Class C CDL Passenger & HazMat Training
Transport 16 or more passengers or haul hazardous materials in vehicles not covered by Class A or B. VSP's Class C program prepares you for school bus, shuttle, and specialty transport careers.
Class C
CDL License
FMCSA
Certified ELDT
Mon–Fri
8 AM – 5 PM
NM & TX
Training Locations
Is Class C CDL Training Right for You?
Class C covers vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding — that don't meet Class A or B weight thresholds. This program is designed for:
- Prospective school bus drivers (requires additional S endorsement)
- Shuttle bus and transit van drivers transporting 16+ passengers
- Drivers transporting hazardous materials in smaller vehicles
- Paratransit and medical transport drivers
- Anyone pursuing Class C-Passenger specialty routes in New Mexico or Texas
VSP offers both Class C and Class C-Passenger programs.
Call (575) 825-9202 to discuss which Class C program fits your career goals.
Class C CDL Training
Passenger transport and HazMat — specialized and in demand.
What You'll Learn
Classroom Instruction
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
- Passenger safety rules and emergency procedures
- Pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection
- Hazardous materials awareness and placarding basics
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules
- Defensive driving and accident prevention
- Driver conduct and passenger management
Behind-the-Wheel Training
- Pre-trip inspection of passenger vehicles
- Safe passenger loading and unloading procedures
- Railroad crossing procedures (required for bus drivers)
- City street and highway driving
- Turning, lane changes, and intersection navigation
- Emergency exit and evacuation procedures
- Backing and parking maneuvers
Inside the VSP Training Week
Class C training at VSP combines classroom knowledge with hands-on vehicle operation. You'll work directly with instructors on the specific skills required for passenger transport and HazMat endorsements.
Classroom
Pre-Trip Inspection
Hands-On Training
What to Expect During Training
Schedule
Monday – Friday
Hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Format
Classroom + Behind-the-Wheel
Location
Portales, NM
ELDT Included
Yes — FMCSA Required
TPR Registration
Handled by VSP
Each training day combines classroom instruction with hands-on behind-the-wheel time. Passenger vehicle training includes specific procedures for safe loading, unloading, and emergency management that are tested on the CDL skills exam.
What You Need Before You Start
- Valid driver's license (any class) — required before training begins
- DOT physical / medical certificate from a certified medical examiner
- Ability to pass a DOT drug screen
- No disqualifying criminal history (reviewed case-by-case)
- Clean driving record — no major violations that would disqualify CDL issuance
- Commitment to the full Monday–Friday training schedule
- Payment in full prior to class — VSP does not offer payment plans
School Bus (S) Endorsement Note
Driving a school bus requires a Class B or C CDL plus both the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. Additional background check requirements apply for school bus drivers in New Mexico. Call VSP to discuss your specific situation.
Expert Instruction
30+ years training safe commercial drivers.
Training Equipment
Train on the vehicles you'll actually drive.
How to Get Started
Complete the Pre-Enrollment Checklist
Fill out VSP's 7-step online form covering your background, driving record, safety history, and career goals.
Call VSP to Reserve Your Class
Call (575) 825-9202 to confirm availability and reserve your seat. Payment in full is required to hold your spot.
Attend Training
Show up Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM for your scheduled training week. Bring your valid driver's license and DOT medical certificate.
Pass Your CDL Tests
After VSP training, take your state CDL knowledge and skills tests. Pass both and you'll receive your Class C CDL.