Provides students basic instruction required to earn a either a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to become a professional commercial truck driver.
Students learn how to operate a tractor-trailer or Class B truck safely and efficiently through classroom, range, and over-the-road environments and through full-time and part-time course work. The Class A program is certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI). Students who successfully complete the Class A program will receive both a CNM Truck Driving certificate and a PTDI certificate. Class B students will receive a CNM Certificate of Achievement. This program meets federal regulation requirements for entry-level drivers.
Lab Courses are held at off-campus locations.
Special Requirements
Students are expected to purchase textbooks and possibly small assistive equipment such as work gloves and a flashlight.
Physical requirements
All students must pass a DOT physical and drugscreen. All students will be required to be subject to random DOT drugscreens as well. Students must be able to work in all weather conditions, climb, and stand for long periods as the lab classes are conducted outside.
Other course requirements
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid New Mexico driver’s license
Have maintained a valid driver’s license for the previous three (3) years (some exceptions allowed, contact department)
Provide original birth certificate (or proof of citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency)
Provide original social security card
Provide a certified copy of driving record for the past three (3) years
Have a Department of Transportation physical at a qualified testing facility
Obtain pre-qualification testing for controlled substances use
Not have been convicted of or forfeited bond for more than four (4) moving violations in the past three years
Not have more than one at-fault, preventable accident in the past three (3) years
Not have been convicted of or forfeited bond for reckless driving
Not have any DWI/DUI convictions within the past five (5) years
Not have more than one (1) DWI/DUI conviction in the past ten (10) years
Not have more than two (2) DWI/DUI convictions within a lifetime
Must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States of America
Students are subject to ALL Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations drug and alcohol testing rules
Information for people with felony convictions
A felony conviction will not prevent entry into the program, obtaining a CDL, or employment; however, it may limit available employment opportunities. In addition, depending upon the type of felony conviction and the age of the conviction, the student may not be able to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement if they are looking for this. Information on the Hazardous Materials limitations are available with the department or on the New Mexico MVD website.
Cost and Financial Aid
Financial Aid considerations
The Truck Driving Program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. There are some possible outside funding options (ie VA, DVR…). For more information go to http://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid
This is a terminal certificate option and leads directly to employments. Transferability to other institutions is dependent upon that particular institution.
Many of our courses are transferable to universities and CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges in New Mexico.
Employment Information
Jobs are available with various types of trucking companies, including local delivery, in-state routes and over-the road (regional and 48 states) opportunities.
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