About Commercial Driving School (CDS of NH)
Commercial Driving School, LLC (also known as CDS Auto School) is New Hampshire's only private auto and CDL driver education school. Established on January 9, 2009, we have committed ourselves to helping New Hampshire residents acquire driver's licenses and professional driving credentials. Since our founding, we have successfully trained several thousand students through our comprehensive driver education and commercial driver training programs.
We take pride in our small student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring every student receives the personalized attention and assistance they need to become safe, confident drivers. Our professional staff brings dedication, expertise, and years of experience to every class. All of our instructors hold state-required certifications and maintain clean driving and criminal records, along with proof of college completion as mandated by New Hampshire law.
CDS offers a unique combination of services that sets us apart: we provide both teen and adult driver education with behind-the-wheel training for passenger vehicles, AND we offer comprehensive CDL (Commercial Driver's License) theory courses online. We are proud members of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and maintain all required state and federal certifications.
Important Note: We no longer offer behind-the-wheel training for CDL. We now focus on online theory courses for CDL moving forward. However, CDS does offer CDL skills and behind-the-wheel training to companies on their own equipment at their own site - we are an approved TRAVELING TRAINER for corporate and fleet training.
Teen Driver's Education Program
What is included in the Driver's Education course?
Commercial Driving School's comprehensive Driver's Education program includes 15 hours of classroom education, 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor, and 6 hours of observation (watching a classmate during their scheduled drive time). This meets all New Hampshire state requirements for teen driver education and prepares students thoroughly for their road test.
Driver's Education Course Details
Who can take Driver's Education? Teens must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to enroll in our Driver's Education course. This is a NH state requirement. Students must be New Hampshire residents to take Driver's Ed at our school.
What does the course include?
- 15 Hours Classroom Education: In-person classroom instruction covering traffic laws, safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, and road rules as required by NH law. Classes are held in the evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- 10 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Instruction: One-on-one driving instruction with a certified instructor in our vehicles. Students learn practical driving skills, maneuvering, parking, highway driving, and more.
- 6 Hours Observation: Students observe their classmates during driving lessons, learning from watching others and understanding instructor feedback.
- NH DMV Driving Log: Provided via email upon enrollment
- NH Driver's Manual: Provided (hard copies available free at DMV)
Important: All classroom instruction is in-person as required by New Hampshire law. NH does not allow online Driver Education courses.
Driver's Education Pricing:
- Total Tuition: $875 per student
- Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 (required to reserve your spot)
- Remaining Balance: $575 (must be paid in full two weeks before course starts)
Note: The $300 deposit is non-refundable. Remaining tuition balances are refundable prior to the start of your chosen course. Tuition must be paid in full before starting - no late payments accepted.
Course Schedules
How long is the Driver's Ed course? We offer two scheduling options to accommodate different needs:
- 6-Week Course: Meets three evenings per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- 8-Week Course: Meets two evenings per week (Monday, Tuesday) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Both courses cover the same material and provide the same quality instruction - you can choose the schedule that works best for your family.
Prerequisites and Requirements
What do students need before starting Driver's Ed?
- Must be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- Must show driving log with at least 12 hours of varied practice recorded with a legal parent/guardian (required before starting)
- Must bring birth certificate or passport to verify age and date of birth
- Read and sign the driver education contract (with a legal parent/guardian)
- If student has an IEP or 504 plan, please inform us so we can provide appropriate accommodations
What Happens After Driver's Ed?
What do students need to do to get their license? After completing Driver's Education at CDS, students must:
- Turn in all required paperwork to the DMV
- Pass the DMV written knowledge test
- Schedule and pass the DMV road test (students must provide their own vehicle - NH requires this)
We can assist students with scheduling DMV tests if requested. Our students who complete formal Driver's Education have an 80% pass rate statewide - significantly higher than students who don't take Driver's Ed.
Adult Driving Lessons
Do you offer driving lessons for adults?
Yes! Commercial Driving School welcomes adults of any age who want to learn to drive or improve their driving skills. Adults can choose to take the entire Driver's Education course (same as teens) or schedule private driving-only lessons based on their needs.
What are private driving lessons?
