When is class scheduled and how long will it take to complete the program?
This program is designed as a “rolling admissions” course so you may enroll at any time. Classroom instruction for the CDL-A license totals 158 hours, while the CDL-B program totals 78 hours. Students looking to obtain a license “upgrade” from CDL-B to CDL-A will require 74 hours of study and practice in this program. All classroom instruction is conducted on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Driving range and behind-the-wheel driving and observation will be conveniently scheduled according to the availability of both student and instructor. Students who successfully complete the classroom and driving components of the program will also be eligible to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) through a road test with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
How much will it cost?
Tuition and fees for the CDL-A Truck Driver training program:
$5,156*.
Tuition and fees for the CDL-B or CDL B to CDL-A license upgrade:
$ 2,650*.
This total includes all textbooks, Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam, drug test, and Vermont DMV Learners Permit and Road Test fees. All students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Program Completion from Stafford Technical Center.
*Due to the volatility of the international oil market a fuel surcharge fee may be assessed when the cost of diesel fuel increases significantly and unexpectedly during the course of the program
Why Pursue Professional Truck Driver Training at SDTS?
- Avoid traveling to distant training programs—save money by living at home and attending school locally
- The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics estimates a rapidly growing nationwide need for qualified commercial truck drivers
- Attend small classes conducted by professional commercial truck driver training personnel
- Practice using industry-standard tractor-trailer equipment
What jobs would be available to me when I graduate?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, new drivers generally start on panel trucks or other small straight trucks. As they gain experience and show competent driving skills, they may advance to larger and heavier trucks, and finally to tractor-trailers.
- Many long haul carriers have training programs available and will accept SDTS graduates into their long distance truck driving training programs
- Some drivers choose to purchase a truck and go into business for themselves as owner/operators
- A few truck drivers may advance to dispatcher, manager, or into training positions with additional experience