Start a Career in Commercial Truck Driving!
Train for the California Commercial Learner’s Permit, behind-the-wheel instruction, and career opportunities in commercial truck driving.
Career Opportunities
Earning a Commercial Truck Driving Certificate of Completion will get you ready for the California DMV commercial license examination. Earn more in a job that can take you across the country. Possible careers include:
- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving
- School and delivery truck drivers
Commercial truck drivers in the region may earn approximately $55,000 or more annually, depending on experience and employer. There is no shortage of jobs in the commercial trucking industry; the American Trucking Association says the country is currently facing an estimated shortage of nearly 60,000 commercial truck drivers.
About AHC's Commercial Truck Driving Program
Allan Hancock College Community Education can help you prepare for a California Commercial Learner’s Permit and the behind-the-wheel practical test. Once students complete our tuition-free program, they will be eligible to take the Class A or Class B California Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam. Students with a California Class A or B license may be eligible for entry-level positions in the trucking industry.
We do not prepare students for endorsements.
If you are interested in joining the Allan Hancock College Community Education Commercial Truck Driving Program, please join the interest list below.
Commercial Truck Driving Interest List
Contact:
Due to high student interest, all questions must be submitted by email:
AHCTrucking@hancockcollege.edu
To ensure we can best assist all students, individual inquiries outside of email are not available at this time. Additional program details will be shared during your scheduled orientation.
Dana Avila
Angel Iniguez
BEFORE ORIENTATION
Students must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License
- Be able to read, write, and speak English fluently in accordance with 49 CFR §391.11
Attendance Policy
- One unexcused absence will result in removal from the program
- A doctor’s note is required for illness
- No other absences are excused
This course may be repeated up to three times.
Strongly Encouraged:
Experience driving a manual (stick shift) vehicle is recommended but not required.
Part One
TRCK 7800 – Commercial Truck Driving: Theory (14 hours)
Course Objective:
To prepare students to take the Commercial Learner’s Permit test at the DMV and to
obtain ELDT certification upon completion.
IMPORTANT – DO NOT COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE COMPLETING "THEORY"
Students should NOT complete or pay for the following until instructed by the program:
- CDL Permit
- Drug test
- Enrollment in a Random Testing Consortium
- DMV 3-Year Driver History Printout
These items are required for Part Two and should only be completed once students are eligible to advance.
The ONLY document students are encouraged to obtain before Theory:
- DOT Physical Examination
The DOT Physical is valid for up to 2 years, making it safe to complete before Theory.
Part Two
TRCK 7801 – Yard Skills (16 hours)
Course Objective:
To practice the pre-trip inspection, in-cab inspection, air brake inspection, offset
parking, and straight-line backing.
AND
TRCK 7802 – Public Road (20 hours)
Course Objective:
To practice driving on public roads (freeways and city streets).
Before enrolling in Part Two, students MUST submit:
- Class A or Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit
- Completed DOT Physical (Medical Examiner’s Certificate)
- Drug test results (negative)
- Proof of enrollment in a Random Testing Consortium
- FMCSA Clearinghouse registration and account creation
- DMV 3-Year Driver History (full report)
- Must meet DMV exam limitations
- Must meet DMV Medical Eligibility
Students are responsible for all DMV fees and DOT screening costs.
DMV testing trips are limited to two attempts per student.
As of February 7, 2022, all entry-level drivers must meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, including:
- Theory instruction
- Minimum Behind-the-Wheel hours
Optional
TRCK 7803 – Commercial Vehicle Simulator Lab
Course Objective:
Provides additional training using computer-based simulation technology in a controlled environment.
Part Three:
DMV CHECKLIST – PERMIT TEST
- Complete your Theory Course – Prep for Permit Class with Allan Hancock College
- Make an appointment online or at the DMV for your permit test
- Bring your California Driver’s License
- Bring your completed Department of Transportation (DOT) physical report
- Bring a second form of identification
- Complete your CDL application online for the DMV
Link to DMV Webpage:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/
DMV CHECKLIST – BEHIND THE WHEEL TEST
- Make an appointment with your instructor to meet you at the DMV online: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments/select-appointment-type/
- Bring your California Driver’s License
- Bring your completed Department of Transportation (DOT) physical report
- Bring a second form of identification
- Upload your behind the wheel hours to the DMV website:
- Link to DMV Webpage:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/
- Bring a copy of your Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report
Students who drop for any reason or miss one class will be placed at the end of the interest list.
