Commercial Driving License Academy

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Quick Facts

Certification:

Class A CDL

Earning Potential:

Median $53,420/year

Time Frame:

Total: 200 Hours (6 weeks)

Classroom: 40 Hours
Road/Course: 160 Hours

Location:

📌Adult Main Campus

📌South Point Campus

Total Estimated Cost:

$6,468

Admission Info:

Pre-Requisites:

None

No WorkKeys Requirement

Accreditations:

Program Overview

This program prepares students to become professional truck drivers, qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles in compliance with state and federal regulations. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, simulator training, and extensive behind-the-wheel experience. Students will learn vehicle inspection, safe operating practices, backing maneuvers, hours-of-service regulations, cargo securement, and defensive driving techniques, using industry-standard training materials such as the JJ Keller Professional Truck Driver Training series.

Graduates of the program receive the necessary preparation to take the State of Ohio CDL skills exam, which includes a pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and an on-road driving test. Successful completion will lead to a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the trucking and transportation industry.

The five-week, full-time program equips students for rapid entry into the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the regional mean annual wage for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is $53,420; however, starting salaries may vary depending on the employer, location, and level of experience.

What do Class A Drivers Do?

Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

Drive tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles for local, regional, or long-haul routes.
Inspect vehicles before and after trips to ensure safety and compliance.
Safely back, turn, and maneuver trailers in various settings.
Load, unload, and secure cargo to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
Keep accurate driving logs and meet federal hours-of-service rules.
Adjust driving techniques for weather, traffic, and road conditions.
Follow state and federal safety regulations at all times.
Coordinate with dispatchers, customers, and maintenance staff to keep freight moving.
Respond to minor breakdowns or roadside situations with basic troubleshooting skills.

Upcoming Classes

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Courses

The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program is a five-week program that combines classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel training. Classes meet Monday through Friday, with a combination of classroom sessions, range practice, and road driving to prepare students for the State of Ohio CDL skills exam.

Week 1: Classroom (At the CCTC Main Campus)

CDL 101 - Foundations of Commercial Driver Operation

Your first week combines classroom instruction and interactive lessons to give you a strong foundation before you get behind the wheel. You’ll cover:

How to prepare and inspect your vehicle before every trip
Safe driving techniques for highways, cities, rural roads, and roundabouts
Managing speed, space, and visibility in all conditions
Handling distractions, fatigue, and emergencies on the road
Driving in extreme weather, on mountains, and across railroad crossings
Rules on alcohol, drugs, and hours-of-service requirements
Backing, coupling/uncoupling, and cargo securement basics
Air brakes, combination vehicles, tankers, and hazardous materials

Weeks 2-6: Practical Skills Behind the Wheel

CDL 102 - Commercial Driver Skills Training

After earning your permit, you’ll spend the next four weeks on the training pad and on the road, practicing the skills needed to pass the state CDL exam and succeed as a professional driver. Training includes:

Performing full pre-trip inspections to ensure safety and compliance
Practicing straight-line, offset, and parallel backing maneuvers
Perfecting forward stops and trailer tracking
Building confidence in tight spaces and docking situations
Gaining hands-on experience driving on public roads in real traffic
Applying defensive driving strategies in a variety of conditions
Combining classroom knowledge with real-world driving practice
By the end of Week 6, you’ll be fully prepared for the Ohio CDL skills exam, which tests your pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and road driving abilities.