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An NTC training truck parked in front of the CDL Training Center.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Center

Located adjacent to the Merrill Public Safety Center of Excellence, NTC’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Center provides an environment where students prepare for careers in commercial transportation by earning a CDL Class A for tractor-trailers or a Class B for straight trucks. Through real-world driving experiences and industry-focused training, learners build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to safely operate commercial vehicles and meet workforce demands.

An NTC truck pulling around the front of the CDL Training Center, while another truck sits in the open bay.
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The CDL Training Center creates an immersive, hands-on learning environment where students develop the driving, inspection and safety skills needed to operate commercial vehicles with confidence. Through a combination of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, learners gain practical experience in real-world driving scenarios that reflect current industry standards and workforce expectations.

Facilities & Equipment

A Training Center Built for the Road

Designed to support a variety of learning styles, the facility provides opportunities to practice vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections and regulatory requirements. Whether pursuing a CDL Class A for tractor-trailers or a CDL Class B for straight trucks, students build the knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed for successful careers in transportation.
Two NTC training trucks sitting side by side on the paved driving range

Paved Driving Range

Students develop confidence and precision by practicing challenging backing maneuvers and vehicle control skills in a spacious paved training area designed to replicate real world driving situations.

CDL Training Center training bay with concrete floor, high white walls, overhead lights; row of tool cabinets, lockers, workbenches, and service carts along wall.

Indoor Training Bays

Two indoor training bays provide year-round opportunities to practice pre-trip inspections and test preparation, allowing students to continue hands-on training regardless of weather conditions.

Training room with three rows of tables and gray chairs facing a large flat-screen monitor, whiteboard, clock, and windows on a teal wall.

Classrooms

Dedicated classroom spaces support instruction in commercial vehicle safety, trip planning, hours-of-service regulations and logbook management, helping students build the knowledge required for successful CDL careers.

A flatbed training truck parked on the paved driving range.

Commercial Vehicles

Students gain hands-on experience operating both automatic and manual transmission commercial vehicles, preparing them to work with the equipment commonly used throughout the industry.

Practice truck shifters used in VR driving training, lined up on shelves and mounted on blue Northcentral Technical College bases.

Virtual Reality Training Technology

Advanced virtual reality training devices provide an alternative, immersive learning experience that allows students to practice skills, explore driving scenarios and build confidence in a controlled environment.

Training Offered

NTC offers two paths into a career in commercial transportation, each pairing classroom instruction with real-world experience behind the wheel. Whether students are working toward a Class A license for tractor-trailers or a Class B license for straight trucks, they’ll build the skills, confidence and credentials employers across the region are looking for:

Two NTC training trucks sitting side by side on the paved driving range
Built Around Real Life

Flexible Options

Starting a new career shouldn’t mean putting the rest of life on hold. NTC’s flexible training options make it possible for students to begin when they’re ready and learn in a way that fits their schedule, their responsibilities and their goals.

  • “Drive Your Way”

    NTC’s flexible “Drive Your Way” model gives students the flexibility to begin training when it works for them and progress at a pace that fits their personal and professional responsibilities while still receiving expert instruction.

  • Hybrid Learning

    Students complete online coursework while participating in face-to-face driving and skills training, creating a flexible learning experience that combines convenience with practical, real-world application.

Location & Hours

Please note: faculty are not always at the Training Center as they may be on the training pad or on the road with students.

Address

1204 W Taylor St, Merrill, WI 54452

Hours of Operation

  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
An NTC truck pulling around the front of the CDL Training Center, while another truck sits in the open bay.
More Information

Have Questions About the CDL Training Center?

If you have any questions about the CDL Training Center, or would like more information about the training available, please contact Howard or Billy.

Howard Pulkowski

CDL Instructor
pulkowski@ntc.edu

Billy Leggett

CDL Instructor
leggett@ntc.edu