Mar 19, 2024  
2020-21 Catalog 
    
2020-21 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Truck Driver Training


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Program Coordinator Kent Ripperda

Students in Lewis and Clark’s Truck Driver Program receive classroom instruction about Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements to enable them to obtain their CDL learner’s permit. Additional classroom instruction in conjunction with behind-the-wheel driving experience provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Illinois Secretary of State administered CDL Class A road test. Graduates who successfully pass this test receive their CDL and are qualified to obtain employment in the transportation industry as an entry-level truck driver.

Nature of Work: The L&C Truck Driver Program prepares individuals with little or no commercial driving experience for a career in tractor-trailer driving. Earnings for long-haul truck drivers vary with industry and the type of truck operated and are affected by mileage and/or the number of hours worked. Truck drivers are so much in demand that many trucking companies will pre-hire students and successful completers of the program are able to go to work immediately.

Admission Requirements: A student applying for admission to the program shall:

  • Be able to read and write in English. A high school diploma or GED is not required.
  • Be at least 18 years or older. Individuals under 21 years old have limited employment opportunities. Must be 21 years old to drive long-haul over the road.
  • Be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screening.
    • Blood pressure less than or equal to 140/90.
    • Vision at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction.
    • Hearing at greater or equal to 5 feet from a forced whispered voice with or without hearing aids.
    • No insulin dependent diabetes.
    • No epilepsy or seizure history.
  • Have a valid driver’s license with no unpaid tickets anywhere in the United States.
  • Participate in an interview with program coordinator to verify eligibility to take classes (possession of valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, etc.) and to discuss truck driving as a career.

The following may disqualify applicants for admission:

  • Any alcohol-related violations on motor vehicle record in the past three years.
  • Recent felony convictions or criminal background.
  • Drug convictions.
  • Failure to pass a drug screen or US Department of Transportation physical.
  • Mental or physical impairment. All applicants and students must be able to fulfill certain essential functions. These functions are the requirements of the Truck Driver Program that students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable in the trucking industry.

Skills and Abilities: Essential functions for students in the Truck Driver Program:

  1. All applicants and students must possess the physical strength, manual dexterity and visual capacity to perform all technical procedures and properly operate a tractor-trailer vehicle.
  2. Students must be able to communicate in an effectual manner. Students will be required to read and comprehend written material, as well as write reports. In addition, all students must be able to verbally communicate effectively with clients and coworkers.

Each applicant needs to assess his/her own ability to meet the essential functions described above. The program is designed to provide quality instruction on a short-term basis so that students can quickly move into the workforce.


Extended Truck Driver - TRUCK/EXT.CC


Certificate of Completion

Total: 19 credit hours


Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Completion in Extended Truck Driver: 19


 

Integrated Truck Driver - TRUCK/INT.CC


Certificate of Completion

Total: 18 credit hours


Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Completion in Integrated Truck Driver: 18


  

 

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