Private driving lessons are one-on-one behind-the-wheel instruction sessions with our certified instructors. These lessons are ideal for:
- Adults learning to drive for the first time
- Drivers who want to refresh their skills
- People preparing for their road test
- Individuals who want focused practice on specific skills (highway driving, parallel parking, etc.)
- New residents who need to familiarize themselves with NH roads and driving conditions
Private lessons are scheduled at times that work for your schedule. Call us at (603) 715-2559 to discuss your needs and schedule private lessons.
CDL Theory Courses (Entry Level Driver Training)
What CDL courses does Commercial Driving School offer?
CDS offers comprehensive online CDL theory courses that meet FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. All theory courses are self-paced and accessible from anywhere in the country with unlimited logins. Students can take our CDL courses regardless of their state of residence.
Available CDL Theory Courses
CDL-A ELDT Theory Course - $299
What is this course? The CDL-A (Class A) Entry Level Driver Training theory course prepares students for the written knowledge portion of obtaining a Class A Commercial Driver's License. Class A CDL allows operation of combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Course Duration: Most students complete this course in 8-10 hours. The course is self-paced with unlimited logins.
Passing Requirements: 80% or higher on all assessments (as required by FMCSA)
CDL-B ELDT Theory Course - $249
What is this course? The CDL-B (Class B) Entry Level Driver Training theory course prepares students for Class B CDL written knowledge requirements. Class B CDL allows operation of single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or vehicles towing trailers under 10,000 pounds.
Course Duration: Most students complete this course in 8-10 hours. Self-paced with unlimited logins.
Passing Requirements: 80% or higher on all assessments
Upgrade ELDT - $249
What is this course? The Upgrade ELDT course is for drivers who already hold a CDL and want to upgrade their license class (for example, from Class B to Class A).
Course Duration: Typically 2-3 hours to complete. Self-paced with unlimited logins.
Passing Requirements: 80% or higher
Hazmat ELDT Theory - $99
What is this course? The Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) ELDT course is required for drivers seeking to add a Hazmat endorsement to their CDL. This is a 3-hour in-person course held at our Concord location.
Course Duration: 3 hours in-person
Important: Unlike our other CDL courses, Hazmat ELDT must be taken in person.
CDL Course Pricing Summary
- CDL-A ELDT Theory: $299 (8-10 hours, online, self-paced)
- CDL-B ELDT Theory: $249 (8-10 hours, online, self-paced)
- Upgrade ELDT: $249 (2-3 hours, online, self-paced)
- Hazmat ELDT Theory: $99 (3 hours, in-person at Concord location)
- Passenger Endorsement: (2-3 hours, online, self-paced)
Important Information About CDL Training
Do you offer behind-the-wheel CDL training? We can provide BTW training if you can provide the proper equipment for *Off-Road and On-Road Skills (*Off-Road lot will have to meet space requirements – we can look at your lot and tell you if it is possible).
Corporate/Fleet Training: CDS DOES offer CDL skills and behind-the-wheel training to companies on their own equipment at their own location. We are an approved TRAVELING TRAINER. Cost is $150 per hour for on-site CDL training with your DOT-ready commercial vehicles. Call us for details on corporate and fleet training programs.
How CDL Online Courses Work
- Self-Paced: Complete coursework on your own schedule
- Unlimited Logins: Access course materials as many times as needed
- Available Nationwide: Take courses from anywhere in the United States
- FMCSA Compliant: All courses meet federal ELDT requirements
- 80% Passing Grade Required: Federal requirement for ELDT certification
Driver Improvement and Court-Ordered Programs
Driver Improvement Program - $50
What is the Driver Improvement Program? This program is designed for drivers who have accumulated demerit points on their driving record and wish to have those points forgiven. The course can be taken voluntarily to improve your driving record or may be ordered by a prosecutor as part of a court agreement.
Who should take this course?
- Drivers who have accumulated demerit points and want to reduce them
- Drivers ordered by a prosecutor or court to complete driver improvement
- Anyone wanting to refresh their knowledge of safe driving practices
Schedule: Held every other Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at our Concord location.
