About The Commercial Driver's License Program
A commercial driver's license (CDL) allows professionals to operate a variety of vehicles,
paving the way to careers in the transportation industry. Professional drivers may
travel the country as long-haul truckers or stay closer to home with jobs driving
buses, making deliveries or supporting business operations.
CCAC's CDL programs provide training to obtain a Pennsylvania Class A or B/Passenger
Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
The curriculum prepares students to take the CDL Class A or B/Passenger knowledge, skills and road tests.
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Knowledge Test: Covers general knowledge, combination vehicle air brakes, hazardous materials, tankers and double-triples and Passenger.
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Skills Test: Involves performing a pre-trip inspection and various backing and parking maneuvers.
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Road Test: Consists of driving a predetermined route.
The curriculum also covers:
- Department of Transportation (DOT) and hours of service regulations
- Map reading and trip planning
- Shifting techniques if appropriate
- Industry terminology
- Career opportunities
Students must first successfully complete Part 1: CDL Driver Theory and obtain their Class A or B/Passenger CDL permit before enrolling in Part 2: CDL Range & Road Training.
Class A (160 hrs)
Part 1: CDL Driver Theory Classroom Sessions for CLD A
- 4 weeks, 80 hour
- This curriculum prepares students to take and pass the PA CDL Class A permit exam.
- The exam is administered at the PA DMV Drivers' License Center(s).
- Students who pass the exam will obtain a PA Class A permit with the appropriate endorsements to train and drive a tractor-trailer rig equipped with air brakes.
- Students must obtain their Class A permit and pass a DOT physical and drug screen before continuing to Part 2.
Part 2: CDL Range & Road Training Behind the Wheel Sessions for CDL A
- 4 weeks, 80 hours
- This curriculum prepared students to take and pass the PA CDL Class A BTW exam and obtain a CDL driver's license.
- Exams consist of Pre-trip Inspection, CDL Skills, On-the-Road driving test.
- This test is conducted on a third-party test site at CCAC's Boyce Campus.
- Students who pass the test obtain a PA Class A license with appropriate endorsements.
- This allows students to seek and obtain employment as a CDL Class A driver.
Class B (80 hrs)
Part 1: CDL Driver Theory Classroom Sessions for CDL B/Passenger
- 2 weeks, 40 hours
- This curriculum prepares students to take and pass the PA CDL Class B/P permit exam.
- The exam is administered at the PA DMV Drivers' License Center(s).
- Students who pass the exam obtain a PA Class B/P permit with the appropriate endorsements to train and drive a straight truck/passenger vehicle equipped with air brakes.
- Students must obtain their Class B/P permit and pass a DOT physical and drug screen before continuing to Part 2.
Part 2: CDL Range & Road Training Behind the Wheel Sessions for CDL B/Passenger
- 2 weeks, 40 hours
- This curriculum prepared students to take and pass the PA CDL Class B/P BTW exam and obtain a CDL driver's license.
- Exams consist of Pre-trip Inspection, CDL Skills, On-the-Road driving test.
- This test is conducted on a third-party test site at CCAC's Boyce Campus.
- Students who pass the test obtain a PA Class B/P license with appropriate endorsements.
- This allows students to seek and obtain employment as a CDL Class B or Passenger driver.
Program Outcomes
Students meet with the CDL program placement advisor to discuss their individual circumstances and appropriate employment opportunities (local, regional, over-the-road, Second Chance, etc.).
We currently have a list of over 200 companies in need of Class A, B or PASSENGER CDL drivers who have hired our graduates in the past, including Schneider National, JB Hunt, US-Xpress, Paragon Foods, Pitt-Ohio, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
Program Requirements
In order to enroll in the CDL program, students must meet these requirements:
- A valid driver's license
- Payment and/or funding in place before the first day of class
In order to pass the program, students must meet these additional requirements:
- At least 90% attendance in both Part 1 (classroom) and Part 2 (BTW) training
- At least 80% on all exams and tests (both written and BTW)
- By second class: Provide a copy of current valid driver's license
- By fifth class: Provide 10-year DMV driving motor vehicle history
- Pass the DOT exam to obtain a PA Class A, B CDL or Passenger permit
- Pass the DOT test to obtain a PA Class A license, B CDL or Passenger license with appropriate endorsements