Commercial Driver License

Commercial Driver License

Truck

Commercial Driver License

The need for Truck Drivers is high in West Virginia and throughout the country. This need is expected to keep growing. If you have a strong work ethic and desire a stable, good paying career in a highly skilled field, the Commercial Driver License program at BridgeValley will prepare you for success. The program will combine classroom instruction along with Behind-the-Wheel training by a professional Truck Driving instructor.
 

PRE-REQUISITES:

  • You must be at least 19 years old (intrastate only until 21 years of age) with 1 year of unrestricted driving, and
  • Per federal requirements, you must be able to read, write, and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records in English.
  • A high school diploma or GED is not required to take this class; however, companies may require it for employment.
  • To apply for CDL in the state of WV, you must present a certified copy of your Birth Certificate, Passport, or permanent resident Card, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of WV residency.

Prior to Enrolling in a Class, students must have:

  • Their CDL Learner’s Permit for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles
  • A copy of their driving record from the WV DMV,
  • The results of a drug screen (results may take 10-14 days so plan accordingly), and a
  • A DOT physical completed by a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's National Registry website, located at: nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov.

The documents above must be submitted along with:

  • A completed Application for Admission,
  • A valid driver’s license with a good driving record (1 year of unrestricted driving), and
  • Full payment by either self-pay or one of the other options listed on the back page.

Note: Enrollment in a class is on a First Come-First Serve basis. Due to the increased number of students applying for this program, you will need to get your documentation to us as quickly as possible. Once we reach our max number, the class is closed. You cannot start a program unless all documentation has been submitted and payment has been arranged.

 

COURSE DETAILS:

  • Instruction by experienced professional Truck Driver
  • Classroom instruction, range, and behind-the-wheel
  • Preparation for CDL driving skills test
  • Learn cargo safety techniques
  • Perform Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Understand Air Brakes

CDL Program Options:

 

  • CDL Class A (includes tractor/trailer endorsement): Theory, General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicle, Range & Behind-the-Wheel skills practice in tractor/trailer.
  • CDL Class A with Pintle Hook: Theory, General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicle, Range & Behind-the-Wheel skills practice in a utility truck w/trailer.
  • CDL Class B Box Truck (with air brakes): Theory, General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Range & Behind-the-Wheel skills practice in a box truck.
  • Additional endorsements available: Passenger, Haz Mat, Tanker, & Double Combination

 

 

CAREER OUTLOOK:

In West Virginia, the median income for a Class A Truck Driver is $54,400 (pay ranges from $25,500 - $80,500) and $38,000 for a Class B Driver (pay ranges from $25,900- $47,800). There are currently hundreds of job openings in West Virginia. The United States is now 60,000 drivers short to meet the country’s transportation needs. This number is expected to triple in the next 10 years.
 

COURSE LENGTH:

  • Approximately 5 weeks for a total of 160 hours
  • Fees vary depending on the Program Option
  • Financial aid may be available for those who qualify

New Federal Guidelines as of February 7, 2022.

  1. Training Centers must be a Training Provider through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) program to register each student in the Training Provider Registry. This registry will be used by Testing Sites to make sure you are registered and can take the CDL State Exam.
  2. There are three exams on classroom theory. You must get an 80% to pass and move on to the Range and Road component.

How can I pay for CDL programs/classes at BridgeValley Community & Technical College?

  • Self-Pay: with either cash, check, or credit card.
  • GI Bill: if you are a veteran and/or have benefits for education. You will need to contact BridgeValley’s Veteran’s Services office (304.205.6609) to see if you are eligible and bring your eligibility form to us. We must have this form before you can register.
  • Employer Paid: the employer will need to provide a letter of intent that they will pay for your program prior to the start of class.
  • Financial Aid: submit FAFSA application for the 2022-2023 school year using BridgeValley’s school code 040386.
  • HEAPS: once you have completed your 2022/2023 FASFA, you must then submit a HEAPS application to determine your eligibility for up to $4,000 in financial aid. https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/heaps-workforce/apply-now/
  • WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act): prior to contacting the county representative listed below, you must first register at https://macc.workforcewv.org. Select “For Job Seekers” in the upper left section of the webpage, then select “Look for Training Providers”. Fill out your information and submit to create an account. WIOA is additional funding that will help pay for the program if you are eligible; please make an appointment with your county representative ASAP so they can ensure your eligibility. This funding is on a first come first-serve basis; once the funding is depleted you will be waitlisted until additional funding is available. Please call your county representative below to set up your appointment.
     
    • Kanawha County
      • 304.344-5760
    • Fayette County
      • 304.929.2033
    • Boone, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, Putnam & Wayne Counties
      • 304.429.5900
    • All Other Counties
      • 304.734.6708

 

2023 Class Schedule

Classes are being scheduled approximately every 6-8 weeks.  To pre-register, complete and submit the Application for Admissions.  You will be contacted as soon as the schedule has been confirmed.

BVCTC CDL Class Schedule*

Class B

Feb. 6—Feb. 24, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

Class A (tractor/trailer)

Feb. 20—April 1, 2023

M-F; 5:00-9:00pm

 

 

Sat; 8:00am-5:00pm

Class A (tractor/trailer)

Feb. 27—Mar. 24, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

HazMat Endorsement

To Be Arranged

F & S; 8:00am-5:00pm

Class A w/ Pintlehook

Mar. 27—Apr. 14, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

CDL Permit Class

Apr. 10—Apr. 14, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

Class B

Apr. 10—May 12, 2023

M-F; 5:00—9:00pm

 

 

Sat.; 8:00am-5:00pm

Class A (tractor/trailer)

May 1—May 26, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

CDL Permit Class

May 8—May 12, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

Class A (tractor/trailer)

May 30—June 23, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

HazMat Endorsement

June 27—June 29, 2023

T-Th; 8:00am-5:00pm

CDL Permit Class

June 12—June 16, 2023

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

* Schedule subject to change

To receive routine updates, please join our mailing list.

For additional information, call 304.205.6550.

APPLY NOW