Are you interested in beginning a truck driving career? Do you have questions about getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL)? Read on to learn about the requirements and details you should know before trying to obtain your CDL license.
Requirements for Obtaining Your CDL License
There are a number of requirements for obtaining your CDL, all of which may vary by state:
- Existing driver’s license. Drivers must hold a valid, non-commercial driver’s license to obtain a CDL license.
- Age requirement. Drivers must be 18 years or older to drive intrastate and 21 years or older to drive across state lines or haul hazardous materials.
- Driving record. Their driving records must not include suspensions like acquiring driving points, traffic violations, DUIs/DWIs, failing to appear in court, or failing to pay child support. If drivers are suspended, they must refrain from driving for a designated time period, complete a defensive driving course, and comply with reinstatement fees.
- No criminal record. Drivers must be able to pass background tests.
- Proof of citizenship. Drivers must be able to prove their citizenship with a Social Security card, birth certificate, or green card.
- English comprehension. Drivers must be able to read and speak English.
- Physical and medical standards. Drivers must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which acknowledges acceptable vision and health conditions.
How Long Will It Take to Train to Get a CDL License?
The CDL Training Course at Delta Technical College is just 16 days, with daytime & evening classes offered (depending on the campus.) The coursework includes:
- Week 1: This first week is spent in the classroom, familiarizing you with Mississippi state CDL knowledge, driving safety, air brakes, combination vehicles, log books, trip planning, and public and employee relations.
- Weeks 2-4: The rest of the program is spent in remedial training, during which you’ll be in the truck, on the range, or over-the-road. You’ll learn how to read and interpret control systems, pre-trip vehicle inspections, post-trip vehicle condition reports, shift execution, backing, parking and docking procedures, coupling and uncoupling trailers, managing and adjusting vehicle speed, managing and adjusting vehicle space relations, identifying potential driving hazards, performing emergency maneuvers, identifying and adjusting to extreme driving conditions, and planning trips and recording/maintaining hours.
For more in-depth truck driving experience, you can enroll in the 20-week Professional Truck Driving Program. Throughout the program, you’ll learn through a combination of classroom training, range observation, over-the-road, and remedial training. DTC offers day and evening classes for this program. The Professional Truck Driving coursework includes:
- Weeks 1-4: You’ll receive necessary knowledge on CDL permit test preparation, CDL endorsement preparation (doubles/triples and tankers), vehicle inspection for daily operation and safe practices, and hazardous material (hazmat) training.
- Weeks 5-12:Covers vehicle inspection for daily operation and safe practices. During this time, you’ll read and identify instrument control systems. Lessons cover basic control of the truck, coupling and uncoupling, range maneuvers, road training, hours of service/logging, trip planning/map reading, communication, shipping and receiving, and wellness. The program also offers knowledge on defensive driving, hazard awareness, and extreme driving conditions.
- Weeks 13-20: You’ll learn about vehicle inspection, forklift training, load securement/cargo handling, preventative maintenance, FMCSA rules and regulations, weigh stations, transportation security, ELDT (entry-level driver training), company speakers, resume building, life on the road, and professionalism/soft skills. During this time, you’ll prepare for the state range and drive test.
The truck driver training programs at DTC prepare you for CDL Class A license exams. CDL Class A licenses allow drivers, with proper endorsements, to operate any combination of vehicles totaling a weight of 26,001 or more, including Class B and Class C vehicles.
Contact the Admissions Team to learn more about the 16-day CDL Training Course and the 20-week Professional Truck Driving Program.
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