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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.

***NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2024***

Classes begin January 16th on both Effingham and Liberty campuses.

Admission 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. A Class A learner’s permit is required prior to the start of the Commercial Truck Driving program
    1. Obtain from Department of Driver Services
  8. Must have a Current DOT Medical Card.
    1. You may 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.)

PROGRAM QUICK FACTS:

  • This program is currently offered on both Effingham campus in Rincon (day and evening classes) and Liberty campus in Hinesville (day classes).
  • The daytime classes are typically offered 5 times per year and the evening classes are offered 3 times per year.
  • At this time, transcripts nor placement test scores are 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:

  • Tuition & Fees:
    • GA Resident $1,974 (financial aid is available for eligible Georgia Residents with HOPE and HOPE Career Grant)
    • Out of State Resident $3,162
  • Motor Vehicle Report $8 (DDS) CDL Application Fee $35 (DDS)
  • Learner’s Permit $10 (DDS)
  • Physical $75 (recommended – St. Joseph’s Urgent Care)
  • Books $81 (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.

 

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