To join our program, students must:
- Sign up on our Interest List: CTD Interest List
- Wait for an email with more information and updates.
- Wait to receive a text message invite to an upcoming orientation. Please RSVP quickly; space is limited, and spots are first-come, first-served. If the session fills before you reply, you’ll need to wait for the next orientation invite.
- A generated interest list randomly selects students for enrollment.
- Once selected from the lottery, you will need to attend a Mandatory Orientation.
- Interested students are required to reapply every semester.
- Students are chosen from the interest list at random.
Due to the new California and federal Department of Transportation regulations that come into effect on Feb 7, 2022, all students must meet program requirements before starting classes. Therefore, the program orientation is mandatory. (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Subtitle B, Chapter III, Subchapter B, Part 380)
Disclaimer: This program is on a lottery system.
How do I apply to the program?
To apply, you must first complete the Commercial Truck Driving Interest List. After submitting the form, you will receive updates by email.
If selected, you will be invited by text message to attend a mandatory orientation.
Please note that space is limited, and students are selected through a random lottery system. Attendance at orientation is required to be eligible for enrollment.
When will I be invited to an orientation?
Orientation invitations are sent through a random selection process due to high demand. Because of this, we are unable to guarantee when you may receive an invitation.
Orientation sessions are typically offered every 1 to 2 months. If selected, you will be contacted by text message with instructions to RSVP.
Does Allan Hancock College offer endorsements (passenger, doubles/triples, tankers, hazmat)?
Endorsements are not included in this program. Students may apply for endorsements directly through the DMV and are responsible for any associated fees.
Do I need my permit to join the program?
A permit is not required to begin the program. However, students must have a valid CDL permit before starting behind-the-wheel training.
What does CDL stand for?
Commercial Driver’s License.
I already have my CDL permit. Can I skip the Theory Course?
Students may skip the Theory Course only if they already have a valid Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate.
My permit expired. Can I still participate in the program?
Students must have a valid CDL permit to participate in behind-the-wheel training.
Required documents for behind-the-wheel training
- DOT physical (full report and certificate)
- DOT drug test results (staff will provide instructions)
- DMV driver record (staff will provide instructions)
- ELDT certificate (issued after completing the Theory Course)
- Class A or B permit
How long is the program?
The program includes the following courses:
- Theory Course (permit class): 14 hours
- Yard Skills: 16 hours
- Public Road: 20 hours
- Simulator Course: optional, hours vary
How will I know if I am enrolled in the program?
Please check your email and text messages for updates from Allan Hancock College.
We communicate using ahctrucking@hancockcollege.edu
What do I need to join the program?
- A valid California driver’s license
- Completion of the interest list form
- Monitoring your email for next steps
I have an out-of-state driver’s license. Can I join?
Students must have a valid California driver’s license to participate.
Are courses offered in Spanish?
Courses are currently offered in English.
Can I join the program if I am under 21?
Yes. However, students under 21 are restricted to driving within California.
Do I need to know how to drive a stick shift?
No prior experience with a manual transmission is required. Students may train in automatic vehicles, which may result in a license restriction.
Will I be randomly drug tested?
Yes. Students may be randomly selected for drug testing during the program.
Where does the program take place?
- Theory Course: Santa Maria campus
- Behind-the-wheel training: Lompoc Valley Center
DOT physical locations
Agile Occupational Medicine (formerly Akeso Occupational Health)
Phone: (805) 922-8282
Address: 3070 Skyway Drive, Suite 106, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Website: https://agileoccmed.com/santa-maria/
Fees are subject to change by the provider and state agencies.
Please wait for instructions from staff before completing drug and alcohol testing. Completing these early may require retesting and additional fees.
Arensdorf Chiropractic
Phone: (805) 346-6700
Address: 912 E. Main St., Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: https://arensdorfchiropractic.com/
Prices:
- DOT physical: $120 (appointment)
- DOT physical: $150 (walk-in)
Recommended completion by the end of the Theory Course.
Fees are subject to change by the provider.
For more information or a program application, contact AHCTrucking@hancockcollege.edu