1425 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 448-7904
| Alt: (985) 448-5934
| Website
Fletcher Technical Community College - Truck Driving Commerical Vehicle Operations
Description: This program offers training to prepare individuals for employment as professional commercial drivers. All courses follow Department of Transportation (DOT), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, regulations and guidelines. Courses offered include Class A (tractor-trailer); Class B (straight truck); Class B (passenger/school bus endorsements); and Hazmat Endorsement. All training courses are compliant with the new 2020 FMCSA mandatory curriculum for Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). While in class, students can obtain assistance with applicable endorsements including Doubles/Triples, and Tanker.
Qualifications: Students must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Louisiana Driver’s License with no flags or blocks. Students must be able to pass a DOT Physical and Drug Screen, obtain their Class A or B Permit through the DMV before class date is assigned.
Class A License: Day classes: Mon-Fri., 7am to 3pm, (6 weeks). Evening classes Mon.-Fri., 4:30pm to 9:30pm (8 weeks).
Classroom instruction and hands-on training in the operation of 10 speed manual transmission, diesel powered tractor-trailer vehicles. This includes but not limited to; Pre and Post trip inspections, backing and maneuvering tractor-trailers, actual driving on rural, urban and interstate highways, handling cargo, Hours of service (HOS), and defensive driving skills.
Class B License: Mon-Fri., 7am to 3pm (2 weeks).
Classroom instruction and hands-on training in the operation of 10 speed manual transmission, diesel powered heavy straight vehicles. This includes but not limited to; Pre and Post trip inspections, backing and maneuvering heavy straight trucks, actual driving on rural, urban and interstate highways, handling cargo, Hours of service (HOS), and defensive driving skills.
Class B License with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements: Mon-Fri., 7am to 3pm (2 weeks).
Classroom instruction and hands on training in the operation of automatic transmission, diesel powered school bus. This includes but not limited to; Pre and Post trip inspections, backing and maneuvering transit/school bus, actual driving on rural, urban and interstate highways, handling cargo, Hours of service (HOS), and defensive driving skills.
Hazmat Endorsement Training: Mon-Fri. 7am to 3pm. Classroom instruction for any CDL drivers who intend to operate CMV’s used in the transportation of hazardous materials. Drivers must complete this curriculum in order to take State administered Knowledge test for HazMat (H) endorsement. This course is pending at this time.
Fletcher Technical Community College was originally established as South Louisiana Trade School by Legislative Act 69, May Session of 1948, House Bill 212. The late Honorable Earl K. Long, then Governor of Louisiana, signed the bill for establishment on June 23, 1948. The school was established for the purpose of providing vocational training for the populace of an area comprised of the following five parishes: Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption, St. James, and St. Charles.
The physical plant was located on a seven-acre site on St. Charles Street in Houma, provided by the Terrebonne Parish School Board for the purpose of providing vocational training. Classes were opened in July of 1951 under the directorship of Harrell P. Willis. Full-time day preparatory classes were offered in Office Occupations, Drafting, Auto Mechanics, Industrial Engines Mechanics, and Carpentry. A full-time related studies program supplemented the instructional programs. Immediate need for and acceptance of the program was evidenced by the fact that a total of 883 trainees were enrolled during the first year of operation.
With the initial success of the trade preparatory program assured, extension classes were established to offer upgrading of skills to those persons already employed. Programs were offered both on-campus and off-campus in Lafourche, Assumption, and St. Charles Parishes to give residents of these areas availability of training.
The school administration has endeavored to be responsive to the need for skill training and to provide training in emerging occupations by evaluating employment statistics. With changes in the mission and program offerings evolving over the years, so did the name of the school. In 1977, the name was changed to South Louisiana Vocational-Technical School; in 1990, to South Louisiana Regional Technical Institute; in 1995, to Louisiana Technical College – South Louisiana Campus. In 1999, the name was changed to Louisiana Technical College – L. E. Fletcher Campus to honor a former director.