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.
Credentialing Information
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.
Admissions Criteria
-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
-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
General Information
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
Start Dates for Daytime Classes:
November 6, 2024 - Orientation will be on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 9 am
May 5, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 9 am
June 16, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 9 am
July 28, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 9 am
September 2, 2025 - Orientation will be on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 9 am
October 13, 2025 - Orientation will be on October 6, 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
Start Date for Evening Classes:
TBA
Educational Costs
Financial Assistance:
"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.
Job Outlook
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.