CDL

Truck Drivers are in HIGH DEMAND.  This 200-hour program will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the licensing exam for a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the state of Ohio.  The training program consists of 50 hours of theoretical training at Vantage Career Center and 150 hours of hands-on training within a 100-mile radius of Van Wert, Ohio.    

Successful completers will receive a certificate of completion.  The instructor will assist the student with scheduling their CDL Skills Test for a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and provide the truck needed for the skills test.  A CDL license is required to drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight.  

-Minimum age of 18 (those under the age of 21 may obtain an intrastate CDL only)

-Hold a valid driver's license

-Pass a Department of Transportation Physical

-Obtain Class A CDL permit

-Pass a drug screen

-No more than 6 points on a current driver's license

-No DUI/ DWI or Reckless Operation citation within the last three years

-No drug-related felonies

Daytime Classes meet Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (30-minute lunch)

200 total clock hours completed in 5 weeks

April 21, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 9 am

May 27, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 9 am

July 7, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9 am

August 11, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 9 am

September 22, 2025 - Orientation will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 9 am

November 3, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 9 am

Evening Classes meet Mondays through Fridays from 4:30 to 8:30 pm

200 total clock hours completed in 10 weeks

January 21, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9 am

April 14, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 9 am

July 7, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9 am

September 22, 2025 - Orientation will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 9 am

Besides tuition fees, students will incur additional fees for their application, pre-admission exams, FBI/BCI background checks, drug screenings, and testing fees. Additional out-of-pocket costs may be incurred for vaccinations/titers if you cannot provide documentation of the required immunizations.

"NEW" Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program - Students enrolling in Vantage's CDL training program can apply for this 50% grant and 50% loan to pay tuition fees.  Qualified completers may receive a loan forgiven if they meet requirements.  Contact the financial aid office for additional details.

    

Grants/Scholarships - Check the financial aid webpage for any grants or scholarships applicable to this program.    

VA Educational Benefits - Apply for your VA benefits online at www.va.gov/education.  Contact the Financial Aid Office to complete certification.

 

OhioMeansJobs - Financial Assistance may be available for those that qualify through your local Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) agency.  Students must work directly with OMJ to apply.   Additional Information  

 

Employer Assistance -  CDL drivers are in high demand.  Some companies may assist with tuition fees. 

To explore this career further, go to O*NET Online.   The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor.