Basic Truck Driving

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of becoming a professional commercial motor vehicle driver. Topics include orientation, control systems, vehicle inspections, reporting, basic control, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, proficiency development, and special rigs. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate proficiency in skill field tasks and pre-trip inspections to Commercial Drivers License standards.

Advanced Truck Driving

This course offers proper defensive driving techniques applicable to the commercial motor vehicle driver and involves the interaction between the student/vehicle and the highway traffic environment. Topics include visual search, communication, speed and space management, night operation, extreme driving conditions, and proficiency development. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate basic operating skills that ensure the driver’s safety and other vehicle operators to Commercial Driver’s License standards.

Non-Vehicle Activities

This course focuses on activities not directly related to the vehicle itself but related to the commercial motor vehicle driver’s potential job performance. Topics include preparation for CDL permit, entry-level CMV drivers basics (qualification, wellness, hours of service, whistleblower protection), handling cargo, cargo documentation, hours of service requirements, accident procedures, personal health and safety, trip planning, employability skills, and public and employer relations. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate these activities’ performance to Commercial Driver’s License standards to ensure safety to the driver, vehicle, cargo, and other motorists.

Vehicle Maintenance

This course introduces students to the vehicle’s various components and how they work so that malfunctions and safety hazards may be recognized before serious damages or accidents occur. Topics include vehicle systems, preventive maintenance and servicing, and diagnosing and reporting malfunctions. Upon completion, the student should perform routine service functions and simple maintenance tasks and recognize when a vehicle needs repairs.

Safe operating Practices

This course is designed for extended high-level skills training to cope with the roadway traffic environment’s hazards. Topics include hazard perception, emergency maneuvers, and skid control and recovery. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate perceptual skills to recognize potential hazards and the manipulative skills needed to handle the vehicle in an emergency.

• Third Party Test

  Use of our truck: $350.00

  Use of your/company truck: $200.00

  Third Party Cost

  Fee per hour: $165.00

  Fee per half hour: $85.00

   Third-Party Test Schedule Request Form & Policy

• • Minimum age of 18 years old
  • For application/registration information, please send an email request to kmcdaniel@trenholmstate.edu  or dfaust@trenholmstate.edu
  • Obtain the following and turn in all documentation with Application:
    • Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) – complete the form at this link: click here and take it to the ALEA – Driver License Division located at 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery 36102.
    • DOT Physical and Drug Screening – Click here for locations:
      Take This Letter With You
      Prior to obtaining drug screen, please contact Kristian McDaniel at 334-420-4411 for additional information.
    • Valid CDL Learner’s Permit – To obtain a permit, you must pass three written tests at the Driver’s License Office located at 1040 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery. Test 1: General Knowledge; Test 2: Air Brakes; Test 3: Combination Vehicle. Study Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 in the CDL Manual located at this link: click here

• Students are subject to DOT random drug testing rules.
• Prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to drive trucks and buses, delivery vehicles, for-hire vehicles, and other commercial vehicles, or to instruct commercial vehicle operators
• Operating gas, diesel, or electrically-powered vehicles
• Loading and unloading cargo or passengers
• Reporting delays or accidents on the road
• Verifying load against shipping papers
• Arranging transportation for personnel
• Keeping records of receipts and fares.
  
  

• • Ten (10) seats available for each class
  • 6-week course (5 days a week – 30 hours per week – Click here for a specific class calendar
  • Training held at Truck Driver Training Facility located at 5420 Troy Highway, Montgomery
  • $3,175.00 for the Class A License class (this includes tuition & books ONLY)
    Cost Breakdown: (Students are responsible for these approximated costs)
    • Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) – $5.75
    • Learner’s Permit – $36.25
    • License Class A – $66.25
    • DOT Physical – $100.00
    • Drug Screen – $50.00 – $60.00
  • Financial Assistance – 100% of funding is available through the Alabama Career Center. For information regarding eligibility and application for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), find your local career center here:  click here  Tell them you are interested in attending the CDL/Truck Driving class at Trenholm State Community College.
  • Students receiving financial assistance MUST verify that funds have been awarded before registration.
  • Application and documents may also be emailed to kmcdaniel@trenholmstate.edu. Once documents are received, you will be contacted regarding payment.
  • Acceptable payment methods: Mastercard, Visa or Discover (must be paid through your online student portal); cash, personal check, money order or cashier’s check may be taken in person to the Cashier’s Office at the Patterson Site (3920 Troy Highway – Bldg. D) on Monday & Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
  • For additional information or questions, please contact Dean Faust, the Program Coordinator/Instructor at 334-420-4406.