Get the Skills to Become a CDL Truck Driver
5-Week* Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A Program
Truck driving is a highly respected career with a variety of benefits. Truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods from one location to another, providing an essential service to many communities each day. They typically go to and from retail and distribution centers, working any hours of the day or night.
During this program, you will spend 40 hours (5 days) in the classroom and 120 hours in the driving yard and/or on the road. You will feel fully prepared to start a rewarding truck driving career once you’ve completed this 4-week* program.
This program is currently offered at our Cleveland, OH campus.
Next Start Dates – Contact the Campus
The best way to see if Valley College is the right fit for you is to come and tour the school. Schedule a tour now or Get more info.
Become a Qualified CDL Truck Driver
While in the classroom, you will learn how to read maps, complete essential paperwork, use logs, and track the delivery of shipments. Once you’re able to demonstrate classroom knowledge, you will then move to the second portion of the program where you will work under the supervision of an instructor in the driving yard and on the road.
While in the driving yard and on the road, you will be exposed to a series of practical driving activities that include:
- Road signs
- Rules and regulations
- The ability to maneuver large weight capacity and weight load
- Work with different truck signals and gears
- Turning and backing up
- Different maneuvers with the truck
- Coupling and uncoupling
You will also be exposed to emergency protocols, adverse weather conditions, and passing procedures. After gaining experience on the road, you may have the opportunity to earn more money by hauling different types of loads. The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 in May 2019**.
Is a Career as a Truck Driver Right for You? Take the Valley College "Truck Driver Career Training Readiness Quiz"
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Truck Driver Career Training Readiness score now!
License
Get the requirements you need to enter your career. By the end of the program, you will be eligible and fully prepared to take the Class A Commercial CDL Drivers License Exam. When you’re ready to take your Drivers License exam, your instructor will take you to the exam site and you will use a truck provided by Valley College.
Building Your Career as a CDL Truck Driver
In addition to gaining the practical skills required to become a CDL Truck Driver, you’ll also receive career development guidance so you can make the most of your training and feel fully prepared to make the transition from student to working professional.
Is a Rewarding Career in Truck Driving Right for You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in truck driving and exploring whether Valley College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 216-453-8201
*Program length when completed in normal time