The Commercial Truck Driving Program is an eight week program which prepares the graduate to enter the commercial truck driving industry as an over-the-road driver. This program is a combination of classroom, lab, and actual road driving for students. The course covers such areas as: safety, DOT rules and regulations, proper shifting techniques, pre-trip inspections, map reading, log books, handling of paperwork, cargo handling, two-lane driving, four-lane driving, night driving and metro driving. Students will be trained driving conventional and cabover tractors pulling loaded and empty vans and flatbed trailers.

This program places great emphasis on preparing students for today's truck driving industry. Today, truck drivers must be prepared and well-trained to meet the increased demands of the modern and competitive transportation industry. New Federal laws such as the C.D.L. license will aid in the process of "weeding out" drivers with poor safety records. Trucking companies will be willing to offer increased driver benefits and pay to keep good drivers. Modern, well-equipped trucks with such options as air conditioning, air-ride suspension, air-ride cabs and satellite communications are definitely the wave of the future in driver convenience and comfort.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK: Excellent. Graduates are in demand for immediate hire by well-known trucking companies. These employment opportunities should continue to grow. Most of the demand continues to come from large carriers with 48 state authority. Most of the rigs are 5 axle rigs, 80,000 GVW. Driver demand continues to be strong for van or flatbed drivers.

Want more information? Use our Information Request form and submit it to us by Email. We can reply by U.S. Mail, Email or telephone.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students who enroll in Commercial Truck Driving at East Mississippi Community College are required to meet the following admission requirements:

Submit an application for admission to the Admissions Office.

The students must be a high school/GED graduate or have completed the tenth grade, and must show "Ability to Benefit" by appropriate performance on the Test of Adult Basic Education, Level A. Call 243-1926 for testing.

Must submit an official high school transcript/college/GED transcript.

Must be able to pass Department of Transportation Physical Requirements.**

Must hold a VALID driver's license.

Must present driver's history from state of residence for the previous five years.**

Must have satisfactory driving record: must not have any driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) within the last five years; no reckless driving, failure to heed a traffic control device, or failure to yield violation in the previous three years; and must not have more than two speeding tickets within the previous three years and no speeding violations 15 MPH in excess of the posted limit within the previous three years.

Must be at least 23 years old.***

**The DOT Physical and the Motor Vehicle Report will be turned in to the school prior to start of class.

***A person at least 21 years of age may attend if they can bring a statement, on company letterhead stationary, saying that "upon successful completion of the course, the company will employ the person as a truck driver.

NOTE: Students who lack entry level skills in Math, English, Science, etc. will be provided related studies.

Course Descriptions can be viewed from the College Catalog.

For more information on the program, contact the Commercial Truck Driving Program at 243-1949 or Student Services at 243-1926 or 243-1925.