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The college is proud to be among the few schools in the country that have been able to earn certification by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) for our Class A Commercial Driver’s License training. PTDI is a national, nonprofit organization sponsored by the nation’s trucking industry to advance truck driving proficiency, safety and professional standards among drivers which, in turn, will foster benefits for all stakeholders, including motor carriers, insurers, training schools, government bodies at all levels, funding organizations and the American public. The industry’s annual demand for new drivers hovers around the 80,000 mark. And, it is the well-trained driver with the proper professional attitude and skills who is chosen first by employers.

The Truck Driver Training (Class A) program (29.5 CEUs) at the College of Southern Maryland is designed to provide skilled drivers for the transportation companies in the Southern Maryland area and beyond. We provide quality training with an emphasis on safety, using good equipment, and a small faculty/student ratio. This program includes both classroom instruction and practical experience behind the wheel, on a private training range, and on public streets and highways. Students learn driver courtesy, safety, vehicle inspections (pre and post), basic control, shifting, backing, docking, coupling and uncoupling, trip planning, logging to meet DOT compliance, HAZMAT, and accident reporting. Students completing all program requirements will be prepared to take the Class A Commercial Driver’s License skills exam.

Students must be at least 21 years of age, pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug screening, possess a valid Maryland or Virginia driver's license, have no more than three points on your driving record, and maintain zero points for drug or alcohol violations to participate in this training. Students must also be willing to participate in random drug and/or alcohol testing.

This workforce training certificate consists of the following classes:

TRA-7100 CDL Preparation Classroom

TRA-7200 CDL Safe Vehicle Operation

TRA-7300 CDL Basic Vehicle Skills

TRA-7400 CDL Advanced Skills and Road Development

TRA-7500 Simulated Road Hazards Defensive Driving

The La Plata campus in Charles County, Maryland, is nestled on 173 acres off Mitchell Road and has 14 buildings with winding pathways in several areas for students to enjoy campus life.