Cost: $50 per person
Habitual Offender Program - $75
What is the Habitual Offender Program? This is an 8-hour course required for drivers who have been classified as habitual offenders by the state. This course can ONLY be taken if ordered by a prosecutor or judge - it is not voluntary.
Requirements:
- Must have a court or prosecutor order to take this course
- Must complete all 8 hours of instruction
Cost: $75 per person
Schedule: Contact us to schedule after receiving your court order.
Driver Attitude Course
We also offer Driver Attitude courses which are typically court-ordered. These courses address safe driving attitudes and decision-making. Contact us for availability and pricing if you have been ordered by a court to complete this course.
Professional CDL Training Courses
Corporate and Fleet Training Services
Commercial Driving School offers specialized training for trucking companies, fleet operators, and CDL driver supervisors. We can provide on-site training at your location with your equipment, or you can attend courses at our facility in Concord.
CSA Refresher Course - $150
What is the CSA Refresher? CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) was enacted by the FMCSA in January 2010. This 3-hour in-person course teaches truck drivers and supervisors about CSA rules, regulations, and how they affect CDL holders and carriers.
Who needs this course?
- Truck drivers who need to understand CSA compliance
- Supervisors and managers of CDL drivers
- Fleet safety coordinators
- Anyone wanting to learn about FMCSA safety regulations
Cost: $150 per person (in-person classroom instruction)
Duration: 3 hours
D+A Reasonable Suspicion Training - $150
What is D+A Reasonable Suspicion Training? Per FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 382.603, supervisors of CDL drivers must complete specific training on recognizing substance abuse. This course meets federal requirements with 60 minutes of training on symptoms of alcohol abuse and 60 minutes of training on symptoms of controlled substance abuse.
Who must take this course?
- Supervisors and managers of CDL drivers (federal requirement)
- Fleet safety managers
- Anyone in a supervisory role over commercial drivers
Cost: $150 per person (in-person instruction)
Duration: 3 hours (2 hours of required training plus additional content)
HOS Refresher Course - $150
What is the HOS Refresher? HOS (Hours of Service) regulations in 49 CFR Part 395 govern how many hours CDL drivers can work and drive. This course ensures CDL drivers and their supervisors understand these critical federal compliance rules.
Who needs this course?
- CDL drivers who need to refresh their knowledge of HOS rules
- CDL driver supervisors and dispatchers
- Fleet managers and compliance officers
- Anyone responsible for ensuring HOS compliance
Cost: $150 per person (in-person instruction)
Duration: 3 hours
On-Site Corporate Training
Do you offer custom training at our company location? Yes! Commercial Driving School provides on-site CDL training at your facility using your equipment. We are an approved TRAVELING TRAINER for:
- Behind-the-wheel CDL skills training on your DOT-ready commercial vehicles
- Custom theory and compliance training
- Fleet driver evaluation and coaching
- Safety training programs
On-Site Training Cost: $150 per hour
Availability: Can be scheduled on weekends or weekdays based on your needs
Call (603) 715-2559 to discuss your company's training needs and schedule custom programs.
Complete Pricing and Course Duration Information
Driver's Education
- Teen Driver's Ed (15+ yrs, 9 months): $875 total ($300 non-refundable deposit + $575 balance)
- Adult Driver's Ed: $875 (same as teen program)
- Private Adult Lessons: Contact for pricing
- Duration: 6 weeks (W/TH/F) or 8 weeks (M/Tu), classes 6-8pm
- Includes: 15 hrs classroom + 10 hrs behind-the-wheel + 6 hrs observation
CDL Theory Courses (ELDT)
- CDL-A ELDT Theory: $299 (online, 8-10 hours)
- CDL-B ELDT Theory: $249 (online, 8-10 hours)
- Upgrade ELDT: $249 (online, 2-3 hours)
- Hazmat ELDT Theory: $99 (in-person, 3 hours)
- Passenger Endorsement: Contact for pricing (online, 2-3 hours)
- All courses: Self-paced, unlimited logins, 80% passing grade required
Driver Improvement & Court-Ordered Programs
- Driver Improvement Program: $50 per person (every other Saturday, 8:30am-3pm)
- Habitual Offender Program: $75 per person (8 hours, court-ordered only)
- Driver Attitude Course: Contact for pricing (court-ordered)
Professional CDL Training
- CSA Refresher: $150 per person (3 hours, in-person)
- D+A Reasonable Suspicion: $150 per person (3 hours, in-person)
- HOS Refresher: $150 per person (3 hours, in-person)
- On-Site Corporate Training: $150 per hour (traveling trainer)
Payment Policies
- Accepted Methods: Cash, check (to Commercial Driving School), credit card, PayPal (with processing fees)
- Driver's Ed Deposit: $300 non-refundable deposit required to reserve spot
- Payment Timing: Full tuition must be paid 2 weeks before course starts - no late payments
- Refunds: Deposits are non-refundable; remaining balances refundable before course starts
- Payment Plans: Not available
- Scholarships: Available through State of NH and private organizations
How to Enroll
Enrolling in Driver's Education
What is the enrollment process?
