Program trainers will have a valid Class A Commercial Drivers License and a minimum of five (5) years interstate driving experience.

This comprehensive training program is ideal for all people interested in the trucking industry, whether they have prior driving experience or not. The program is 10-weeks in length and includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. The classroom portion of the program (80 hours) begins with the basics of the trucking industry and preparation in obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and DOT physical, if necessary. It continues with vehicle familiarization, basic systems, Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, defensive driving, trip planning, map reading, and log-book instruction. This portion of the program allows students to get a more in depth knowledge of the trucking industry and truck operations. Upon successful completion of the classroom portion of the program, the student may proceed to the skills portion of the program (80 hours). Skills training will concentrate on the proper techniques of urban, rural, and highway driving. This includes straight line backing, alley docking, SAFE turns, and vehicle inspection. Each student will have the opportunity to observe real world driving situations. They will learn how to properly change lanes, downshift, upshift, and how to do traffic checks and other SAFE driving techniques. The purpose of the program is to produce a SAFE, competent truck driver. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be eligible for employment at entry-level, and will require additional supervised driving hours before being able to SAFELY operate tractor-trailers as solo drivers.

Yes

49.0205 Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor A program that 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 commerical vehicle operators. Includes instruction in 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; and keeping records of receipts and fares.

High School Diploma or Equivalent

All applicants must supply proof of a high school diploma, its equivalent, or the proven ability-to-benefit, by obtaining a minimum acceptable Scale Score (SS) on an assessment test administered by Tough Start Incorporated through its Literacy Initiative to Further Education (LIFE) program; Eighteen (18) years of age to drive intrastate or at least twenty-one (21) years old to be employed to drive interstate; Possess a valid driver license in their state of domicile at the time of enrollment (Must maintain a valid driver license during the training period); All applicants must have a satisfactory criminal background; Ability to read, speak, and understand the English language sufficiently to converse with general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, to respond to official inquiries, and to make legible entries on reports and records.

The application deadline is two (2) business days prior to the start of each 10-week program session.

https://toughstart.org/about-us/