Truck Driving Academy

The Truck Driving Academy offers driving classes once a month, and the official program start dates are listed above. Please contact us for additional information. Our CDL school provides accelerated training covering the full range of vehicle, truck, and trailer configurations currently on the road. Your program will include classroom instruction and hands-on driver training, covering everything from paperwork to backing, turning, and shifting on our closed course, as well as complex maneuvers through city streets. We'll take it one step at a time, ensuring you're ready before you move on to the next level.

The course begins with lessons in essential driving skills, regulations, safety protocols, and basic mechanics. You will then practice in a truck on a secure, closed course using realistic exercises. As your confidence grows, you'll drive tractor-trailer combinations on low-traffic roads and city streets. Eventually, you'll transition to real-world driving, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience. This structured progression will build your skills, expand your knowledge, and boost your confidence on open roads.

During the final week of training, you'll enhance your driving, routing, and paperwork skills, learn advanced shifting techniques, and learn to handle your rig in various road conditions. You'll build confidence in navigating busy city streets, performing routine roadside repairs, and shifting professionally. You'll then be prepared for a comprehensive review and a practice test before taking the Commercial Driver's License exam.

To earn a CDL, applicants must complete the full CDL skills test, which consists of three tests taken in succession: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and Road Test.

We will support you throughout your journey! What sets us apart from other truck-driving schools is the level of care and personalized instruction we provide to every student. Our goal is to ensure you are well-prepared to reach your full potential and build a successful, lucrative career in trucking.

If you don't already have a job offer, you are now ready for the Job Placement phase of your training.

Contact us to learn more!

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Modernizes Commercial Driver License (CDL) Skills Test

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (OHBMV) has announced that a modernized version of the commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test will be implemented at all third-party CDL examination sites and at OHBMV Examination Sites that offer CDL skills tests, effective October 2, 2023.

This modernized CDL Skills Test was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Based on positive reports and safety data from the AAMVA community, gathered through its extensive vetting process, OHBMV is confident that the new skills test accurately assesses applicants' knowledge of modern vehicle features while maintaining a focus on the key skills needed to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

OHBMV believes that adopting the updated test will help ensure that CDL drivers have the knowledge and skills to drive safely, while waiving outdated requirements and keeping pace with technological advances.

The Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection and Basic Vehicle Control skills tests have been updated for all representative classes of commercial motor vehicles.

The modernized Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection test adds a new vehicle inspection checklist to the Ohio CDL Manual on pages 11M-11 through 11M-13, which you may now use as a memory aid during the inspection test. This memory aid simulates a "real-world" addition to the inspection portion of the test, where applicants may be asked to identify up to 90 vehicle components and describe what they are looking for to ensure the vehicle is safe and ready for use.

OHBMV anticipates that applicants who use the new vehicle inspection memory aid and focus on the four steps it outlines for the additional air brake check component will pass the Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection portion of the CDL skills test without compromising commercial vehicle safety.

In addition to the Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection test updates, the Basic Vehicle Control Skills test portion will require applicants to demonstrate the following "real-world" maneuvers to demonstrate basic operational control of their representative commercial vehicle. These include:

• Forward Stop to demonstrate an applicant's ability to judge the front of the vehicle;
• Straight-Line Backing to demonstrate the applicant's ability to back the vehicle in a straight line;
• Forward Offset Tracking to demonstrate an applicant's ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward; and
• Reverse Offset Backing to demonstrate an applicant's ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle.

No changes have been made to the CDL Road Test.

A list of CDL Skills/Testing Location sites is available at www.bmv.ohio.gov by selecting the link in the top right for BMV Locations.

Should you have any questions about the CDL Modernized Test or the OHBMV CDL Examination program, please contact us directly at OHBMVCDLExam@dps.ohio.gov

Equipment

We have a fleet of vehicles, including tractors and various trailers, for training. Our equipment is modern and meets or exceeds industry standards. We provide a range of engines, transmissions, and trailer types. All our vehicles are clean, well-maintained, and road-ready.

After completing the Truck Driving Academy and obtaining your CDL, you'll be ready to operate commercial tractors and tractor-trailers!

Qualifications

To qualify for employment as a professional over-the-road driver, you must be 21 years old and hold a valid Commercial Driver's License. You must also pass a DOT physical exam and a controlled-substance test.

For intrastate Ohio, applicants may qualify at age 18. To enroll in the program, you must have a valid Ohio driver's license, pass a DOT physical exam, and pass a controlled-substance test.

How do I register?

• Complete the TDA Student Registration

How long is the Class A CDL program?

• The Class A CDL program is 160 training hours. We offer weekday and weekend programs.
• Weekday Schedule - 4 weeks, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Weekend Schedule - 8 weekends, Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

How much does the Class A CDL program cost?

• This program costs $5,750

How long is the Class B CDL program?

• The Class B program is 80 training hours over 2 weeks, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This two-week program is not available on weekends. The classes run during the first 2 weeks alongside the Class A courses.

How much does the Class B CDL program cost?

This program costs $3,000

What payment options are available to help me fund my training?

• Paying for the tuition out of pocket? You can call Angie directly to pay over the phone with a Visa or Mastercard (937-393-3431 ext. 4560). Please call your bank first to confirm your daily spending limit will cover the cost of tuition.
• We do not offer a payment plan or accept partial payments.
• Need financial assistance paying for the tuition? Check with your county Ohio Means Job / JFS / Community Action office. If you are not eligible for tuition assistance through your county, state financial assistance may be available. Call Angie for details.
• State Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program (ODHE). Must meet eligibility requirements. Call Angie for more details if you are not eligible for County financial assistance and have an excellent driving record.
• Need to apply for a student loan? Visit www.salliemae.com or call 1-855-756-5626 (855-SLM-LOAN) between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm Monday through Friday. Sallie Mae will determine whether to approve or deny your loan based on your credit score. Once approved, please notify Angie.
• Using VA Benefits? We accept the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® for the Truck Driving Academy. You must present a current Certificate of Eligibility showing your eligibility percentage. The VA does NOT approve the TDA to accept the Army IgnitEd funding benefit.
• Using UET Vouchers? You can use Union Education Trust Vouchers as a form of payment. You must request the vouchers from your Union Employer 45 days before your approved start date, then email the signed copies to Angie Devilbliss at adevilbliss@sscc.edu. Pay any remaining balance to secure your seat.
• Are you a member of the Ohio Laborer's Union? Contact your Union Rep for tuition assistance.
• The CDL certificate does NOT qualify for FAFSA funding.

How do I complete the required DOT physical and drug tests?

Once you have obtained the commercial learner's permit and the tuition is covered or paid in full, the academy will schedule you for a DOT physical and drug screen at one of our approved clinics. These services are included in the tuition cost. You must complete them at least 5 days before training starts so the results can be returned to us. Once we receive an approved DOT physical and a negative drug screen, we will secure your seat.

Do I need a commercial learner's permit before training starts?

Yes, you ARE REQUIRED to have your Commercial Learner's Permit before training begins.

How do I obtain my commercial learner's permit?

Class A Commercial Learner's Permit

• Pass General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination tests.
• You can also take the Tankers, Doubles, and Triples tests, but they are not required.

Class B Commercial Learner's Permit

• Pass General Knowledge and Air Brakes tests.
• You can also take the Tankers endorsement test, but it is not required.

LOCATE a BMV Testing Center

• Not all BMV's have Exam Stations. Here are a few locations that do: Batavia, Xenia, Lebanon, Sharonville, Hamilton Ave, Zanesville, Springfield, Chillicothe, New Boston, and Jackson.
• Make an appointment to take your permit endorsement tests.

What is a HazMat Endorsement?

Let's start with the basics. As a professional CDL driver, you need a HazMat endorsement to haul hazardous materials. These loads contain hazardous substances that can harm you and the environment. Therefore, they require a special endorsement on your CDL to transport them. Additionally, a driver with a hazardous materials endorsement has responsibilities beyond the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for a standard CDL driver without a HazMat endorsement.

HazMat Driver Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Maintaining Shipping Papers
• Placarding and Marking the Vehicle
• Loading and Unloading
• Ensuring Compatibility Requirements
• Blocking and Bracing
• Completing Incident & Accident Reports
• Complying with a Security Plan
• Employee Training - HazMat Theory
• The hazardous materials endorsement on a CDL means the driver has passed the mandatory training and tests to transport all classes of hazardous materials. The driver must keep a copy of the HazMat table in their truck to properly categorize load types on all paperwork and comply with Hazardous Materials Requirements (HMR).

Types/Classes of Hazardous Materials Include:

• Class 1 - Explosives
• Class 2 - Gases
• Class 3 - Flammable Liquids
• Class 4 - Flammable Solids
• Class 5 - Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides
• Class 6 - Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances
• Class 7 - Radioactive Material
• Class 8 - Corrosives
• Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods - Environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants

The FMCSA conducts more than 154,000 roadside inspections each year to ensure that safety guidelines are met during the transport of materials. Holding a HazMat endorsement entails greater responsibility, including a thorough understanding of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to avoid violations. The new HazMat

Every student is offered free job placement assistance after graduation. Recruiters from major carriers visit the Truck Driving Academy on a regular basis to interview prospective drivers. As you will see when you visit their sites, some positions offer tuition reimbursement, which means free training!

We partner with many respected companies to provide employment for graduates as well as driving solutions for transportation providers. View our Jobs & Resources webpage to learn more.

Jobs & Resources

The cost for the Class A weekday or weekend programs is $5750, and the cost for the Class B weekday program is $3000. This will cover the entire cost of the program (instruction, materials, truck driving time, and practice tests) as well as state-required testing and licensing fees and DOT-required physical and drug screen. HAZMAT Endorsement is included in the program cost as well.

Financial Resources

Truck Driving Academy accepts payment for educational expense through the following:

• 1. Notify your local Ohio Means Job office for availability of WIA grants
• 2. Apply for a Sallie Mae student loan either by calling 1.800.695.3317 or at salliemae.com

We are a recognized training provider for the Ohio Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the U.S. Veterans Administration, the Trade Adjustment Act, and many others.

You may also find that some employers offer tuition reimbursement. Many of our graduates receive employment offers before they graduate, and some of these positions offer reimbursement. Be sure to ask your potential employer about any free training that may be available!

Contact us to find out what you may qualify for!

You can attend our training course at our original driver training Pad located at 370 Davids Drive in Wilmington, and we also offer training in Pike county.

*Piketon Skills Pad has moved to New Waverly Location

Directions to the skills pad: If you are traveling North on 23 turn right at the Walmart light in Waverly. Follow West 2nd Street, turn right at the Kirchhoff Automotive sign, then come down to the first drive to the right and look for the Southern State Truck Driving Academy trucks.

Please complete and submit this form and we will get back with you as soon as we can!

Please email all Employee Verifications and Past Inquiries to Angie Devilbliss at adevilbliss@sscc.edu.