CDL Truck Driving

CDL Truck Driving Program

Your CDL Truck Driver Career Begins Here

Get your trucking career started with CDL training from the Southern Union Truck Driving Program!  In as little as 6 weeks, you can be ready to hit the road. Southern Union Truck Driving Program’s comprehensive Class A CDL Training Program provides students with the necessary skills to begin driving a truck professionally. Our expert instructors provide both the hands-on training and the CDL knowledge needed for the proper and safe operation of a tractor-trailer truck.

Choosing the right truck-driving program is the first step toward starting a great new career. Choosing a truck driving school is an important decision to make.  The skills taught at school will be those that shape a new career behind the wheel. So, how does one go about weighing the options?  Here's a short list of key factors to consider that will make finding the right truck driving school that is right for you.

5 Things To Look For In A Truck Driving Program

  1. Quality of Training
    A new driver’s skills are only as good as the training received. Look for a state-licensed program that combines classroom knowledge with hands-on experience learned on the road.
  2. Job Opportunity
    What good is a CDL if you can’t make any money with it? The best truck driving schools provide assistance in finding a great paying job opportunity once CDL training is complete.
  3. Cost of Training
    Find an affordable program allows new drivers to get started.
  4. Length of School
    Learning to dive properly a tractor-trailer takes some time.
  5. School Location
    Keep in mind that the best truck driving school may not be just down the road.  In fact, the cheapest, closest, and most convenient school isn’t always the best option.

Class Information

CDL Class Calendar
Six Weeks (240 Contact Hours)

Contact us for upcoming class dates.

Admission Requirements
Must be at least 21 years of age, undergo and pass a DOT physical and drug screen, and obtain Motor Vehicle Report and CDL Learner’s Permit. Drug screen and Motor Vehicle report must be dated within 30 days of beginning of class.

Cost
$2,500 (includes tuition, books, and skills testing)

Registration Process

  1. Meet Program Requirements
    Check to make sure that you meet the admission requirements (see above)
  2. Secure Funding

Funding options include:

WIOA
For information, regarding eligibility and application for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), funding to cover the cost of this program, please contact your local Alabama Career Center:

  • Opelika, 2300 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801, (334) 749-5065
  • Valley, 321 Fob James Dr, Valley, AL 36854, (334) 756-0024

Veterans Benefits
Contact the Southern Union Veterans Affairs Office at ext. 5312 or the
Alabama Career Center at 749-5065, ext. 223

Student Loan
Visit www.salliemae.com/SmartLoan to apply for a personal student loan. Select Smart Option Student Loan for Undergraduate Students. Please note that students must be certified/authorized for Sallie Mae loans at least 30 days prior to the class start date.

3. Register for Course: Contact us for class availability and registration times.

4. Pay with Credit or Debit card

Other Program Notes
This program administers random drug and alcohol tests as required by DOT. Students are encouraged to have the HazMat endorsement prior
to exiting from the program.

Resources For Alabama CDL Requirements
Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website  and the  Alabama Commercial Drivers License Manual for additional information.

Instructors/Examiners
Mike Kiser, Third-Party Certified (mike.kiser@suscc.edu)
Erik Wagner, Third-Party Certified (ewagner@suscc.edu)
(334) 742-2977   (334) 742-2980 (fax)

Placement Service
Provided through company recruiters, instructor referrals, and use of the Career Center resource rooms

Refresher Training
Must have current, unexpired CDL.  Options: 40-hr ($500) and 80-hr ($1,000) Contact instructor to schedule class.

Contact Information:
Greg Leikvold
Director of Workforce Development
gleikvold@suscc.edu
334-745-6437, ext. 5496

Michelle Etris
Assistant to the Dean
metris@suscc.edu
(334) 745-6437 ext. 5490
 

Location:
For directions click here
For Campus Map click here
Southern Union State Community College
Center for Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Room 155, and at the truck driving range
301 Lake Condy Road
Opelika, AL 36801