WHAT IS COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVING?
The trucking industry is a critical resource to the U.S. economy that is estimated to move 10.5 billion tons of freight each year. Commercial truck driving is a higher-level truck driving profession that requires knowledge, experience, skills and physical abilities that often exceed non-commercial driving standards. The 6-week Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program at Enterprise State Community College provides the comprehensive, technical training that is necessary to obtain a Class “A” CDL in Alabama in order to work as a commercial truck driver.
A Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles: tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tank vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.
The instruction that truck driving school candidates receive in ESCC’s CDL training program meets the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the State of Alabama. The College teaches six to eight CDL classes each year on the campus of the Alabama Aviation College.
STRENGTHS
ALERTNESS
Responsive to the road and driving conditions, and able to comply with standards for rest.
INDEPENDENCE
Capability to handle long stretches of time driving alone and having sole responsibility for the truck and the goods it transports.
IMPECCABLE DRIVING RECORD
Trucking company assurance of safety for all drivers, vehicles and freight. Good drivers are also cheaper to insure and keep costs of vehicle operation down.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Excellent soft skills, such as respect and time management, when dealing with clients who are either shipping or receiving freight carried in the truck.
TRUCK MECHANICS KNOWLEDGE
Basic knowledge of how a truck operates and basic maintenance, such as changing a tire.
PHYSICAL STAMINA
Strength to load and unload freight.
What do
you learn?
The safe transportation of cargo and passengers, hazardous materials differentiation, pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control skills and on-road driving techniques are among the basic skills covered in the 6-week class. The College offers internal certification of graduate competencies and external licensure of graduates by the Alabama Commercial Driver’s License Division.
Admission
Requirements
- Complete a Commercial Truck Driving Admission Application
- 18 years of age or older
- Valid Alabama Driver’s License
- Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR)
- Class A CDL Permit (Must Pass general knowledge, combinations, and air brakes portions)
- DOT Physical and Drug Screen (Prospective students must receive a voucher from the Alabama Aviation College for a free physical and drug screening) NOTE: In compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, a Motor Vehicle Report, students must provide a copy of their Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and the results of DOT physical and controlled substance tests to the instructor by the first day of class.
**Classes meet Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7-11 a.m.
CDL Application (April 29 – June 10 Class)
What can I do with
this program?
If your idea of an exciting job is being on the open road instead of behind a desk, consider training for a Class A commercial driver’s license. In addition to working as a local, regional or over-the-road truck driver for a dedicated company – or as an entrepreneur – a Class A CDL holder may work as a supervisor, truck driver, CDL training instructor, mechanic, or bus driver.
Financial Assistance:
100% funding is available through the Alabama Career Center. For information regarding eligibility and application for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), please contact an Alabama Career Center:
- Enterprise Career Center (334) 347-0044
- Eufaula Career Center (334) 687-8251
- Ozark Career Center (334) 443-2000
- Dothan Career Center (334) 792-2121
- Troy Career Center (334) 566-3920
- Or the Career Center near you!
Program Costs & Fees:
Tuition: $3,500
Approximately $14.58 Per Clock Hour
*Tuition must be paid PRIOR TO the first day of class
additional expenses:
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR): $5.75
- CDL Learner’s Permit Certification: $36.25
- CDL Learner’s Permit General Knowledge Test: $25.00
For more information, please contact:
Valeria Pryor – Admissions and Records Assistant
Phone: 334-347-2623 x3657
Email: vpryor@escc.edu
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1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics