CDL Training Programs
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CDL Training Program Details
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s CDL Training Program, particularly, CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer, helps prepare you to pursue a career in commercial driving and transportation. This program provides instruction on the skills to be a driver and member of the team and fulfill Texas CDL requirements. Our CDL Training program emphasizes hands-on learning and road safety. STVT is proud to offer a CDL Training Program in South Texas. Our CDL Training Program is available at our Arlington, Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Weslaco and Corpus Christi campuses.
Certificate: 160 Clock Hours, 1-2 Months.
*STVT cannot guarantee job placement, salary or employment
*South Texas Vocational Technical Institute does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by South Texas Vocational Technical Institute but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to South Texas Vocational Technical Institute. Therefore, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
What’s Covered
Along with classroom education, students at STVT will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on training to strengthen their skills.
Learn what to look for when checking the safety and condition of a vehicle before hitting the road, in between deliveries, and after drop-offs are complete.
Practice shifting lanes, night driving, alley docking, pull up, straight line backing, and more.
Discover how to safely load and unload rigs, fuel your vehicle, rest break requirements, and more.
Learn how to complete, submit, and follow up on an inspection report in a timely manner to streamline future repairs and minimize the risk of accidents.
Program Requirements
Commercial Truck Driving is regulated by both the U.S Department of Transportation and the state.
- Valid driver’s license
- Driving record meeting enrollment criteria
- HS Diploma, GED, or acceptable equivalent
- Be at least 18 years of age**
CDL A: Frequently Asked Questions
With a Class A CDL, drivers can operate straight trucks and combination vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds. They often transport goods, materials, and heavy loads across the country.
Generally speaking, it can take up to six months to complete CDL training. At STVT, you can complete both our CDL A and CDL B* training in four to eight weeks.
*CDL B training is only available at our Arlington campus.
Yes, STVT offers day, evening, and weekend training options for our CDL A and CDL B programs. Our evening and weekend options take eight weeks to complete, while our day option can be completed in four.
Yes, you can train for your CDL if you’re under 21 in Texas, but you can’t drive cross country until you’re 21.
At STVT, job placement assistance, resume assistance, and other forms of professional development are offered to all of our students and graduates. For a more in-depth answer to how we help our graduates, check out our Career Services page.
Our CDL training teaches students how to safely perform common maneuvers like alley docking, merging lanes, pull ups, performing pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, and more.
CDL B: Frequently Asked Questions
CDL B’s allow drivers to operate single, straight vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more. This can include shuttle buses, box trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and more.
The biggest difference between Class A and B is the kind of vehicles the drivers can operate and where they drive. Class A CDLs allow drivers to operate both single and combination vehicles, while a Class B only allows drivers to operate single vehicles. Those with a Class B tend to work locally, and those with a Class A can drive across the country.
For a more in-depth answer to this question, check out our previous blog What Can You Do With a CDL.
Yes, STVT offers day, evening, and weekend training options for our CDL A and CDL B programs. Our evening and weekend options take eight weeks to complete, while our day option can be completed in four.
At STVT, job placement assistance, resume assistance, and other forms of professional development are offered to all of our students and graduates. For a more in-depth answer to how we help our graduates, check out our Career Services page.
Yes, since this helps ensure you’re practicing under the guidance of an industry-experienced instructor, learning driving requirements specific to your state, safely operating vehicles in accordance with those requirements, and much more.
Our CDL A and B training helps prepare students for the three parts of the CDL Skills Test: Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control (backing maneuvers), and Road Test.
Career Outcomes
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 study, Texas has the highest employment level for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers across the nation. With national industry growth projected to remain steady between 2023 and 2033, now is a great time to prepare for your career as a professional driver!
Graduates of our CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program have found work as:
- CDL Class A Driver
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Heavy Machinery Operator
- OTR Driver
- Truck Driver
- Bus Driver
Fuel Your Future: CDL Tuition Assistance
Don’t let finances get in the way of getting your career on the road. Let our team talk you through the options to find you a path forward that fits your financial situation.
Options May Include:
- Workforce Agency Funding
Workforce agencies can connect students with various funding options and services, including state and federal tuition assistance through grants and programs.
- Veterans Funding
Veterans or eligible beneficiaries may qualify to use the GI Bill® at STVT. Many Veterans can qualify for more than one education benefits program. Available programs include Post 911 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), Survivor and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA/Chapter 35), Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve) and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (Awarded to eligible students who had a parent or guardian that died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001). Veterans can contact the Financial Aid Office at their school location for more information or apply online at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- Scholarships
Opportunities for tuition assistance may be available to students meeting certain criteria in the form of scholarships. To see what scholarships are currently being offered for our school, please visit https://www.stvt.edu/consumer-information/.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
A student with a physical or mental disability which may be a handicap to employment may be eligible for training services provided through the state government agency for Vocational Rehabilitation. Students desiring further information should contact the admissions office or call Vocational Rehabilitation directly.
- Cash Payments
Students with available funds can choose to pay for their training directly.
These options will vary by state and by campus, so reach out today.
- Third-Party Lending
Third-party lenders can provide student loans specifically designed for educational purposes. Paramount Capital Group also offers students a private financing option. Paramount works with schools to help qualified applicants achieve success by removing financial roadblocks to enrollment. See the website for more information: https//paracap.com/borrowers/.
*It takes fewer than 300 hours to complete this program, therefore, CDL Training is not eligible for Title IV funding.
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Ready To Enroll?
Start at STVT to begin the skills-based career training you’ve been dreaming of. Our flexible scheduling and affordable options make it a great place for you to pursue your diploma in Commercial Driving. Talk to an admissions representative today.
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