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.
Upcoming Start Dates:
Day Program – Mon – Thur; 8am – 6pm (Effingham and Liberty campuses)
- Summer Semester 05/18/2026- 6/25/2026. ( Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 05/11/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation is 05/11/2026 at 8:00am).
- First Fall Semester 08/18/2026 – 10/08/2026 (Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 08/13/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation is 8/13/2026 at 9:00am).
- Second Fall Semester 10/26/2026 – 12/10/2026 (Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 10/22/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation is 10/22/2026 at 9:00am).
Evening Program – Mon – Thur; 6pm – 10pm (Effingham and Liberty campuses)
- Summer Semester 05/18/2026-7/23/2026. ( Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 05/07/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation starts 05/07/2026 at 9:00am). EFFINGHAM IS FULL!
- Fall Semester 09/07/2026-12/3/2026. ( Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 08/27/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation is 08/27/2026 at 9:00am).
Weekend Program – Saturday, Sunday; 8am – 6pm (Effingham and Liberty campuses)
- Summer Semester 05/23/2026- 7/26/2026. ( Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 05/9/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation is 05/9/2026 at 9:00am). EFFINGHAM IS FULL!
- Fall Semester 09/12/2026-11/22/2026. ( Effingham Mandatory Orientation is 8/29/2026 at 1:00pm. Liberty Mandatory Orientation is 8/29/2026 at 9:00am).
All registered applicants are required to attend the Mandatory Orientation!
Admission Requirements:
- 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.
- Complete and submit the admissions application along with the $25 non-refundable application fee.
- Obtain a Class A CDL permit from the Georgia Department of Drivers Services.
- Apply for Financial Aid if needed.
- Contact an Academic Advisor to make an appointment.
PROGRAM QUICK FACTS:
- Eligible applicants must submit a valid drivers license and class A permit to be admitted and then are referred to program advisor for class registration.
- This program is currently offered on both Effingham campus in Rincon and Liberty campus in Hinesville.
- Program orientations are mandatory (dates are listed above under “Upcoming Start Dates“).
- DOT physicals are conducted during orientation. No exceptions.
- 7 year Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) required to submit during orientation. Must be issued/dated no more than 30 days prior to class start date.
- Random testing for drugs and alcohol is administered during the program.
- Enrolled students are required to register as a student driver in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. (To be completed during mandatory orientation.)
- The daytime classes are typically offered 6 times a year, evening classes are offered 3 times a year, and weekend classes are offered 3 times a year.
- At this time, transcripts and placement test scores are NOT required for admission.
- 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.)
- Financial Aid is available for eligible Georgia Residents. (HOPE)
- Hope eligible students may also receive the HOPE Career Grant.
- This program is not PELL grant eligible.
ASSOCIATED FEES:
- Orientation Fee of $230 is due at time of orientation.
- Books for class $100
- Tuition & Fees:
- In-State Georgia Resident $2,207.00 (financial aid is available for eligible Georgia Residents with HOPE and HOPE Career Grant)
- Out-of-State Resident $3,458
- International $5,960
**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.
