When someone is looking at starting a new career, the first thing they often want to know is, how long will it take to be ready for this job?
Truck driving is no different. Most new drivers understand they need some sort of professional training. The question is, how long will that training take before you’re on the road and earning a paycheck.
The short answer is that the time frame varies. At Diesel Driving Academy, we aim to provide the safest entry-level drivers to the transportation industry. We train students of all skill levels – from very beginner to the advanced driver that wants a refresher – and offer a variety of courses designed to suit the needs of our students. All programs prepare students for a Class A CDL, however, some programs include additional hands-on training for those with minimal experience.
Let’s take a look at each program, see what it covers, and what might work best for you.
Advanced Truck Driver Training Program
This is our most time-intensive of courses. The advanced program requires 600 clock hours—twenty weeks for daytime students and thirty weeks for night classes. It is the most thorough of our programs and includes classroom training plus extensive driving practice on our closed driving range and public roadways – all with a qualified instructor.
The program teaches students:
- An introduction to the trucking industry
- Truck driving safety topics
- Advanced safe operation practices
- Accident reporting and safety responsibility laws
- Backing & vehicle maneuvering
- Pre-trip inspection
- CDL testing
At the end of the advanced program, students will be prepared for entry-level employment in the transportation industry. Though this is the longest program, students will have insight into numerous career opportunities, including Truck Driver, Line Haul Driver, Owner Operator, Semi-Truck Driver, or Over the Road (OTR) Driver.
Basic Truck Driver Training Program
This course runs for 160 clock hours (four weeks for day classes, eight weeks at night). The basic program is a pared-down version of the advanced program. Students will graduate knowing how to perform the duties of an entry-level truck driver. Although less comprehensive, this will put students on the road sooner, and is appropriate for those who are fortunate to have a job waiting once their training is complete.
Prep Course
This is the shortest course, at 136 clock hours (three weeks, day only). Students will learn everything in the classroom and on the road that will be required to pass the Class A CDL test, leaving them prepared to work as an entry-level truck driver.