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Commercial Truck Driving

The Commercial Truck Driving certificate program provides students with basic training in the principles and skills of commercial truck operations. The program is compliant and certified to teach Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) as required in 49 CFR Part 380. The program is based on the definition of a truck driver as one who operates a commercial motor vehicle of all different sizes and descriptions on all types of roads and in all types of weather including tractor trailers. At the completion of the program, the student will be administered the Georgia CDL Skills Exam to earn a Class A License. The costs associated with the exam are a part of the program cost of the truck driving school. Training is offered at the Effingham Campus (day/night) and Liberty Campus (day only). Training lasts for 7 weeks (day) and 14 Weeks (night).

If you already have a Commercial Truck Driver’s Learner’s Permit and are looking for a CDL Road Test – please visit this page.

Admissions Requirements:
  1. Students must be 18 years of age and 21 for interstate travel. Those under 21 years old will be restricted to the State of Georgia ONLY.
  2. Complete and submit the admissions application along with the $25 non-refundable application fee ($10 for returning students).
Additional Requirements:
  1. Must have a current valid Driver’s License
  2. Must not have than eight (8) points on your driving record. You must supply a 7-year Motor Vehicle Report. This report must be issued less than 30 days from the start of the course.
  3. Must not have more than three (3) moving violations with the last three (3) years.
  4. No DUI or DWI within the past seven (7) years.
  5. Must not have more than two (2) serious traffic violations (as defined by the Commercial Driver’s Manual from the Department of Driver Services) within the last three (3) years and no more than three (3) serious traffic violations within the last seven (7) years.
    1. Serious Offenses include:
      1. Excessive Speeding (15 or more over the limit)
      2. Reckless Driving
      3. Improper or Erratic Lane changes
      4. Following too closely.
  6. Must not have more than one (1) major traffic violation (as defined by the Commercial Driver’s Manual).
    1. Major Offenses
      1. DWI
      2. Hit and Run
      3. Leaving the Scene of an Accident
      4. Failing to Report:
        1. Striking an Unattended Vehicle
        2. Striking a Fixed Object
        3. An Accident
      5. Using a Motor Vehicle to Commit a Felony
      6. Driving a CMV while the person’s CDL or CLP is Revoked, Suspended, Canceled, or Disqualified.
      7. Homicide by Vehicle
      8. Racing on Highways or Streets
      9. Using a Motor Vehicle to Flee or Attempt to Elude an Officer
      10. Fraudulent or Fictitious Use of or Application for a License
      11. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked, Canceled, or Suspended Registration
      12. Theft of a Vehicle Engaged in Commercial Transportation of Cargo.
      13. Refusing to Submit to a State Administered Chemical Test Requested by an Officer.
  7. It will be helpful to have a Class A learner’s permit prior to the start of the Commercial Truck Driving program.
    1. Potential students should study the following sections in the CDL Drivers Manual:
      1. General Knowledge
      2. Air Brakes
      3. Combination Vehicles
  8. Must have a Current DOT Medical Card.
    1. You must obtain a DOT Physical from our partner St. Joseph’s Candler for $75.
      1. Pick a location near you and tell them you are there for a DOT Physical for Savannah Tech. (Students must pay for this exam)
  9. Must register on the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

PROGRAM QUICK FACTS

  • This program meets Monday through Thursday for 7 Weeks (day) and 14 Weeks (night)
  • This program meets for 10 hours per day (day) and 3.5 hours per night (night)
  • Applicants must score at least an 80% on each and every quiz and test. Grades less than 80% will result in removal from the program.
  • This program trains on MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ONLY!
  • You will be exposed to the outdoor elements. (Heat, Cold, Rain, Wind, etc.)
  • Applicants who do not have a Class A Learners Permit after the first week of class will be removed from the program.
  • This program does not qualify for PELL.
  • Financial Aid is available for eligible Georgia Residents. (HOPE)

ASSOCIATED FEES:

  • Tuition:
    • GA Resident $1,944 (financial aid is available for eligible Georgia Residents with HOPE and HOPE Career Grant)
    • Out of State Resident $3,122
    • International Student $5,508
  • Motor Vehicle Report $8 (DDS)CDL Application Fee $35 (DDS)
  • Learner’s Permit $10 (DDS)
  • Physical $75 (St. Joseph’s Urgent Care)
  • Books $84 (College Bookstore)

**The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial driver licensing and requires a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug test in addition to a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report prior to the issuance of a Georgia Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Furthermore, the Commercial Truck Driving Program is required by law to preform Pre-Employment and Random Drug and Alcohol Testing during the course of the program (FMCSA Regulations 382.305 and 391, subpart E). All results are reported to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Apply today Commercial Truck Driving TCC

 

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