Nothing happens until something moves.

American business depends on trucks and drivers to move more than $700 billion worth of goods around the nation each year. Students completing the CDL program are ready to hit the road.

Salina Tech’s Commercial Truck Driving program uses a broad curriculum that blends classroom instruction with over the road driving education. The CDL driver training program will teach you everything you need to know to start a new career in just eight weeks. The comprehensive program covers preparation, pre-inspection, vehicle systems, and hazard awareness.

This 8-week program meets from 7:30 to 4:30, Monday – Thursday, 7:30 – 12 on Friday (Some night driving will occur during the driving section of the program).  The program consists of approximately 200 hours of instruction.  Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a Certificate of Completion from Salina Tech, and have the opportunity to take the CDL driving examination to receive their Class A CDL license.

Already have your CDL? Salina Tech offers a separate online course allowing drivers to earn endorsements for hauling hazardous materials, passengers, and more.

PROGRAMS OPTIONS

Course Program Type Program Length Cost Notes
Class A Commercial Truck Driving Hybrid 8 weeks – Lecture materials online for first 3 weeks followed by 5 weeks of in person driver training $3,695 DOT Physical, DOT Drug Test, Permits, Licenses and Driving Records not included in program cost.
Class B Commercial Truck Driving Hybrid 6 weeks – Lecture materials online for first 3 weeks followed by 3 weeks of in person driver training $1,500  DOT Physical, DOT Drug Test, Permits, Licenses and Driving Records not included in program cost.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement Online Starts Weekly: Monday – Friday $75 Endorsement Registration 
Passenger Endorsement Only Online Starts Weekly: Monday – Friday $75 Endorsement Registration 
School Bus / Passenger Endorsement Online Starts Weekly: Monday – Friday $75 Endorsement Registration 

Salina Area Technical College is a State Certified 3rd party tester and is a registered training provider and our classes meet the Federal Motor Carrier safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements for Entry Level Driver Training.

CDL REQUIREMENTS

(1) Must be 18 years of age or older (21 years old to cross state lines or to test for Hazardous Materials Endorsement).
(2) Must have a valid Kansas Driver’s License.
(3) Must have a updated Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) from the DMV.
(4) Must have a “clean” driving record; with no more than 3 points, no drug/alcohol violations that have resulted in a current license suspension, no outstanding tickets or suspensions.
(5) Current DOT Medical Card and DOT Drug Test
(6) Must have no felony convictions involving use of a motor vehicle, or a crime involving drugs, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or hit-and-run driving which resulted in injury or death.
(7) Must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, prepare necessary reports, and speak to law enforcement, or the general public.

To be accepted into the program, you need to complete:

First day of class MUST HAVE COPIES:

  • Valid Kansas Drivers License
  • DOT Physical
  • Driving Record from DMV

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • Interpret and use vehicle control systems
  • Back and dock of a CMV
  • Execute the coupling/uncoupling of a tractor trailer
  • Perform visual search
  • Properly manage vehicle speed
  • Identify and avoid potential driving hazards
  • Analyze vehicle systems and components and assess malfunctions
  • Illustrate knowledge in handling and documenting cargo
  • Demonstrate understanding of accident scenes and reporting procedures
  • Organize trips for most efficient outcomes
  • Outline proper management of personal resources while on the road
  • Observe Hour of Service requirements through proper record keeping.

RESOURCES

FACULTY

David John, Jr. - Commercial Trucking Driving Instructor

David John Jr. has certifications in a Master Driver Trainer Course, Hazardous Materials, Bus Driver and Motor Transport Instructor Courses as well as leadership courses. Mr. John has over 25 years of military service in transportation logistics with 7 years as an Instructor/Writer/Trainer.

Prior to joining the Salina Tech Commercial Truck Driving program in 2017 he was a Truck Master for the 24th Composite Truck Co. at Fort Riley, where he organized and supervised driver training, truck routing and scheduled maintenance. He also trained more than 4,000 students annually on driving and the maintenance of semis with the 58th Transportation Battalion. Mr. John served as a supply manager for the First Infantry Division’s 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

david.john@salinatech.edu
785-309-3123

Kelly Cikanek - Commercial Truck Driving Instructor

Kelly Cikanek has 33 years of driving experience. For 29 years, Kelly was pulling refrigerated food all over the United States with 4 years of pulling doubles.  Along with accumulating 3.6 million miles of driving, Kelly was the recipient of a Million Mile Safe Driving Award.

Mr. Cikanek oversaw his own operating authority and operated his own company for several years. He is a trained and certified state third-party CDL tester.

Kelly’s experience gives the insight and knowledge to explain and teach new drivers the skills they need to become safe, successful, and knowledgeable drivers.

kelly.cikanek@salinatech.edu
785-309-3123

CONTACT

Contact the CTD Enrollment Specialist with any questions or information regarding admissions requirements.

Melissa Farmer
785-309-3118
melissa.farmer@salinatech.edu