Commercial Driver's License Training
Southeast Technical College’s Commercial Driver’s License Training gets you on the road driving vehicles like tractor-trailers, livestock haulers, box trucks or flatbed trucks. Driving a commercial motor vehicle requires knowledge of rural driving, operating large vehicles in reverse and vehicle inspections.
Southeast Tech's CDL program is certified to provide Entry Level Driver Training regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Your duties as a trained CDL driver might include:
- Driving long distances
- Picking up / delivering cargo
- Keeping a log of working hours
- Proper vehicle maintenance
- Following safety / traffic laws
Types of Drivers
Known as long haul over-the-road drivers, long-distance drivers operate heavy trucks and may make a one-day round trip or have a layover until the next day. Others may travel to more distant points and be on the road for a week or longer.
Local drivers operate light, medium and heavy trucks. Their assignments may include pick-up and delivery operations, route sales or customer delivery. They have more contact with customers than long-distance drivers and usually make many stops each day. Those in route sales need selling and driving skills.
Specialized drivers handle certain types of equipment used in specialized trucking operations, both long distance and local. Examples are double and triple trailers, auto carriers, tankers and heavy special equipment that utilize special equipment requiring extra training to understand and operate.
Independent drivers own their own equipment and operate a small business. They make up a large segment of the long-distance trucking industry. Often, they begin as salaried drivers, then purchase a truck and become an independent contractor. They haul freight for one or more companies. Many teams establish contracts with moving companies.
Why STC?
At STC in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this program focuses on the skills you need to be a safe, knowledgeable commercial vehicle driver.
Types of Commercial Driving Licenses
Southeast Technical College offers flexible pathways for students needed to earn all or some of the components to gain their Class A or Class B licensure.
Upcoming CDL Courses
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor estimates that the employment of CDL drivers is expected to grow 2% through 2020 because more drivers will be needed to keep the nation’s supply chains moving. Take advantage of the job growth now!
UpSkill Funding Available
Southeast Technical College is working in partnership with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development to increase number of CDL drivers in our community.
Other Programs Related to CDL licensure
If you’re interested in a transportation technology career, you might also be interested in these other programs at Southeast Tech:
Automotive Technology Diesel Technology Collision Repair & Refinish Technology
