Commercial Vehicle Operator Certificate

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No. of credits required: 16
Contact: Mary Beth McCollum, Transportation Programs Coordinator

This program will teach prospective professional drivers safe driving practices, proper handling of equipment, good customer relations, and other related areas of instruction critical to their success in the trucking industry. Content was developed with recommendations from professional drivers, supervisors, safety personnel, and industry executives who recognize the need for properly trained drivers. This program is among the few schools in the country that have earned certification by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI). PTDI is a national, nonprofit organization sponsored by the nation’s trucking industry to advance truck driving proficiency, safety and professional standards among drivers.

Students will be prepared to take the Motor Vehicle Administration Class A Commercial Vehicle License skills exam and can earn the following endorsements: general knowledge, air brakes, combination, doubles/triples, tankers and hazardous materials. The course includes defensive driving training and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations required entry-level driver training certificate. This program is a statewide designated program. For more information see the coordinator.

To gain admission to this program, students must:

Have a Department of Transportation physical examination and a drug screening
Possess a valid driver’s license
Provide a copy of his/her driving record, reflecting no more than three points and zero points for drug or alcohol violations.
Submit a petition to the Occupational Training Department at least three weeks prior to the beginning of classes.
Random drug and alcohol testing may be conducted during the program.

To take the state exam for a Commercial Driver’s License, persons must be at least 18 years old. Students considering this program should recognize the employment opportunities are limited for persons under 21 years of age.

Offered at the Center for Transportation Training.

The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 12.

Career Opportunities:

professional truck driver

Required Courses and Recommended Sequences:

The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. College Prep and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online program evaluation or an academic advisor to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning.

Notes:

* Courses requiring a prerequisite or co-requisite

****Pending MHEC approval

Course Indicators: English Composition (E), Arts (A), Cultural and Global Awareness (C), Humanities (H), Biological/Physical Sciences (S), Social/Behavioral Sciences (B), Mathematics (M)