Commercial Drivers

Commercial Drivers - Class A Tractor Trailer
Skilled drivers are in high demand! Begin your new career supporting the supply chain and have the flexibility to work locally, regionally or nationally. Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are qualified to operate tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, dump trucks, straight trucks, ready mix trucks, and waste management trucks - essentially any commercial vehicle on the road with exception of passenger vehicles that require a CDL. Training program consists of classroom instruction, equipment and safety checks, manual shifting skills, range practice in various backing maneuvers, and on-the-road driving. Upon successful completion of this course, students with a valid CDL learner’s permit are eligible to sit for the behind-the-wheel road exam for the Commercial Driver’s License-Class A offered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Onsite behind-the-wheel road exam are offered for an additional fee.

Contact Hours: 160

Note: Additional skills practice may be required before students are approved to attempt road exam. Program offered in partnership with Shipper’s Choice of Virginia. 

Commercial Drivers - Class B Truck
Support local transportation needs in your new career as a driver! Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are qualified to operate automatic/manual dump trucks, straight trucks, and trucks towing vehicles with GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Training program consists of classroom instruction, equipment and safety checks, range practice in various backing maneuvers, and on-the-road driving. Upon successful completion of this course, students with a valid CDL learner’s permit are eligible to sit for the behind-the-wheel road exam for the Commercial Driver’s License-Class B offered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Onsite behind-the-wheel road exam are offered for an additional fee.

Contact Hours: 120

Note: Additional skills practice may be required before students are approved to attempt road exam. Program offered in partnership with Shipper’s Choice of Virginia. 

Commercial Drivers - Class B Bus
Support local transportation needs in your new career as a driver! Class B/Bus commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are qualified to operate all automatic transmission Class B vehicles including a bus. Training program consists of classroom instruction, equipment and safety checks, range practice in various backing maneuvers, and on-the-road driving. Upon successful completion of this course, students with a valid CDL learner’s permit are eligible to sit for the behind-the-wheel road exam for the Commercial Driver’s License-Class B/Bus offered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Onsite learner’s permit testing and behind-the-wheel road exam are offered for an additional fee.

Contact Hours: 120

Note: Additional skills practice may be required before students are approved to attempt road exam. Program offered in partnership with Shipper’s Choice of Virginia. 

Admissions Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.
• Meet minimum essential functions and standards for program
• Attend a coaching appointment and/or information session prior to enrollment.
• Complete an interview with program director (or designee) prior to enrollment. Call 434.987.5369.
• Provide a copy of a valid driver's license prior to enrollment, and present actual driver's license for inspection at the first class session.
• Earn and provide a copy of the CDL learner’s permit (obtained from Department of Motor Vehicles) prior to enrollment. 
• Complete and provide a copy of acceptable Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) physical exam prior to enrollment.
• Complete and provide negative urine drug screen results prior to enrollment. Note: Drug screen results must be dated no more than 30 calendar days prior to class start date.
• Complete all funding assistance paperwork (if applicable) prior to enrollment.
• English Language Learners (ELL/ESL): If English is not the first language, prospective students must complete a CASAS assessment with acceptable score prior to program admission. CASAS assessments can be scheduled by emailing at tjace@pvcc.edu or calling 961-434-5461. Include your first and last name, program of interest, and program start date in your email. Assessment should be completed at least one week prior to program start date. CASAS assessment is also recommended, but not required, for prospective students who feel their reading comprehension needs improvement.

Additional Program Costs

Listed below are additional costs not included in the tuition for this program.

• Learner's Permit Fee - $3, payable directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles
• DOT Physical Exam: - Approximate cost $129, payable directly to various local providers
• Urine Drug Screen - Approximate cost $78, payable directly to various local providers
• License Testing Convenience Fee - $50, payable to Shippers' Choice if the student wishes to test onsite at PVCC

Take the Next Steps

Call 434.987.5369 to complete an interview with program director (or designee).

Complete the Workforce Services Student Questionnaire.

Meet with a coach and/or attend a FastForward Funding Session.

Check the schedule page to see when these FastForward programs are next offered.