CDL / Truck Driving
CDL / Truck Driving
Trenholm State’s Truck Driving program prepares students to safely operate commercial motor vehicles and pursue a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Using the U.S. Department of Transportation model curriculum (ELDT), the program combines classroom instruction with intensive hands-on training in vehicle inspection, basic and advanced operation, backing maneuvers, on-road driving, safe operating practices, and other skills required of professional commercial drivers.
Class A CDL
About The Course
The Class A CDL program at Trenholm State Community College is designed to prepare the student to operate vehicles requiring a Class A commercial driver’s license. This six-week, non-credit program utilizes the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) model curriculum (ELDT) as the foundation for training and takes the student from basic through advanced operation. A Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds with a vehicle in tow exceeding 10,001 pounds. With a Class A CDL and the appropriate endorsements, students will learn to operate vehicles with trailer lengths up to 53 ft. Training will include Entry Level Driver Training, Pre-Trip Inspection, Backing Maneuvers and On-Road Driving.
Skill Participants Will Learn
Upon completion, the students will be able to:
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Basic and advanced commercial vehicle operation
- Backing maneuvers
- On-road driving
- Safe and defensive driving practices
- Vehicle systems and basic maintenance
- Cargo handling and documentation
- Hours-of-service and other driver requirements
- Trip planning, accident procedures, and employability skills
Additional Student Costs
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR): approximately $5.75
- Learner’s Permit: approximately $36.25
- Class A License: approximately $66.25
- DOT Physical: approximately $100
- Drug Screen: approximately $50–$60
Books, Materials, or Supplies Included
Tuition and books are included in the $3,175 program cost.
Eligibility, Prerequisites and Required Documents
- Minimum age of 18
- Application required. Send email request to kmcdaniel@trenholmstate.edu or dfaust@trenholmstate.edu
- Obtain and submit required Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
- Complete the form at this link and take to the ALEA Driver License Division located at 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery 36102.
- DOT physical and drug screening – Click here for locations. You must also take this letter with you. Prior to obtaining drug screen, please contact Kristian McDaniel at 334-420-4411 for additional information.
- **Students are subject to applicable DOT random drug-testing requirements.
- Valid CDL Learner’s Permit –To obtain a permit, you must pass three written tests at the Driver’s License Office located at 1040 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery. Test 1: General Knowledge; Test 2: Air Brakes; Test 3: Combination Vehicle. Study Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 in the CDL Manual located here.
Credential Earned or Examination Eligibility
The program prepares students to meet Commercial Driver’s License standards and operate vehicles requiring a Class A CDL.
Students will earn a certificate upon completion of 6 week program and passing pre-trip, backing maneuvers and road test.
Potential Career Opportunities
Class A CDL training can prepare students for careers such as:
- Tractor-Trailer Driver
- Local or Regional Truck Driver
- Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driver
- Freight/Delivery Driver
- Construction or Heavy-Haul Driver
Financial Assistance and Payment
Financial Assistance – 100% of funding is available through the Alabama Career Center. For information regarding eligibility and application for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), find your local career center here. Tell them you are interested in attending the CDL/Truck Driving class at Trenholm State Community College.
- Students receiving financial assistance MUST verify that funds have been awarded before registration.
- Acceptable payment methods: Mastercard, Visa or Discover (must be paid through your online student portal); cash, personal check, money order or cashier’s check may be taken in person to the Cashier’s Office at the Patterson Site (3920 Troy Highway – Bldg. D) on Monday & Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Class A Truck Driving Checklist
Contact
Kristian McDaniel
334-420-4411
Dean Faust
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4406
Program Overview
CDL / Truck Driving
- Program Contact
- 334.420.4400
- workforce@trenholmstate.edu
-
Program Length
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Day Class:
6 weeks; 5 days per week; 30 hours per week
Ten (10) seats are available for each class -
Night Class:
6 weeks; 4 days per week; approx. 30 hours per week
Click here for the 2027 course calendar.
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Location
Truck Driver Training Facility
5420 Troy Highway, Montgomery, AL 36116
-
Delivery Format
In-person -
Tuition
$3,175
Ready to Get Started?
Class B CDL – Straight Truck & Passenger Bus
About The Course
Trenholm State’s Class B CDL program prepares students to operate vehicles requiring a Class B Commercial Driver’s License. The non-credit program uses the U.S. Department of Transportation model curriculum (ELDT) and progresses from basic through advanced commercial vehicle operation. Training applies to straight trucks, large passenger buses (excluding school buses), box trucks, and dump trucks with small trailers.
Skill Participants Will Learn
Upon completion, the students will be able to:
- Commercial vehicle operation
- Vehicle inspection
- Basic and advanced driving skills
- Safe operating practices
- Loading and unloading cargo or passengers
- Reporting delays and accidents
- Verifying loads against shipping documents
- Commercial driving recordkeeping
Additional Student Costs
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR): approximately $5.75
- Learner’s Permit: approximately $36.25
- Class B License: approximately $58.25
- DOT Physical: approximately $100
- Drug Screen: approximately $50–$60
Books, Materials, or Supplies Included
Tuition and books are included.
Eligibility, Prerequisites and Required Documents
- Minimum age of 18
- Application required. Send email request to kmcdaniel@trenholmstate.edu or dfaust@trenholmstate.edu
- Obtain and submit required Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
- Complete the form at this link and take to the ALEA Driver License Division located at 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery 36102.
- DOT physical and drug screening – Click here for locations. You must also take this letter with you. Prior to obtaining drug screen, please contact Kristian McDaniel at 334-420-4411 for additional information.
- **Students are subject to applicable DOT random drug-testing requirements.
- Valid CDL Learner’s Permit –To obtain a permit, you must pass three written tests at the Driver’s License Office located at 1040 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery. Test 1: General Knowledge; Test 2: Air Brakes; Test 3: Combination Vehicle. Study Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 in the CDL Manual located here.
Credential Earned or Examination Eligibility
The program prepares students to meet Commercial Driver’s License standards and operate vehicles requiring a Class B CDL.
Students will earn a certificate upon completion of 4-week program and passing pre-trip, backing maneuvers and road test.
Potential Career Opportunities
Class B CDL training can prepare students for local and regional careers such as:
- Straight Truck Driver
- Delivery Truck Driver
- Dump Truck Driver
- Bus/Passenger Vehicle Driver
- Utility/Service Truck Driver
Contact
Kristian McDaniel
334-420-4411
Dean Faust
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4406
Program Overview
CDL / Truck Driving
- Program Contact
- 334.420.4400
- workforce@trenholmstate.edu
-
Program Length
4 weeks; 4 days per week; 19 hours per week
-
Location
Truck Driver Training Facility
5420 Troy Highway, Montgomery, AL 36116
-
Delivery Format
In-person -
Tuition
$1,425
Ready to Get Started?
Third-Party CDL Testing
About The Course
Trenholm State Community College offers third-party CDL testing for individuals who have completed ELDT theory, behind the wheel range, and behind the wheel road training. Testing is available using either a Trenholm State truck or an applicant/company-provided truck.
Testing Fees
- Use of Trenholm State truck: $350
- Use of applicant/company truck: $200
- Rental fee: $165 per hour
- Rental fee: $85 per half hour
Applicants must meet applicable CDL eligibility requirements and provide required documentation prior to testing.
For More Information
Complete the Third-Party Test Schedule Request Form & Policy or contact the Truck Driving program for additional information. Link here
Contact
Kristian McDaniel
334-420-4411
Dean Faust
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4406
Program Overview
CDL / Truck Driving
- Program Contact
- 334.420.4400
- workforce@trenholmstate.edu