Commercial Driver Training

Shift To A High-Wage Career

According to the Arkansas Department of Labor, commercial truck driving is a high demand occupation. Driving a commercial motor vehicle requires a higher level of knowledge, skills and experience than for non-commercial vehicles. CDL drivers are held to a higher standard when driving any motor vehicle on the roads; serious traffic violations can affect the driver’s commercial driver license. The UACCM Commercial Driver Training Program prepares students for not only the commercial driver licenses' written and skills exam, but also prepares them to be safe drivers.

In 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration put into effect new regulations regarding Entry-Level Driver Training for anyone seeking to obtain a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, or obtain a school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time. UACCM’s training program meets all requirements and is listed as an approved training provider to obtain these credentials. This program is also offered as refresher for Class A CDL holders who have not driven professionally for the past one to two years.

The CDT program at UACCM is a two-part course that begins with a self-led, online theory instruction to be completed in 30 days. This course prepares you to sit for the state written exams required for the appropriate licenses and endorsements. The second-part of the program is the behind-the-wheel training. Length of time and price for each course is as follows:

There will be additional fees for the CDL and endorsement packets through your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need an original birth certificate, photo id, and social security card to pick up your packet. These fees are not included in the cost of the program and will be the responsibility of the participants.

Qualifications

Program participants must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass with a clean DOT physical, background check, and negative drug screen. Participants must be able to read, speak, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to meet the Department of Transportation regulations.

Upon Completion of the Program

Students will be tested by the State Police or a third-party tester for the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements. Objectives covered include: Arkansas and Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Act laws and regulations, basic tractor/trailer skills and handling, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, mileage logs, safety practices, backing, over-the-road driving, and more.

Application Process

To complete the application and enroll in step one, contact the Office of Workforce Education and Training at workforce@uaccm.edu. For more information on the program, contact the program instructor.