The Truck Driving Certificate of Proficiency provides students the knowledge and skills training to successfully complete requirements for the Arkansas Class A Commercial Driving License (CDL). The program is five weeks of classroom time and 10 weeks of an internship with the company of a student's choice. Students must maintain a 80-percent average for all portions of the course. Overall program objectives are:
To train drivers to be competent in the safe operation of a truck for hire or in private business
To teach students federal, state, and local laws relating to safe operation of commercial trucks
To teach students portions of the Interstate Commerce Act that pertain to the truck driving profession
To train students in all non-driving activities required by the trucking industry
To teach students the importance of employee-employer relationships relating to job security and customer service.
Prerequisites: Prior to enrolling in the Truck Driving Program, applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify for an intrastate (within the state of Arkansas) CDL or 21 years old to qualify for an interstate (able to cross state lines) CDL. Additionally, applicants must have a valid Arkansas Driver's License, satisfactory Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) record check and have passed the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug-screening test and physical exam prior to being accepted into the program. This Certificate may be used as one of the technical disciplines required for the AAS in General Technology.