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School of Applied Technologies (AT)

Program Profile

Program Description

This program offers basic instruction required to become a professional truck driver, with either a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). 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.

Skills needed for success

• To be successful in this program the student should possess good reading skills, math skills, basic computer literacy and be able to speak and read English well enough to converse with law enforcement and fill out forms. The English requirement is a Federal Regulation requirement thus a skill the student should possess to be successful.

Certificate and Degree Options

• Class B CDL, Certificate of Achievement 
• Truck Driving, Certificate of Achievement 

Program Information

This program is a

• Certificate of Achievement Program

This program can be completed

• In one term if the day class option is taken. Two terms if taken through our Night/weekend or Distance Learning options.

This program is designed for

• Immediate employment

Program can be started

• Any Term

Scheduling Information

• The classes offered for both Class A and Class B must be completed in consecutive order. Classes cannot be taken at the same time as requirements for each class are completed in the previous class.

Primary course location

• Advanced Technology Center with some off-campus locations for the lab portions of the course.

Program 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…). Speaking to Financial Aid would be helpful.

Approximate Cost of Program

• In district $150-300
• Out of district $700-1000
• Out of State $2,000-$2,500

Books and Fees (not including tuition)

• Approximately $565 - $765

Tools

• Approximately $20

Career and Educational Opportunities

Educational Opportunities

This is a terminal certificate option and leads directly to employment. 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.

• Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Potential Employers

• Companies that hire our students include but are not limited to Werner Enterprises, Swift Transportation, ABF, Supply One, Duke City Transfer, Albuquerque Ride, Waste Management, Coca-Cola…

Prospects for Employment

• The employment prospects for the trucking industry are good. With a clean driving record, an anticipated future driver shortage, and expected minimum training legislation, there will always be a need for qualified drivers.

Sample Job Titles

• Truck Driver, OTR Driver, Driver-delivery, Regional driver, local driver, Class A driver, Class B driver

Sample Job Duties

• 53-3032.01 - Truck Drivers, Heavy
  
  Drive truck with capacity of more than three tons to transport materials to specified destinations.
  
  Tasks
  
  • Drives truck with capacity of more than 3 tons to transport and deliver cargo, materials, or damaged vehicle.
  • Maintains radio or telephone contact with base or supervisor to receive instructions or be dispatched to new location.
  • Maintains truck log according to state and federal regulations.
  • Keeps record of materials and products transported.
  • Position blocks and ties rope around items to secure cargo for transport.
  • Cleans, inspects, and services vehicle.
  • Operates equipment on vehicle to load, unload, or disperse cargo or materials.
  • Obtains customer signature or collects payment for goods delivered and delivery charges.
  • Assists in loading and unloading truck manually.

Desirable Job Skills (non-technical)

• Attention to detail, can follow written and verbal instructions, good customer skills, punctuality, dependability, self-starter

Other Courses That May Help Employability/Promotability

• Some basic diesel mechanic ability
• Business courses if student desires to become owner/operator, independent contractor

Current pay rates

• Pay is typically offered in mileage rates at .25-.42 per mile. Average annual salary for new entrants into the field is$30,000-35,000. After the first year, this value typically rises.

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