Professional Truck Driving, Certificate
The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy with nearly 70% of all the freight tonnage moved in the U.S. put on trucks. To move 9.2 billion tons of freight annually requires over 3 million truck drivers. The American Trucking Association (ATA) estimates 48,000 drivers are needed immediately, increasing to 200,000 by 2020.
Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than those required to drive a non-commercial vehicle. Mitchell Technical Institute can provide the proper training to ensure that students graduate as qualified drivers to travel the roads of South Dakota and surrounding states. This program will adhere to standards set by the Professional Truck Driving Institute, the only certification recognized by the trucking industry.
Skilled and professional drivers are in demand and can expect good wages and benefits.
This 16-week certificate program will prepare students for employment in the transportation industry as entry-level, over-the-road tractor-trailer truck drivers. Students will practice all maneuvers associated with deliveries and yard jockeying, freeway driving, speed and space management, communication and emergency situations.
This program includes classroom theory, U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations, safety, and behind-the-wheel road driving practice. Students will also spend time in MTI’s state-of-the-art driving simulator.
Any student who enrolls in this program must obtain a South Dakota driver’s license in order to complete the CDL training course. A Class A CDL is a graduation requirement for this program.
Students enrolled in the Professional Truck Driving program are subject to pre-screen and random drug testing according to MTI administrative rules. Arrangement for the pre-screen will be made the first week of class and all students are subject to random testing throughout the semester. If you have any questions about federal DOT requirements for employment with a motor carrier, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Administration website at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
Award: Certificate
Required Courses