Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Truck Driving Program | NorthWest Arkansas Community College

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Full Program
CDL Truck Driving

Full Program
CDL Truck Driving

Full CDL Truck Driving Program


NWACC's Full Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Truck Driving Program offers full training to new, entry-level drivers and includes 160 hours of classroom, theory-based instruction and simulator and in-cab training.

The program includes classroom and hands-on instruction on basic driver safety requirements, in-cab simulation maneuvering, and evaluation and readiness assessments. Course topics include regulations and vehicle mechanics, manual and automatic transmission, and air braking and maneuvering. 

Already have a CDL? But have not been in the truck for 0-36 months? Learn about NWACC's CDL refresher courses

Apply to NWACC

View the How-to-Apply Help Guide to review the application process. 

Contact CDL Truck Driving

Admission Steps

  • Ensure you meet qualifications (view program details below)
  • Complete NWACC Full CDL Truck Driving Program application
  • Provide an official copy of completed high school transcript or GED with test scores (contact us about exceptions)
  • Pay tuition
  • After registration in the Full CDL Truck Driving Program:
    • Take a drug screen prior to class start date
    • Provide proof of Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
    • Purchase a Class A CDL packet at the Arkansas State Police
      (headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas) or online
    • Obtain a Class A CDL permit within the first week of class
  • Tuition, fees and books payable to NorthWest Arkansas Community College


Truck driver

Full CDL Program Details

NWACC's Full CDL Truck Driving Program is designed for new driver students without a CDL. Review the information below to learn more.

NWACC's Full CDL Truck Driving Program offers training to new, entry-level drivers. It includes 160 hours of classroom, theory-based instruction and simulator and in-cab training.

160 hours (4 weeks) include:

  • 54 hours - classroom
  • 55 hours- range
  • 35 hours - behind-the-wheel
  • 16 hours - observation

Topics include:

  • Classroom, simulator and in-cab instruction
  • Regulations and vehicle mechanics
  • Manual and automatic transmission
  • CDL A and B licensing completion

Courses     ​Begin Date     ​End Date
​CDL Full Course 1 ​01/15/2024                         ​02/09/2024
​CDL Full Course 2 ​02/19/2024 ​03/15/2024
​​CDL Full Course 3​ ​03/25/2024 ​04/19/2024
​​CDL Full Course 4 ​04/29/2024 ​05/24/2024
​​CDL Full Course 5 ​06/03/2024 ​06/28/2024
​​CDL Full Course 6 ​07/08/2024 ​08/02/2024


Course Descriptions: 

Week 1: Classroom/theory. Standard hours are 8 am - 5 pm or 7 am - 4 pm.

Week 2 -4: Range/behind-the-wheel (BTW) training, standard hours. Evening hour classes are determined by full class needs for that session. Students must work with instructor for am/pm only hours.

NOTE:

  • Consecutive hours must be adhered to during scheduled night time driving (3 hours) and are recommended to meet the 16 hours behind-the-wheel requirements.
  • Campus closures due to inclement weather and/or make-up hours due to missing courses may extend the completion date. 
  • Refresher Training 3 to 5 day sessions may be scheduled in-between new, full sessions or coordinated in tandem with full class sessions. 

Program participants must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a DOT physical, background check, drug screening, and have a Class A permit prior to starting the course. Participants must be able to read, speak, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to meet the Department of Transportation regulations.

Program Curriculum

Primary Materials

  • State Commercial Driver’s License Manual
    • Safety regulations, 49 CFR 382-399. Students will also receive training in entry level drivers in accordance with 49 CFR 380.503.
  • J. J. Keller Student Driver Manual – 2021-22 Updates (latest version)

Supplemental Materials/Enhancements

  • J. J. Keller video-based training
  • Financial wellness curriculum (courtesy of Regions Bank Financial Institution)
  • Overall health and wellness, stress management and time management
  • Adult education literacy/English as second language assistance (free to students/families)

Core Topics

  • Driver qualification requirements
  • Hours of service
  • Driver wellness
  • Whistle blower protection
  • Truckers against trafficking

The classroom, range and behind the wheel instruction will include:

  • Instruction in the laws and regulations pertaining to the interstate and intrastate commercial motor vehicle operation.
  • Both classroom and range training will include proper completion of pre-trip and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections.
  • Simulation training for air-braking, scenario-based multiple terrain, situational, vehicle compliance and maneuvering (four-hour-to-one-hour ratio for behind-the-wheel).
  • Range instruction will include training in the coupling and uncoupling of combination units.
  • Range training will cover the aspects of placing a commercial motor vehicle in operation.
  • The proper use of the different motor vehicle controls and emergency equipment.
  • Operation of the commercial motor vehicle in the inner city, farm-to-market roads and interstate highways and will include the skills in passing, turning, backing, and parking the commercial motor vehicle.
  • Extensive training will be given in the skills of braking and slowing the vehicle by means other than the application of the service brakes.
  • Extensive training will be conducted in the proper completion of the driver’s daily logbook.
  • Instruction will also be given in accident prevention, personal health, and fitness, and in public relations.
  • Students will complete daily written tests to gauge their progress prior to an end-of-course comprehensive final exam.

NOTE: The final CDL skills testing will be performed at a local testing center.

Grading System

Grading system is A - F. Students must complete training with an overall score of 80% to receive a Certificate of Completion.

About Truck Driving Simulator

The L3Harris TranSim™ commercial truck driving simulator provides hands-on, experiential training for commercial vehicle drivers, offering experience without risks to people or equipment. The compact, ergonomic design of the TranSim simulator is a replica of an actual commercial vehicle driving compartment. TranSim accurately simulates the vehicle’s physical and functional characteristics. It also adjusts to the size, weight, turning radius, tire and suspension characteristics for each vehicle that it simulates. TranSim provides the most realistic and effective simulation based training system possible.


Costs:

  • $4,200 - Program tuition
  • $50 - CDL manual 
  • *$150 – Drug and physical testing
    • *Costs are estimates

Additional training time after the program has concluded may incur additional testing fees. See enrollment agreement.

Financial assistance options:

Students will be tested by the State Police or a third party tester for their Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

 

Take a Tour

Feel free to visit NWACC to tour our facilities, see the L3Harris TranSim™ commercial truck driving simulator and meet our driving instructors. Email CDLinfo@nwacc.edu to set up a time to visit.


Partner With NWACC

NWACC offers a professional CDL training program that meets current state and federal requirements and produces quality truck drivers. The college offers on-site simulation exercises with a 24-foot trailer classroom and behind-the-wheel training using manual or automatic transmission equipment. Continuing CDL education—including hours of service and an electronic logging device—and post-incident safety-based training can be contracted for up to one year. Email CDLinfo@nwacc.edu to learn more.