What can I do in commercial truck driving?
This certificate provides the training necessary to prepare for a Class A Commercial
Driver's License (CDL) and enter the field of professional truck driving. Commercial
truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. They are an integral link
in the supply chain.
What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?
It is important that commercial truck drivers have strong hand-eye coordination. They
should be in good physical condition with good hearing and vision.
Where can I work?
CDL drivers are in high demand. A typical student will likely have multiple job offers
before completing the program. Class-A drivers average over $40,000 in the first year.
The majority of employers offer health, dental and vision insurance along with retirement
plans. Pay increases rapidly with experience. A driver with a good safety record and
five years of experience should expect to earn $60,000 or more per year.
A Class-A CDL is a desirable and often-required credential for employment in other
fields. Trident Tech students enrolled in programs to become diesel mechanics, electrical
line workers and in other transportation-related areas will be able to earn credit
hours applying towards an associate degree.
What does Trident Technical College offer?
Trident Tech’s Commercial Truck Driving certificate program gives students the training
and skills to begin a career as a Class-A CDL driver. The 252-hour certificate program
exceeds the state requirements by 70% and will make Trident Tech graduates sought-after
entry-level drivers in the transportation industry.
Based at Trident Technical College's Berkeley Campus, this program consists of:
- Classroom instruction,
- Hands-on training with two state-of-the-art full-motion simulators,
- Behind the wheel training in four 2022 Kenworth T680 trucks, and
- Option to test in a manual or automatic transmission truck.
Program graduates are prepared to test for a Class-A CDL license. South Carolina CDL
skills testing is administered by a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
examiner or by TTC’s state certified CDL examiner.
Trident Technical College is a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce
Training and Education (CoE) designee by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime
Administration.
Affordable Tuition
A barrier for new drivers to enter the industry is the cost of truck school tuition.
By enrolling in this accredited program, Trident Tech students have access to state
and federal financial aid, as well as other funding sources. With both credit and
noncredit options available, there are opportunities for students enrolling with or
without a high school diploma, GED or previous college experience.
Program Qualifications
To enroll, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old,
- Have a valid S.C. driver’s license,
- Have a U.S. Department of Transportation physical and a Class A Permit from the SCDMV
with no restrictions.
- Not be listed as CDL disqualified by the SCDMV.
Follow these step by step instructions to take advantage of TTC's no cost tuition option to enroll in the CDL program.
Recommended Sequence of Course
Students are advised to meet with their faculty advisor to choose a pathway that fits
their unique academic and career goals.