- Complete Registration Form: Fill out the online registration form on our website (preferred first step)
- Schedule In-Person Appointment: After submitting your form, schedule an appointment to bring required documentation
- Bring Required Documents:
- Student's birth certificate or passport (to verify age and date of birth)
- Completed driving log showing at least 12 hours of practice with parent/guardian
- IEP or 504 plan documentation (if applicable)
- Pay Deposit: $300 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
- Provide Student Information:
- Student's full name (as on birth certificate, including middle name)
- Whether student has IEP/504 and any accommodations needed
- Student's phone number and personal email (school emails block communication)
- Parent/Guardian name, phone, and email
- Pay Remaining Balance: Full tuition ($875 total) must be paid two weeks before your course starts
- Receive Confirmation: We'll email confirmation and course details
Important Notes:
- We cannot hold spots without the $300 deposit
- Students must have 12 hours of practice logged before starting the course
- No payments accepted on first day of class - everything must be paid beforehand
- Waiting list available for future courses (but does not guarantee enrollment)
Enrolling in CDL Courses
For CDL theory courses, visit our website or call (603) 715-2559 to enroll. Online courses can be started immediately upon payment.
Enrolling in Other Programs
For Driver Improvement, Habitual Offender, or professional training courses, call (603) 715-2559 to check availability and schedule. Some courses require court orders or specific documentation.
Service Area
What areas does Commercial Driving School serve?
For Driver's Education (teen and adult), we serve the entire state of New Hampshire. Students must be New Hampshire residents to enroll in Driver's Ed. Our services extend as far as parents and guardians are willing to commute to our Concord location for classes.
We are centrally located in Concord, making us accessible from communities throughout New Hampshire including:
- Concord area (Concord, Pembroke, Canterbury, Loudon, Chichester, Epsom)
- Lakes Region (Laconia, Meredith, Gilford, Belmont, Franklin, Tilton, Northfield)
- Capital Region (Bow, Hooksett, Allenstown)
- Merrimack Valley (Boscawen, Webster, Salisbury, Franklin)
- Greater Manchester area (willing to commute)
- Seacoast area (willing to commute)
Can I take courses online from anywhere in NH?
No, unfortunately New Hampshire law does not allow online Driver Education courses. All classroom instruction must be in-person. This is a state requirement, not our policy.
What about CDL courses?
Our CDL theory courses (ELDT) are available nationwide - students can take these online courses from anywhere in the United States. You do not need to be a NH resident to take our CDL courses.
Do you serve students from other states?
- Driver's Education: No, must be a New Hampshire resident
- CDL Theory Courses: Yes, available to students in all states
- Professional Training: Yes, we provide on-site corporate training anywhere companies need us
Success Rates and Student Outcomes
What is your success rate?
Students who complete formal Driver's Education at Commercial Driving School have an 80% pass rate for DMV road tests statewide. This is significantly higher than students who attempt the road test without formal driver education training.
How many students have you trained?
Since opening our doors on January 9, 2009, Commercial Driving School has successfully trained several thousand students throughout New Hampshire. Our graduates include teen drivers, adult learners, professional CDL drivers, and fleet operators.
What do students say about CDS?
