
Professional Truck Driving – new enrollment suspended
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CWI has suspended new enrollment for the Professional Truck Driving program pending a thorough program evaluation. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Overview
If you are looking for a career that provides independence and numerous opportunities, a career as a professional truck driver is waiting for you. The CWI Professional Truck Driving program will train you to become an entry-level, over-the-road driver in the commercial trucking industry. Our program includes classroom, live simulator, and on-the-road training with special emphasis on developing safe and efficient operating skills. Skilled and professional drivers are in demand and can expect good wages and excellent benefits. This program is located near CWI’s Nampa Campus—and includes a driving range for practice, backing, docking, and parking.
Why This Program
This program offers the student 15 weeks of comprehensive training for the truck driving industry. The program will help the student develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in today's job market. It will also provide the skills needed to apply for, and acquire, an entry level truck driving position. Our staff has over 200 years experience in a variety of trucking disciplines. Our goal is to serve our community and help train in a profession that has shown resilience in all economic conditions.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Learn skills and procedures for handling freight, loading and unloading, dock loading, and trailer combinations and their uses
- Skills needed to handle trucks in urban and heavy traffic situations, difficult weather conditions, steep inclines and downgrades, highways, and so much more
- Learn Department of Transportation regulations and interstate rules and requirements you will need to know
- On-the-job skills that include, but are not limited to: keeping log books, accident avoidance, and reporting procedures
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Professional Truck Driving, Basic Technical Certificate
0.5
YEARBTC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Minimum Age Requirement
18Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
CWI has suspended new enrollment for the Professional Truck Driving program pending a thorough program evaluation. We apologize for the inconvenience.
If you have any questions please contact Pat Neal at 208.562.2336.
15 week daytime program – 40 Hours per Week leads to a certificate of completion, or a post-secondary vocational certificate.
This program is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and background for employment as an over-the-road entry-level driver. Initially, you will practice driving in non-traffic areas and attend class at our location in Nampa.
As your skills advance and your confidence increase you will progress to driving our big rig on the open road. You will learn the skills and procedures for handling freight, loading and unloading, dock loading, and trailer combinations and their uses. You will also gain the skills needed to deal with trucks in urban and dense traffic situations, severe weather conditions, steep inclines and downgrades, highways, and so much more. The program covers all of the Department of Transportation regulations and interstate rules and requirements you will need to know. You will also gain valuable on-the-job skills that include, but are not limited to keeping log books, accident avoidance, and reporting procedures. All students must meet the Department of Transportation’s physical standards, have a Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s record check, and pass the state commercial driver’s license exam. Special fees apply to this program, see below for more information.
23 Week Evening and Weekend Program – Approximately 26 Hours per Week.
This training covers the same topics as the 15-week course but takes longer to complete because students only attend classes at night and on the weekends. Students will have 17 weeks of in-house training. See below for more information.
To Do List
- Department of Transportation Physical Exam. You must complete this exam by the first day of class. Results of your physical must be recorded on a form that meets the DOT requirements. Cost is $40 - $70.
- Driving Record. You are required to provide your Idaho driving record or one from the state that you have previously resided in for the past three years. Contact Idaho Transportation Dept. at 208.334.8735, a local insurance company, or the DMV. Idaho charges $7 for this service.
- CDL Manual. Get your manual free from any Department of Motor Vehicle Office. Study chapters two and three before the 1st day of class.
What Else Should I Know?
Commercial Drivers License Instruction Permit: You need to obtain a CDL Instruction Permit after 1st week of class, you will need your social security card, or number for verification.
Program Cost
- $4226 Program Cost
- $660 Lab Fees *
- $45 Drug/Alcohol Testing
- $91 - $180 CDL Permits
*subject to change based on fuel cost fluctuations
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professional Truck Driving is an exciting career field for those who want the freedom of the open road and enjoy driving. A new truck today is equipped with technology and extras that make driving a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable career. Employers need responsible drivers who will safely operate and maintain their investment in these vehicles, as new trucks can cost over $150,000. While some companies hire drivers for local jobs, the majority of work is over the road long haul driving.
We have been training drivers for more than 20 years. Our instructors are professional drivers who understand the needs of adult learners. They care about each student. You will fit in here, and you can complete this program regardless of past educational experience. Employers hire our graduates because we offer top quality training and hire the best instructors.
Industry Partners
The following companies actively support this program, and are looking to hire skilled drivers:
- Swift Transportation Company
- Werner Enterprises, Inc.
- Schneider
- May Trucking Company
Professions
- Big Rig
- Long Haul
- Over The Road (OTR)
- Less Than Load (LTL)
- Line Haul
- Flat Bed
- Tanker
- Hazmat (Hazardous Materials)
- Transport
- Doubles
- Triples
- Turnpike Doubles
- Rocky Mountain Doubles
- Long Combination Vehicle (LCV's)
- 48 States
- 11 Western
- Oversized
- Heavy Haul
- Low Boy
- Freight
- Car Hauler
- Log Hauler
- Refer (Refrigerated)
- School Bus
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
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