Career Information

Beginning Course

40 hours a week for three weeks

The beginning truck driving course prepares students to complete the ten tests necessary to receive a Class A driver's license (or CDL) with all endorsements.

Class A drivers work locally driving trucks or buses, making deliveries, and distributing goods and materials. They could work in the oil industry, agriculture, construction, or government. Hourly rates earn Class A drivers wages of $20-40,000 per year.

Advanced Courses

40 Hours a week for three weeks.

The advanced truck driving courses offers students with Class A licenses approximately 500 miles of driving experience in semi-trucks and prepares them to be "over the road" drivers.

Over the road drivers work for large corporations hauling goods and materials long distances. Paid by the mile, and over the road driver's wages are $35-70,000 per year. This website link will give you an idea of the vast number of trucking jobs available. www.etrucker.com

Forklift Certification

4 Hours a night for three nights

Amarillo College offers a short course to become certified by OSHA to operate a forklift.

Many truck drivers must use a forklift to make their deliveries. Having an OSHA certification to operate a forklift makes a truck driver more marketable to employers.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Included in the Beginning Courses

Amarillo College faculty will assist students enrolled in the beginning truck driving course to meet federal requirements (including applying for a background check) for a hazardous materials endorsement.