniques.
  • Practical instructor training: Real-world teaching practice with feedback to build confidence and competence.

By the end of the course, participants will be fully equipped to deliver high-quality, FMCSA-compliant CDL instruction tailored to the needs of diverse adult learners.

Note: This workshop is designed specifically for local agencies and private firms establishing internal CDL training programs. Please note that this session does not provide certification to become an individual driving instructor.

Registration

  • Register to attend
  • Cost: Free
  • Only ONE employee per agency may register (cannot have multiple employees register for different dates).
  • Dates are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Preferred dates are not guaranteed.

Please let us know how we can ensure that this workshop is inclusive to you. What accommodations or access needs can we help facilitate? Contact Mike Eveslage at [email protected] when you register to help us provide you with the best access.

Agenda

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Day One

7:30 a.m.—Welcome with light breakfast and refreshments provided

8:00 a.m.—Training Provider Registry (TPR)

10:00 a.m.—Morning break (provided)

10:15 a.m.—Federal requirements for ELDT training

12:00 p.m.—Lunch (provided)

1:00 p.m.—Theory (classroom) requirements

3:00 p.m.—Afternoon break (provided)

3:15 p.m.—Range and road instructions

5:00 p.m.—Day one adjourns

Day Two

7:30 a.m.—Light breakfast and refreshments provided

8:00 a.m.—Introduction to Truck Weight

10:00 a.m.—Morning break (provided)

10:15 a.m.—State Patrol enforcement/regulations/overview

12:00 p.m.—Lunch

1:00 p.m.—Commercial Motor Vehicle: Inspections/pretrip process

2:30 p.m.—Afternoon break (provided)

2:45 p.m.—State of Minnesota CDL exam services

5:00 p.m.—Day two adjourns

Day Three

7:30 a.m.—Light breakfast and refreshments provided

8:00 a.m.—Teaching and learning basics

9:00 a.m.—Logbook 101

10:00 a.m.—Morning break

10:15 a.m.—FMCSA requirements for CDL drivers

12:00 p.m.—Lunch (provided)

1:00 p.m.—Training Provider Registry (TPR) practical

3:00 p.m.—CDL Workshop adjourns

Who Should Attend

Moving from the cab to the classroom requires a new set of gears. This workshop is designed for experienced CDL drivers ready to transition into instructional roles and for current instructors seeking to align their methods with the latest FMCSA regulations and best practices. This workshop addresses the necessary framework to build and maintain a premier in-house training program.

Course Instructor

Diann Wilson is an experienced educator who combines hands-on experience with effective research practices to produce an effective adult learning environment. She is a nationally certified master trainer from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and has received certified national instructor training from the National Highway Institute. Diann has developed online curriculum for Virginia DOT, University of Virginia, Oklahoma State University LTAP, Indiana LTAP, the FHWA, and OKC MetroTech Technology Center. She has been the owner and consultant for Winning Strategies for 22 years, served as a reserve deputy for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department, and was a speaker for Victim’s Impact Panel for 22 years. 

Guest speakers will also be joining throughout the workshop representing industry, the Truck-Weight Education Program, and law enforcement. 

Credit

This course is eligible for 3.0 Roads Scholar Program Maintenance Certificate credits.

Questions?

Please contact [email protected].

Sponsors

This workshop is funded by the C.H. Robinson Foundation.

C.H. Robinson Foundation logo