Southside Virginia Community College

About Southside Virginia Community College
Truck Driver Training Program

The Southside Virginia Community College Truck Driver Training Program is conducted on three campuses: Pickett Park Blackstone, Emporia, and South Boston. The program prepares individuals to test for a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The program teaches proper driving procedures, safe driver responsibility, commercial motor vehicle laws and the basic principles and practices for operating commercial vehicles. The program comprises training range exercises and classroom lectures that are used to develop the student's knowledge and skills.

The training school length is 6 weeks with approximately 240 hours of training. Classes are Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 5 PM. The class day is structured very close to a normal workday. Pre-trip inspections, keeping logbooks updated, and constant backing up and twisting and turning to maneuver the trucks will become habit.

What are the Requirements for the Truck Driver Training Program

A prospective student must provide the following one week prior to the start of class:

• Be 18 years of age
• Have a valid Virginia Driver's license
• Provide the school with a copy of his/her driving record
• Pass a D.O.T Physical exam
• Pass a drug test and permit to being randomly tested for drugs and alcohol during the program
• Must have CDL-A learner's permit

What is Included in Course Work?

• Motor vehicle laws and regulations, defensive driving
• Highway driving
• Map reading and trip planning
• Vehicle maintenance
• Safety procedure, security and fire protection
• Daily logs
• Freight handling

What Does the Program Cost?

Cost of Southside Virginia Community College Truck Driver Training Program for in-state is $4,500. FastForward may help pay tuition costs for qualifying Virginians. Additional scholarships may also be available

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  Southside Virginia Community College
  1041 W. 10th Street
  Blackstone, VA 23824
  434-292-3101

Find CDL Training Through Paid CDL Training Programs

Did you know there are also paid CDL training programs available? These are truck driving schools which are owned and operated by trucking companies. They're also known as company-sponsored CDL training programs. These programs can often turn out to be free CDL training! Check out that link to learn more.

Independent truck driving schools and company-sponsored schools are both worthy of consideration and are covered thoroughly in our truck driver's career guide.