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Students Complete JCC’s Class A CDL Training Gaining
Behind the Wheel Experience in Winter Weather Conditions
Published: February 25, 2026
at 04:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Jefferson Community College
Students Complete Class A CDL Training Gaining Behind the Wheel Experience in Winter Weather
Conditions
 Watertown, N.Y. - Five
students successfully completed Jefferson Community College’s Commercial
Driver’s License (CDL) Class A training program on February 20, 2026,
gaining hands-on experience behind the wheel, including driving in winter
weather conditions. Jefferson’s CDL Class A training, offered in
partnership with The CDL Schools, took place at the Lewis County JCC
Education Center in Lowville.
Program
completers include John Case of Watertown, Tyler Forger of Clayton, Lane
Lyndaker of Adams, Nate Roof of Adams Center, and Rivver
Tourville of Turin.
“The success of
this cohort reflects the dedication of our students and the strength of our
regional partnerships,” said Joanna Brislan, Director of Military
Enrollment and Workforce Solutions at Jefferson. “Jefferson’s Class A CDL
program continues to meet critical workforce needs by preparing students
with the skills, confidence, and real-world winter driving experience
employers expect. Funding opportunities from The WorkPlace
help ensure that cost is never a barrier, allowing more individuals to step
into essential roles in our local transportation industry.”
Lyndaker is one
of four students in the cohort who received a
scholarship from The WorkPlace. “I was really
surprised to learn that funding was available,” he said. “It helped cover
costs and will allow me to invest in equipment.” After earning his Class A
license, Lyndaker plans to drive a lowboy truck for Blueline Heavy
Equipment Repair and Diesel Performance, his family-owned business.
Lyndaker adds, “I
was surprised by how in-depth the [CDL] program is. I didn’t know what to
expect and was pretty nervous at first, but the
instructors made me feel comfortable, which boosted my confidence. They
cover everything—from mechanics to driving—and getting winter driving
experience was a huge plus. I’d rather be driving truck in the winter, than
turning wrenches in the snow.”
The Class A CDL
program, offered in collaboration with The CDL Schools, began in January
2026. It prepared individuals to qualify for the Class A CDL Skills Test
and meet all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. The 192-hour curriculum
combines classroom instruction with extensive behind-the-wheel training to
prepare students for both the theoretical and practical components of
commercial driving.
The program is
divided into three parts. The first consists of 80 hours of classroom, lab,
and Learning Management System (LMS) instruction. Upon completion,
participants earn their ELDT Theory certification and are eligible to
obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The second portion includes 110
hours of behind-the-wheel instruction focused on meeting FMCSA range and
public road proficiency requirements for the Class A CDL skills test. The
final portion includes two hours dedicated to completing the state skills
test.
Training and
preparation for the CDL skills test on a manual transmission vehicle are
included in the program.
The Class A CDL
program supports regional workforce development by preparing students for
in-demand careers in transportation and logistics, while providing
real-world driving experience in a variety of conditions.
The next JCC CDL
Class A training will be held May 18 to June 15, 2026, in Watertown.
Registration deadline is May 8. To learn more and inquire about funding,
visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/cdl or
contact JCC Workforce Solutions at (315) 786-2233 or email ced@sunyjefferson.edu.
Photo Caption:
Students
successfully completed Jefferson Community College’s Commercial Driver’s
License (CDL) Class A training program on February 20, 2026, gaining
hands-on experience behind the wheel, including driving in winter weather
conditions. CDL Class A training, offered in partnership with The CDL
Schools, will be held May 18, 2026, to June 15, 2026
in Watertown. Registration deadline is May 8. To learn more and inquire
about funding, visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/cdl or call JCC Workforce
Solutions at (315) 786-2233. (l-r) Tyler Forger of Clayton, Rivver Tourville of Turin, Lane Lyndaker of Adams, John
Case of Watertown, Nate Roof of Adams Center, and Chris Letham, Instructor,
The CDL Schools.
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About Jefferson
Community College
Established on
November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area’s first
institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New
York (SUNY), Jefferson offers more than 50 associate degrees, certificates,
and microcredentials for career preparation and
transfer. The college also provides local access to bachelor’s and advanced
degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through workshops
and seminars; business and industry training; community-based research;
forums for the productive discussion of ideas and regional issues through
the Center for Community Studies; and cultural enrichment opportunities
that serve the entire tri-county region—Fort Drum’s military installation
among them. Jefferson, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher
Education, currently serves approximately 2,400 students, many of whom are
service members and their families. Visit www.sunyjefferson.edu for
more information.
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