We maintain a 4.5-star rating based on 40 reviews. Students and parents appreciate:
- Small student-to-instructor ratios ensuring personalized attention
- Friendly, communicative, and knowledgeable staff
- Comprehensive training that builds confidence
- Professional instructors with clean records and certifications
- Preparation that helps students pass DMV tests
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, all instructors at Commercial Driving School hold state-required instructor certifications. As mandated by New Hampshire law, our instructors must:
- Hold valid instructor certifications
- Maintain clean motor vehicle records
- Maintain clean criminal records
- Provide proof of college completion
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Driver's Ed cost?
Driver's Education costs $875 per student total. This includes a $300 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot, plus a $575 balance that must be paid two weeks before your course starts. This covers 15 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 6 hours of observation, all materials, and certification upon completion.
How long does Driver's Ed take?
We offer two schedule options: a 6-week course meeting three evenings per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), or an 8-week course meeting two evenings per week (Monday, Tuesday). Both courses run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and cover identical material.
What is the minimum age for Driver's Ed?
Students must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to enroll in Driver's Education in New Hampshire. This is a state requirement.
Do you offer Driver's Ed online?
No, New Hampshire law requires all Driver's Education classroom instruction to be conducted in person. We cannot offer online Driver's Ed courses - this is a state regulation, not our choice.
Can adults take Driver's Ed?
Yes! Adults of any age are welcome to take the entire Driver's Education course or schedule private driving-only lessons. Many adults choose our services if they're learning to drive for the first time, need to refresh their skills, or want practice before taking the road test.
How much do CDL courses cost?
CDL theory courses range from $99 to $299 depending on the course: CDL-A ELDT is $299, CDL-B ELDT is $249, Upgrade ELDT is $249, and Hazmat ELDT is $99. All courses except Hazmat are online and self-paced with unlimited logins.
Do you offer CDL behind-the-wheel training?
We no longer offer behind-the-wheel CDL training for individual students. We focus on online theory courses that meet FMCSA ELDT requirements. However, we DO offer behind-the-wheel CDL training to companies at their location using their DOT-ready equipment - we are an approved traveling trainer. Cost is $150 per hour for on-site corporate training.
Where do I go for CDL behind-the-wheel training after your theory course?
After completing our CDL theory course, most students arrange behind-the-wheel training through a trucking company's training program, company-sponsored CDL programs, or other CDL schools that offer skills training. Our theory certification is recognized nationwide.
Can I take CDL courses from out of state?
Yes! Our CDL theory courses are available to students anywhere in the United States. The courses are online, self-paced, and meet federal FMCSA requirements for Entry Level Driver Training.
What is the Driver Improvement Program?
The Driver Improvement Program is a course for drivers who have accumulated demerit points and wish to have them forgiven. It can be taken voluntarily or as ordered by a prosecutor. The course costs $50 and is held every other Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Do you accept walk-ins?
No, we prefer scheduled appointments due to staff availability. Please call ahead at (603) 715-2559 or email cdsofnhowner@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Are there payment plans available?
We do not offer payment plans. However, scholarships are available through the State of New Hampshire and various private organizations for students who qualify.
What if my student has an IEP or 504 plan?
We accommodate many students with IEPs and 504 plans. Please inform us when enrolling so we can discuss what accommodations we can provide to ensure your student's success.
Do you help students schedule their DMV road test?
Yes, we can assist students with scheduling DMV tests if requested. We're here to support you through the entire process of getting your license.
Do you provide a car for the road test?
No, the State of New Hampshire requires people taking road tests to provide their own vehicle. This is a DMV requirement we cannot change.
What are your refund policies?
The $300 deposit for Driver's Education is non-refundable once paid. Remaining tuition balances are refundable if you cancel prior to the start of your chosen course. No refunds after the course has begun.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We typically respond to phone calls and emails within one business day. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Are you affiliated with any organizations?
Yes, Commercial Driving School is a proud member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). We maintain all required state and federal certifications for driver education and CDL training.
What makes CDS different from other driving schools?
Commercial Driving School is New Hampshire's only private auto and CDL driver education school. We offer both passenger vehicle driver training AND commercial driver training under one roof. Our small student-to-instructor ratio ensures personalized attention, and our 80% pass rate speaks to the quality of our instruction. We've been serving New Hampshire since 2009 with thousands of successful graduates.
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