Commercial Truck Driving
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.
Salina Tech’s Commercial Truck Driving program uses a broad curriculum that blends classroom instruction with over the road driving education.
From preparation and pre-inspection, to vehicle systems and hazard awareness, the program will teach you everything you need to know to start a new career in just 8 weeks.
This 8-week program meets from 8:00 to 4:00, Monday – Friday (Some night driving will occur during the driving section of the program). The program consists of approximately 336 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.
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
(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.
(8) Must have dependable transportation to and from class.
(9) Must have and maintain a positive attitude with staff and fellow students as well as a commitment to safe driving.
To be accepted into the program, you need to complete:
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Application
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Placement testing through Learning Resource Center.
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Financial Arrangement with Student Services
First day of class MUST HAVE COPIES:
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Valid Kansas Drivers License
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DOT Physical
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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.
Careers
Truck Driver
Bus Driver
Delivery Driver
Heavy Equipment Operator
Information
Faculty
David John, Jr. has been the Commercial Truck Driving instructor at Salina Tech since April of 2017.
He served in the U.S. Army since 1998 in various transportation and logistical jobs — most recently as 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 was an instructor/writer with the 58th Transportation Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he planned, prepared, wrote and presented training on driving and maintenance of semis for more than 4,000 students each year.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom, David served as supply manager for the First Infantry Division’s 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion.
David.John@SalinaTech.edu | 785-309-3123
News
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Salina Tech enrollment jumps 27% GallerySalina Tech enrollment jumps 27%
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Salina Tech enrollment jumps 27%
Enrollment at Salina Area Technical College rose 27% in the fall of 2018 compared to the previous fall, according to information collected on September 20th for reporting to the Kansas Board of Regents. According to the [...]
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Driving a big rig down a stretch of highway was fun for Tripp Goossen until he ran into a wall and shattered his windshield. Tripp Goossen, 16, of Beverly, uses a truck driving simulator [...]
Great Plains Trucking Donates Semi and Trailer to Salina Tech
When Salina Area Technical College started its Commercial Truck Driving program in 2015, it was with the support many local trucking companies, including Great Plains Trucking, which donated the use of a semi and trailer [...]
Scholarships
The Community Foundation administers over thirty-seven (37) scholarships, turning dreams of higher education into a reality. Our scholarship application process begins in January. Scholarship applications will be available online from January – March 14th. https://www.communityfoundation.us/scholarships.cfm
Open to full-time, first time post-secondary students enrolled at Salina Tech for the fall of 2019. Apply now.