Get Back on the Road with Smart CDL Academy's Refresher Course
Specialized training for experienced drivers returning to the industry or removing restrictions
CDL Refresher Course for Former Truck Drivers
Are you a former truck driver looking to return to the road? Whether you’ve been away from the industry for a few months or a few years, Smart CDL Academy’s CDL Refresher Course is designed to help you regain your confidence, update your driving skills, and requalify for top trucking jobs.
With hands-on instruction, personalized training plans, and flexible scheduling, our refresher program is ideal for commercial drivers who already have a CDL license but need a brush-up before re-entering the workforce.
Top-Rated Training + Job Placement Support
Who Is This Course For?
Our CDL Refresher Course is tailored for a wide range of experienced drivers, including:
Drivers with inactive or expired CDLs who want to regain active driving status.
Drivers returning after a career break due to personal, family, or health reasons.
Retired drivers re-entering the workforce or switching companies.
Drivers who’ve been out of practice and want to sharpen their skills before applying for new jobs.
CDL holders needing a confidence boost behind the wheel after time off.
If you’ve been out of the industry for any length of time, truck driving technology, regulations, or vehicle standards may have changed. This course helps you stay compliant and competitive in today’s fast-paced freight industry.
What Skills Are Re-Evaluated?
Smart CDL Academy’s refresher program is hands-on and customizable. We focus on refreshing the critical skills you need to pass evaluations, return to driving, and stay safe on the road. You’ll work one-on-one with experienced instructors in real commercial trucks.
Our refresher curriculum includes:
✅ Backing Techniques
Backing is one of the most challenging skills for returning drivers. We provide extensive practice in:
Straight line backing
Alley dock backing
Parallel and offset backing
Backing in confined spaces
✅ Shifting Gears
Depending on whether you trained with an automatic or manual transmission, we’ll help you:
Master proper gear shifts
Learn progressive shifting
Reduce wear on the transmission
Shift safely on grades and turns
Note: We offer both manual and automatic transmission trucks to suit your learning preference or employer requirements.
✅ On-the-Road Driving
Sharpen your highway and city driving techniques:
Turning radius and lane positioning
Traffic merging and lane changes
Defensive driving techniques
Pre-trip inspections and safety checks
Handling diverse weather and terrain
✅ CDL Compliance Knowledge
While this is not a full theory course, we’ll also update you on:
Hours of Service (HOS) rules
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) regulations
Drug/alcohol testing requirements
New FMCSA rules and safety guidelines
Flexible Scheduling That Works for You
We understand that returning drivers often juggle busy schedules, other jobs, or family responsibilities. That’s why Smart CDL Academy offers flexible training sessions, including:
Weekday, evening, and weekend availability
1-on-1 or small group sessions
Pay-as-you-go or package options
Accelerated or extended timelines based on your pace
Whether you want to finish in a few days or spread it out over a few weeks, our instructors will tailor your program to fit your goals and availability.
Top-Rated Training + Job Placement Support
Rebuild Confidence Before Job Applications
Even with prior experience, returning to the road can feel intimidating. That’s why our program is designed to do more than just refresh your skills — it’s here to rebuild your confidence as a professional driver.
We help you:
Brush up on interview skills
Update your resume
Understand what recruiters are looking for
Prepare for road tests or re-certifications
And when you’re ready, we’ll connect you with reputable carrier partners who are actively hiring experienced drivers like you — often with sign-on bonuses and better pay.
Why Choose Smart CDL Academy?
Smart CDL Academy isn’t just a training school — it’s a driver success partner. Here’s why returning drivers choose us:
✔ Experienced Instructors
Our instructors are seasoned professionals with years of OTR and local driving experience. They understand your concerns and offer patient, real-world guidance.
✔ Hands-On Equipment
Train on the same kind of commercial vehicles you’ll be using on the job — both manual and automatic.
✔ Personalized Approach
No two returning drivers are the same. We’ll assess your skill level and design a refresher plan just for you.
✔ Job Placement Support
We actively partner with local and national carriers and help match you with the right job after your training.
✔ Trusted by Employers
Our graduates are respected by companies who value safety, experience, and professionalism — and many come back for refresher training before switching employers.
Enroll Today & Get Back Behind the Wheel
Your experience is valuable — don’t let time off hold you back. Whether you’ve been away for months or years, our CDL Refresher Course is the fastest and safest way to get back on the road and reclaim your career. Contact our admissions team today 972-989-6450
