CDL Entry Level Driver Training
Get behind the wheel and gain hands-on Commercial Truck Driving experience!
The roads are wide open for those wishing to become commercial truck drivers! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a commercial truck driver is $48,500 per year. At Bates, you can earn your certificate of training Class B CDL with endorsements in just one quarter (Only the Class B option is offered in Spring Quarter 2023). Students train in three axle tractors Class A CDL ( 10-speed and 13-speed Manual transmissions also 10 speed Auto Shifts, (28-53 foot trailers) Class B CDL Box Trucks 6 Speed Manual or Auto-Shift Transmissions. Students begin on a commercial truck simulator (Class A) and then progress to behind-the-wheel driving. Students learn logbooks, receive atlas training, and complete weight distribution, truck terms, workbook exercises and backing exercises. Earn your Class B CDL and get a job driving local (intrastate) or cross-country (interstate). Hazmat classes are also offered. NOTE: Effective Spring Quarter 2023, only Class B CDL will be offered. Please check the online class schedule for dates and times.
Contact Information:
Jason Carroll, Career Advisor
253-680-7410
South Campus
7:30AM - 3:00PM
Get the skills you need for the career you want.
More about the program:
Students prepare for entry-level employment as commercial truck drivers with the goal of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with endorsements. Training takes place in classrooms, on Bates’ truck driving range, and on the road, using a variety of equipment.
Note:
- Five Week Certificate of Training – Class B CDL
- Class size: six per cohort. Two cohort starts per quarter. See the class schedule for class dates and times.
- Enrollment points: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- This certificate offers primarily face-to-face instruction with some online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses.
- Commercial truck driving boasts four Class B box trucks
- Students are responsible for taking care of, DOL fees including driving records, medical cert., permit fees, and skills tests at the DOL.
- Full-time CDL training program with a very high pass rate.
Degrees & Certificates:
- Cert. Training: Commercial Truck Driving Class A
- Cert. Training: Commercial Truck Driving Class B
- CIP: 49.0205
Program Lengths:
- Certificate of Training: 1 quarter
Faculty and Other Contact Information:
Note: Information is accurate as of its original posting date. The college reserves the right to edit, change, or update information as needed throughout the year. Up-to-date information is available in Student Services.
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Commercial Truck Driving Class A Certificate of Training (21 Credits)
Description:- One quarter Certificate of Training
- Maximum class size: 10
- Student to teacher ratio: 10:1
- Enrollment point: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- This certificate offers primarily face-to-face instruction with some online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses. See course descriptions for details.
- Commercial truck driving boasts 11 class A trucks, 14 trailers, 3 class B box trucks, advanced truck simulator, the only closed course CDL driving range in WA state.
- Students are responsible for purchasing gloves and a hammer. DOL fees including driving record, Medical cert., Permit fees, skill test, and CDL issuance.
- Full time CDL training program with very high pass rate. No night time program offered at this time.
Commercial Truck Driving Class A Certificate of Training (21 Credits)
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Commercial Truck Driving Class B Certificate of Training (8 Credits)
Description:- Five Week Certificate of Training
- Class size: Six students per cohort. Two cohort starts per quarter. See class schedule for class dates and times.
- Enrollment point: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- This certificate offers primarily face-to-face instruction with some online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses.
- Commercial truck driving boasts four Class B box trucks.
- Students are responsible for taking care of Department of Licensing (DOL) fees including driving record, medical certificate, permit fees, and skills test at the DOL.
- Full time CDL training program with very high pass rate.
Commercial Truck Driving Class B Certificate of Training (8 Credits)
Class A CDL Program
Prerequisites – Applicants must:
- *Pass their three learners permit tests already at the DOL (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles);
- Possess a valid Washington state driver’s license;
- Have a driving record with no DUI, negligent, reckless, or hit-and-run infractions within the past five years;
- Have no more than three moving violations in the past 36 months (a state vehicle operating requirement);
- Be able to pass the Federal Department of Transportation physical exam and drug screen;
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age to enroll in local commercial driving;
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age to enroll in long-haul commercial driving;
- Have their DOL driver’s record printed out;
- Have their DOT Medical Certificate.
Class B CDL Program
Prerequisites – Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Not have been convicted of a felony within the last five years.
- Have a DOT Medical Certificate valid for one year or longer without a waiver.
- Have an acceptable WA DOL motor vehicle driving record (reviewed and approved by the instructor).
- Have the ability to pass the required drug and marijuana & alcohol screening (college provided, at the clinic).
*Class B: to get your learner permit, you only have to have the general knowledge and airbrake, not the combination.
The CDL Entry Level Driver Training program is not eligible for financial aid. If you do not wish to self-pay, please contact our financial aid office to explore the eligibility criteria of alternative financial assistance sources.
Class A (not offered at this time)
Student tuition:
- Approximately $3,488.30
Fees:
- DOT medical certificate: approximately $125
- Commercial Learners Permit (CLP), taken at DOL: $80
- DOL driving record: $13
Class B
- Tuition and fees, resident: $1,110.24
- Tuition and fees, non-resident: $2,612.56
- CDL knowledge test: $35
- CDL skills test: $250
- Driving record: $13
- Learners permit: $35
- Drug test: $77.50
- Fuel cost $45x8cr: $360
The total cost of Class B program:
- Resident: $1,880.74
- Non-Resident: $3,383.06
- National Median Salary: $45,260
- National Potential Annual Job Openings: 209,200
This information is based on data from O*Net, captured on June 2021.
No accreditation or related information have been provided.
No course maps have been provided.
No forms have been provided.