Commercial Driver License

Commercial Driver License

Kenworth day cat at ATC

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, well-paid 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.

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.
 

Pre-requisites:

  • You must be at least 18 years old (intrastate only until 21 years of age),
  • Per federal requirements,  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/TASC certification is not required to take this class: however, one may be required to qualify for certain financial aid options or by companies for employment.  Please check with our financial aid office for details.

Prior to Enrolling in a Class, students must have:

  • Their CDL Learner’s Permit for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles
  • The results of a recent drug screen (results may take 10-14 days so plan accordingly), and 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 submitted online and
  • Full payment by either self-pay or one of the other options listed below.

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 CDL Class 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 Class Options:  CDL Class Option and Fees

  • 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 Utility Truck (with air brakes): Theory, General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Range & Behind-the-Wheel skills practice in a utility truck.
  • Additional endorsements available: Passenger and School Bus

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 from Federal, State and Private Organizations:  download Financial Aid Sources for a complete list.

Class Schedule

Students must complete the online CDL Theory class and have their Commercial Drivers License Learner’s Permit prior to the first day of class—no exceptions! 

  • Class A (tractor/trailer) dates: 
    • Monday – Friday; 8am – 5 pm 
      • May 28 – June 21, 2024;  
      • Aug. 5 – 30, 2024;  
      • Sept. 9 – Oct. 4, 2024 
      • Oct. 14 – Nov. 8, 2024 
    • Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; 5:30 – 9:30pm beginning 
      • Monday, July 8 – Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 
    • Fridays (5:30 – 9:30pm) and Saturdays (8am – 6pm)  
      • beginning Friday, August 2; ending Saturday, November 9, 2024 
      • class will not meet on the weekends of Aug. 23-24; Sept. 20-21; Oct. 18-19 
  • Class B (utility/dump truck) 
    • Monday – Friday; 8am – 5 pm 
      • May 28 – June 14, 2024;  
      • Aug. 5 – 23, 2024;  
      • Sept. 9 – 27, 2024 
      • Oct. 14 – Nov. 1, 2024 

To Enroll:

To receive routine updates, please join our mailing list.

For additional information, call Jan Hensley at 304.205.6550.

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