Commercial Vehicle Operator A Class

Program Description

Commercial vehicle operation is an important component of the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics industry. Due to a driver shortage, there are many career opportunities for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A holders. You can drive a tractor trailer, tanker, double and triples, flatbed, or refrigerated trailer. Commercial drivers of tractor trailers provide local service, regional, and interstate trips. Heavy truck and tractor trailer drivers may spend most of their time behind the wheel, but they may also be required to load or unload their cargo upon arrival at their final destination. Drivers conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and must report to the dispatcher any equipment that is inoperable, defective, or missing. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires drivers to keep a log of their activities, including the condition of the truck, hours of service, and the circumstances of any accidents.

This training prepares students to test for a Maryland CDL-A license. The program includes classroom instruction and practical experience behind the wheel on range and road. Students focus on safety, inspections, basic control, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, trip planning, log books, and accident reporting. The Maryland MVA’s CDL-A licensing exam is taken at the end of the course. Th​e exam includes pre-trip inspections, range maneuvers, and completion of a road test of 14+ miles.​

Successful candidates enjoy travel and the independence of the open road, but because drivers interact with many people (such as other drivers, clients, and fleet managers) communication skills are important. An interest in safe driving, problem solving, and understanding regulations is helpful.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland.  Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 3,370. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.​

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1.  prepare to pass the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam;

2.  identify pre-trip safety inspection checklist items to pass the MVA CDL exam;

3.  explain in detail safe driving practices for operation of a Class A CDL vehicle;

4.  demonstrate through hands-on range/road driving practice the ability to set the Class A CDL vehicle in motion and accelerate smoothly forward and backward, park, shift, and maneuver; and

5.  demonstrate how to couple and uncouple units and perform air break inspections.​

CCBC Pathway

Business Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

Students will be prepared to take the Maryland Commercial Driver’s License exam.

Students will be awarded various CDL certificates (e.g. Defensive Driving and New Driver Training).

Licensing Organization:

CDL A: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) - upon successfully completing the MVA final licensing exam.

www.mva.maryland.gov

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

CDL- A: 280 hours

Full-time class meets Monday -Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for 8 weeks.

Weekend class meets Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for 20 weeks.

Evening class meets Monday - Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for 12 weeks

Program Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 (commercial drivers must be 21 years of age to drive across state lines)
• Be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen & physical
• Possess a valid Maryland Driver’s License (regular Class C)
• Maintain zero points for drug/alcohol violations

Recommended:  High School Diploma or GED (highly preferred, but not required)

The Maryland MVA’s CDL-A licensing exam is taken at the end of the course.  The exam includes pre-trip inspections, range maneuvers, and completion of a road test of 14+ miles.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Non-Credit Workforce Training Certificate application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Selective Entry – Please call 443-840-2222 to schedule a CDL information session.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator:  Stacy Igo |  sigo@ccbcmd.edu |  443-877-5205 | TTC Transportation Training Center

Administrative Assistant:   Barbara Bennett | bbennett3@ccbcmd.edu |  443-840-3672 | TTC Transportation Training Center