Program Length 

8 weeks/16 weeks

Curriculum

Commercial Driver License Written Skills
Overview of the State of Texas Class A Commercial Driver License written test. In-depth coverage of general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicle, doubles and triples, tankers and hazardous materials. Includes preparation for mastery of the Commercial Driver License written examination.

Commercial Driver's License Driving Skills
Overview of the State of Texas Class A Commercial Driver license driving test. In-depth coverage of in-cab air breaks test, proper shifting, right and left-hand turns, movement in traffic, parking of a tractor trailer, highway and city driving and backward movement and control.

CDL Overview
Overview of the State of Texas Class A Commercial Driver's License written test and preparation for mastery of the Commercial Driver's License written examination. Theory instruction for Entry Level Driver Training (49 CFR 380).

Fundamental Driving Skills
Operation of a tractor-trailer combination. Emphasis on the safe maneuvering and control of the tractor-trailer in numerous traffic situations and sharing the highway with other vehicles.

Semi-Tractor-Trailer Operator Driving Skills
Operation of a tractor-trailer combination in city and highway conditions including control and maneuvering of the vehicle through various traffic situations with numerous tractor-trailer combinations.

Advanced Driving Skills I
Operation of a tractor-trailer combination in city and highway conditions including control and maneuvering the vehicle through various traffic situations with numerous tractor-trailer combinations.

Advanced Driving Skills II
Continuation of tractor-trailer operation in city and highway conditions.  Emphasis on practical applications of space management techniques, improved methods for control in difficult traffic situations and effective operation in various conditions.

Prerequisites

1. Student must be 18 years of age at the commencement of the course.
2. Student is required to have a DOT physical (Department of Transportation Medical Card) and drug screen before the first day of class. These documents must be presented on the first day of class. Cost of the physical and drug screening is not included. Please note that per federal guidelines, drug screening results must be within 30 days of the start of class. The following link explains the physical qualifications for a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver:
   VIEW PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS 
3. Student must have a current, eligible and valid Texas Driver's License. Student must apply for a Class A Learner Permit (CLP) at the Texas Department of Public Safety office before class begins and present this document on the first class day. Prospective students may check their license eligibility at the following link: 
   View LICENSE ELIGIBILITY. 

After Registration

Things to do after you have registered in AC's CDL Class:

• DOT Physical (DOT medical card). You can get this at walk-in clinics but make sure they have a Dr. who can do them.
• Apply for CLP (Commercial Learners Permit) at DPS and add tanker endorsement to application.
• Drug Test has to be within 30 days of class starting - Test needs to be rapid response test 5-10 panel (they should give you results before you leave).

DOT Physical and Drug Screen

In an effort to prevent individuals from starting the Truck Driving classes that may be disqualified, we require students to complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical (a.k.a. medical card) and drug screen prior to enrolling in the class. The drug screen must be within a 30-day window prior to the first day of class in order to be acceptable. This service can only be provided by medical facilities that perform this service. Some providers include:

DOT/Drug Screening Facilities:

• Faith Medical - 1619 4th Ave, Canyon
• Amarillo STAT Care - 6014 S. Western #400
• Care Express - Amarillo
• Amarillo DOT Physicals - 8500 E I-40 Highway (inside the Petro Truck Stop)

Apply for Class A CDL Learner Permit

Prospective students will also need to apply for their Class A CDL learner permit (CLP) prior to the first day of class. Students will not be required to take any tests at the DPS office until after the class begins. If one of the DPS staff asks, let them know that you will not be taking any tests; you just need to apply for your permit. The application will cost $25.00. When applying for the permit, the prospective student will need to take two proofs of residence, their DOT medical card, birth certificate and social security card with them and submit the following forms:

• CDL-1 Texas Commercial Driver License Application:
  CDL-1 APPLICATION
• CDL-4 Texas Commercial Driver License Application Interstate Driver Certification (applicant over age 21):
  CDL-4 APPLICATION
• CDL-5 Texas Commercial Driver License Application Intrastate Driver Certification (applicant under age 21):
  CDL-5 APPLICATION
• CDL-40 Texas Department of Public Safety Examination Report: This form is not available online. 
• DL-57 Texas Department of Public Safety requires proof of residence. Find out what is required:
  DL-57 REQUIRED FOR PROOF OF RESIDENCE
• DL-69 What to bring with you when applying for a Texas Commercial Driver's License:
  DL-69 DPS: WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

*Forms are available at the DPS office. All forms must be completed in black ink. Do not sign any of the forms until you are in front of the DPS counter staff. The Texas Department of Public Safety Amarillo office is located at 6592 East I-40, Amarillo, TX (On the south side of I-40 between Eastern and Whitaker).

Going to the DMV Office

How to go to the Department of Public Safety (DMV) Office: You cannot call, the number listed gets you to Austin, TX. You must do one of two things:

1. Make an appointment on the website: SCHEDULE DPS APPOINTMENT
2. Arrive at the DPS Office before 7:00AM and get in line. 

When making an appointment online, you may get an appointment sooner by checking surrounding towns; Borger, Vega, Dumas, etc. When going to the DPS Office, have your driver's license, medical card, Proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Presence and 2 proofs of residence. (See DL-57 and DL-69 above).

If a student shows up on the first day of class without their driver's license, DOT physical (medical card); drug screen results; and Class-A CDL learners permit receipt, they will be dropped from the class and either refunded their money or enrolled into the next class.

The daytime classes start at 7:30 AM and end at 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday. We will break for an hour's lunch. The nighttime classes start at 5:30 PM and end at 10:15 PM Monday through Thursday. There is a refrigerator and microwave in the student break room along with an ice maker.

Questions? Call us at (806) 335-4370

Fees, books and expenses are not included in the cost of the course. 

 For additional information, please call (806) 335-4370.

Estimated Total Cost to Obtain CDL License:

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