Professional Truck Driving
What Kind of Career Can You Expect?
This is an exciting career field for those who want the freedom of the open road and enjoy driving. A new truck today is equipped with technology and extras that make driving a comfortable, safe and enjoyable career. Employers need responsible drivers who will safely operate and maintain their investment in these vehicles. (A new truck can cost over $150,000). While some companies hire drivers for local jobs the majority of work is over the road long haul driving. We have been training drivers for more than 20 years. Our instructors are professional drivers who understand the needs of adult learners. They truly care about each student. You will fit in here and you can successfully complete this program regardless of past educational experience. Employers hire our graduates because we offer top quality training and hire the best instructors.
What is the Outlook for Job Opportunities and Pay?
Local and national employers are waiting to hire our truck-driving students. You can earn $35,000 + great benefits your first year! Many couples enroll in our training to become "team drivers". Teams can earn more than $70,000 per year. After your initial training you will have the opportunity to meet with employers who are looking for drivers. You can also earn while you learn during a paid internship. Some companies also offer a hiring bonus.
The following companies actively support this program, and are looking to hire skilled drivers:
Swift Trucking Company
Werner Enterprises
Gordon Trucking
May Trucking Company
What Programs Are Available?
15 Week Daytime Program
Leads to a certificate of completion or a post-secondary vocational certificate, this program is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and background for employment as an over-the-road entry-level driver. The program is 15 weeks in length, 40 hours per week, with three 3-week courses and a 6-week paid internship. Initially, you will practice driving in non traffic areas and attend class here at location in Nampa Idaho.
As your skills advance and your confidence increases you will progress to driving our big rig on the open road. You will learn the skills and procedures for handling freight, loading and unloading, dock loading, and trailer combinations and their uses. You will also gain the skills to handle trucks in urban and heavy traffic situations, difficult weather conditions, steep inclines and downgrades, highway and so much more. The program covers all of the Department of Transportation regulations and interstate rules and requirements you will need to know. You will also gain important on the job skills that include but are not limited to: keeping log books, accident avoidance, and reporting procedures. All students must meet the Department of Transportation’s physical standards, have a Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s record check, and pass the state commercial driver’s license exam. Special fees apply to this program, see below for more information.
23 Week Evening and Weekend Program
This training covers the same topics as the 15 week course but takes longer to complete because students only attend classes at night and on the weekends. The program is 23 weeks in length. Students will have 17 weeks of in-house training and a 6-week paid internship. All training takes place on nights and weekends (approximately 26 hours per week). See below for more information.
When Are Classes Held?
New classes start every three weeks. Call now to secure a seat in class. Programs fill quickly and space is limited. Our 15 week program is offered during the day. Our 23 week program is offered nights and weekends.
What Kind of Degree(s) Can I Earn?
- Postsecondary Technical Certificate - PTC (usually less than one year)
Steps to Enroll
Please follow the steps below. If you need help or have questions call us at 208-562-2050.
1. Take the COMPASS Assessment Test. Cost is $15 cash, voucher, or money order. Test site available in Nampa at 5252 Treasure Valley Way
2. Fill out CWI Admissions application, and pay $25 application fee.
3. Provide official transcripts for high school, GED and/or any college or university you have attended. If no high school or GED, then a career plan must be filled out with the Truck Driving office.
To Do List
- Dept. of Transportation Physical Exam. You must complete this exam before the 8th day of class. Results of your physical must be recorded on a form that meets the DOT requirements. Cost is $40 - $70.
- Driving Record. You are required to provide your Idaho driving record, or one from the state that you have previously resided in for the past three years. Contact Idaho Transportation Dept. at 334-8735, a local insurance company, or the DMV. Idaho charges $4 for this service.
- CDL Manual. Get your manual free from any Department of Motor Vehicle Office. Study sections two and three before the first day of class.
What Else Should I Know?
Commercial Drivers License Instruction Permit: You need to obtain a CDL Instruction Permit after 1st week of class, you will need your social security card or your social security number for verification.
Program Cost
Tuition: $3,600
CDL: $62 - $160
Drug/Alcohol testing: $45
Graduation Application: $30
LabFee: $400
To Get Financial Aid:
Almost all prospective students are eligible for some kind of financial aid, regardless of credit history, income or assets.
Program Fills Fast. Call Today! 208.562.2050
CWI delivers college credit instruction, certificates and degrees through its memorandum of understanding with College of Southern Idaho (CSI). CSI is accredited through The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCUU).
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