Commercial Truck Driving
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Commercial Truck Driving is a seven week certificate program that requires 222 clock hours for completion. Graduates are prepared to pass the Commercial Driving License (CDL) exam for Tennessee.
Employment Stats
- Program Length 7.5 weeks (Certificate)
- Job Placement 100%
- Average Earnings $41,000 / yr
About Program
The Commercial Truck Driving Program is designed to meet the needs of the trucking industry. The program stresses the basic training principles and skills required to operate commercial motor vehicles of all types and under all driving conditions. Students receive specialized training on the safe operation of a trailer including loading, unloading, backing and docking. Students also receive classroom training on all federal, state and local laws.
Job Expectations
Before beginning the application process for the Tennessee Technology Center Truck Driving School, Students are required to obtain a CDL Class A Permit before registering and contact the CDL office at (423) 875-8448 for important preliminary information prior to registration. Students must provide a current moving violation record from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and have no more than 3 speeding and/or accidents for the past three years or any alcohol or drug related convictions in the past 5 year. Students can be 18 years of age to be accepted into the CDL program but will be limited to driving in state only. All students must pass a DOT drug screen and a DOT physical.
Expected Earnings
According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, employment opportunities for Tractor-Trailer drivers in Tennessee are expanding each year and will continue to do so in the future. Currently, the job placement rate is 100% and beginning drivers can expect to earn $37,000 to $58,000, which may be supplemented with safety bonuses and other incentives that are often offered by a number of companies.
Course Schedule
The Commercial Truck Driving program offers two classes per semester (7.5 weeks) during the fall, spring and summer semesters. Students who meet the eligibility criteria for the class will be given an opportunity to register for one of the open seats during the enrollment period for each semester. Enrollment in each class is limited and is on a first come basis. Classes are offered in the day and evening.
- Hixson classes at 9090 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379
- 222 clock hours
| Semester | Day Class | Evening Class | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (222 hours) | 8:00 – 3:00pm | 3:30 – 10:30pm | Monday - Friday |
| Spring (222 hours) | 8:00 – 3:00pm | 3:30 – 10:30pm | Monday - Friday |
| Summer (222 hours) | 8:00 – 3:00pm | 3:30 – 10:30pm | Monday - Friday |
Tools
None Required
Cost
TCAT Special Fees
Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition
- Credit by Examination - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable.
- Credit for Life Experience - $15 per credit hour in excess of 3 credit hours. $90 maximum.
- High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
- ACT Placement Test - $45
Books
- Department of Motor Vehicle Manual (ONLINE ONLY)
- J.J. Keller Entry-Level Driver Training, Obtaining a CDL Student Manual
Curriculum
- Orientation and Organization
- Public Relations
- Preparation for CDL Exam
- Map Reading
- DOT Regulations and Logging
- Safety
- Coupling and Uncoupling
- Backing
- Freight Documents
- Coupling and Uncoupling
- Backing
- Road Driving
- Weather and Road Conditions
- Vehicle and Vehicle Component Orientation