Truck Driving student in big rig cab

Truck Driving

Continuing Ed

Start a career on the road with the truck driving program at San Jac. You’ll train at our practice facility and on the road, gaining the skills to enter an ever-growing field.

Program at a Glance

Students who successfully complete both of the Professional Truck Driver Class CDL-A  courses at our Central Campus will be allowed to test for their Texas Commercial Drivers License-A.  

A Growing Industry

Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030. About 231,100 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers will become available each year, on average, over the next decade.

Earning Potential

The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $48,310 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,730. 
For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn how to drive standard/manual transmission semi-trucks, how to read a map, how to plan and log a trip, how to comply with DOT rules, and how to back, turn, hook/unhook, and parallel park.

 

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Professional Truck Driver Class A CDL

Continuing Ed

Take our two professional truck driver courses to earn your Class A CDL. The first course focuses on general truck driving with cab skills development and instruction coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOT). In the second course, you’ll learn how to operate a tractor-trailer in both city and highway conditions, including control and maneuvering of the vehicle through various traffic situations in different conditions with numerous tractor-trailer combinations.


Length 6-12 weeks
Day, evening, and weekend classes are available. Day classes take 6 weeks, evening classes take 10 weeks, and weekend classes take 12 weeks to complete.

Course One, 126 contact hours
Course Two, 120 contact hours

Truck Driving Program Prerequisites

Before you begin this program, please check out the requirements:
  1. Age

    Be at least 18 years of age.

  2. Physical Health

    Be in reasonably good physical condition and have no serious physical handicaps. Must not be under doctor’s care with work limitations hindering your ability to do assigned class and skills work. (For guidelines, please read the Physical Qualifications and Examinations.)

  3. English Proficiency

    Applicants who were born outside the U. S. or who graduated from high school outside of the U.S. must provide proof of competency in English or pass the English Proficiency Test administered by the Testing Center at the college. For appointments with the Testing Center, call 281-998-6350 ext. 2025.

  4. Texas Driver’s License

    Must possess a valid Texas Drivers License.

  5. Social Security Number

    Must possess a valid Social Security number.

  6. Birth Certificate

    May need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

  7. Travel Capabilities

    Must be legally able to travel throughout the state of Texas.

  8. Commercial Learner's Permit

    Must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit. Schedule an appointment at a Texas DPS Office to take your knowledge tests. You will take four knowledge tests costing $25 at a Texas DPS Office. You have three attempts per test. If you fail one test three times, you will have to start the entire process over.

Explore Funding Options

Did you know you may be eligible for a grant? A few programs that are available include the Finish Line Grant, GI Bill® , Hazelwood Act, Texas Public Education Grant, Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). We can talk you through your options.

The Texas Public Education Grant is a financial award public colleges and universities across Texas create from their own resources. CPD receives a set amount each year from the college, which is then awarded to students among their five departments.

Basic qualifications for TPEG include:

  • Be Texas residents, non-residents or foreign students
  • Show financial need
  • Register for the Selective Service, unless exempt

There is a 3-week approval process for TPEG. Please email Dedra White at 281-478-2786 or email her at Dedra.White@sjcd.edu for more information.

The Texas Public Education Grant is a financial award public colleges and universities across Texas create from their own resources. CPD receives a set amount each year from the college, which is then awarded to students among their five departments.

Basic qualifications for TPEG include:

  • Be Texas residents, non-residents or foreign students
  • Show financial need
  • Register for the Selective Service, unless exempt

There is a 3-week approval process for TPEG. Please email Dedra White at 281-478-2786 or email her at Dedra.White@sjcd.edu for more information.

Texas Workforce Solutions Scholarships are designed to support training for some of the region's most high-skill, high-growth occupations.

To qualify for scholarships, students need to complete the Workforce Solutions' Financial Aid Intake Form and provide proof of eligibility.

The approval process can take up to 6 weeks. Please visit Workforce Solutions for more information.

Workforce Solutions

Those who qualify can get FREE TUITION!

To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:

  • GED or High School Diploma
  • Reside in Harris County (must provide proof)
  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Receive public benefits (SNAP, WIC, TANF, Housing, Gold Card, SSI, SSDI)
  • Valid TX DL, DOT physical, and Commerical Learners Permit
  • No unpaid tickets

Please call Taylor Herbert 281-478-3698 (Press 1) or email her at taylor.herbert@sjcd.edu for more information.

If you’re a senior in high school living in San Jacinto College’s taxing district, you qualify for the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship. Find out how to become a Promise Scholar.

Become A Promise Scholar

You've served us, allow us to serve you. San Jacinto College's Veteran Support Office is here to help you reach your educational goals. Visit them today for success tomorrow.

Veteran Support

Students are welcome to pay for their courses with cash pay. There are 3 options for cash pay:

  1. Convenient Payment Plan
  2. Out of Pocket (Cash, Check, Credit Card)
  3. 3rd Party Pay

How To Pay


Contact Us

If you have any questions, contact our department at registration.cpd@sjcd.edu or 281-542-2020. We’re happy to help.

Gary Pile
Manager, CPD Transport Center
Phone
(281) 478-1582
Taylor Herbert
Sr Administrative Assistant
Phone
(281) 478-3698