Student Catalog and Handbook 2024-2025

Commercial Driving - Class A Certificate (CT61)

The Commercial Driving - Class A certificate program provides basic training in the principles and skills of commercial truck operation. Safe operating practices are integrated into the development of driving skills on the road. Each student must demonstrate proficiency in required behind-the-wheel (BTW) skills such as operating a commercial vehicle safely on public roads through a variety of maneuvers. At the completion of the program, the student is administered the Georgia CDL Skills Exam for a Class A or Class A automatic restricted license.

 

NOTE: West Georgia Technical College is an approved FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) provider. Applicants must be 18 years of age by program admission date. After COMPASS scores (and learning support scores if needed) are complete, students must obtain a CLP (Commercial Learners Permit), a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, and a certified 7-year Motor Vehicle Report (MVR must be dated within 30 days of the start of class). Copies of all of these must be submitted to the CDL Program Director in order to register for the class.

Prospective students should be advised that the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial driver licensing and requires Completion of a Drug and Alcohol Compliance Program and a negative Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test prior to beginning in-the-truck training. Further, random drug and alcohol testing is required during the course of the Commercial Truck Driving program (FMCSA Regulations 382.305 and 391, subpart E). Students are responsible for the cost of their permit, physical, and 7-year MVR.

Those students in the pre-approved CTDL Internship Program, employed by an Internship Partner, will be enrolled in courses CTDL 1010, CTDL 1022, and CTDL 1032. All other students will be enrolled in CTDL 1010, CTDL 1021, and CTDL 1031.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment as Commercial Truck Drivers or related employment. Applicants must be 18 years of age for employment as an intrastate driver and 21 years of age for employment as an interstate driver. Program graduates who are under the age of 21 may drive a commercial truck only in Georgia; therefore, Career Opportunities may be limited until graduates reach the age of 21.

Credit Required for Completion: Minimum of 9 credit hours

Curriculum

Occupational Courses

CTDL 1010Fundamentals of Commercial Driving

3

CTDL 1021Combination Vehicle Basic Operation and Range Work

3

-or-

CTDL 1022Commercial Driving Training Internship I

3

 

CTDL 1031Combination Vehicle Advanced Operations

3

-or-

CTDL 1032Commercial Driving Training Internship II

3