Student Resources

Starting a new career in commercial driving is a big step, and we are here to make sure you have everything you need to hit the ground running. From permit preparation to funding guidance, these resources are designed to support you through every mile of your training.

A large semi-truck parked on a gravel lot with orange traffic cones arranged around it, and a person taking a photo in the background with a blue sky and green trees.

Essential Downloadable Links

Prepare for your classroom sessions and written exams by reviewing these official materials:

Official Wyoming CDL Manual (PDF): The core textbook for your training, provided by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
Official CDL Practice Tests: Free, Wyoming-specific practice exams for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles, offered through a partnership between WYDOT and Driving-Tests.org.
Wyoming DOT Driver's Handbook: A helpful resource for reviewing basic road rules and safety standards.

Preparation Checklist

To get the most out of your 4-week program, we recommend having these items ready before your first day of class:

Documentation: Please have your valid driver’s license and 10-year driving record ready for your files.
Prepare: Read chapters 2, 5, and 6 of the Wyoming DOT Driver’s Handbook.

Navigating Tuition & Funding

We understand that the cost of training is an investment in your future. We work with several local and state agencies to help students find the path that works for them:

Gillette Workforce Center: Your primary local contact for training grants. You can reach them at (307) 682-9313 or visit them at 551 Running W Drive.
Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA): A federal program designed to help Wyoming residents prepare for in-demand careers like transportation.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Provides training services and support for eligible individuals launching new career paths.

Three men sitting inside a vehicle, with one man in the driver's seat wearing sunglasses and a cap, and two men sitting behind him—one in an orange shirt and the other in a camouflage shirt.

Four people working on the wheels of a large semi-truck trailer parked on a cracked pavement under a clear blue sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our intensive Class A course is designed to get you job-ready in just four weeks (20 days). We focus on maximizing your behind-the-wheel time to ensure you are confident and prepared by graduation.
We keep our schedule consistent and accessible—new classes start every Tuesday at our Gillette facility.
No, our program is designed to expedite the permitting process, so we will assist you in obtaining the permit.
Mountain West CDL Schools is a State of Wyoming 3rd Party Examiner, or State of Wyoming CDL Examiner
Yes. We work closely with several agencies including Wyoming Workforce Services (WIOA) and Vocational Rehabilitation. We recommend contacting the Gillette Workforce Center to see if you qualify for training grants or vouchers.
To ensure you get the personalized coaching you need, we maintain a 3-to-1 student-to-trainer ratio. This small class size is a major part of our high success rate.
You will train on a variety of tractor-trailers and have access to our state-of-the-art driving simulator, which allows you to practice gear shifting and emergency maneuvers in a safe, controlled environment.
We maintain strong corporate alliances with national, local, and regional trucking companies. Motivated students will have a job lined up before they even graduate from our program. We keep an updated list of companies actively seeking CDL drivers.

Still Have Questions?
We’re Here to Help.

At Mountain West CDL, we know that starting a new career can feel like a big mountain to climb, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re curious about our simulator training, need help navigating state funding, or are traveling from out of town and want to tour the facility, our doors are always open. Since 2001, we’ve been the trusted starting point for drivers from across the region, and we’re ready to help you find your way to the driver’s seat.