CDL Pre-Licensing Program by and for
Justice-Involved Individuals

First Step Alliance has partnered with Switching Lanes with Wayne, founded by Wayne Lane, one of our entrepreneurship program graduates, to offer Fresh Start CDL Licensing. Wayne is a fully accredited CDL instructor with more than 10 years of industry experience. In collaboration with a number of community organizations and correctional facilities, he has supported many individuals in obtaining their CDL license, "creating pathways for personal and professional success, regardless of one’s circumstances."    

 

This introductory course is designed to prepare people for careers in commercial truck driving and is grounded in real-life experience, empathy, and a shared commitment to second chances. The curriculum combines technical instruction with personal development, career readiness, and financial education tailored to the needs of returning citizens. The program introduces participants to the trucking industry, outlines the steps needed to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and offers guidance from experienced mentors who’ve walked a similar path. Wayne brings a unique teaching style shaped by his own journey from incarceration to professional driving and instruction.

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​What Participants Will Learn​

 

• An understanding of CDL licensing requirements

• Overview of license classes (A, B), permit exams, medical certifications, and state-specific processes

• Introductory vehicle and safety training

• Basic concepts of truck operation, pre-trip inspections, and Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations

• Workforce readiness & soft skills

• Job search strategies for the transportation sector

• Financial empowerment, including budgeting, saving, and building credit ​​

 

Fresh Start CDL Licensing is a stepping stone to full CDL certification and helps participants build confidence, community, and a plan for the future. ​​