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Commerical Driver Training

How much does a driver get paid?

A: The average annual pay for entry level (no experience or right out of school) is $60 - $65,000.00 and only goes up from there

Q: How long does it take to become a truck driver?

A: “4 weeks to a new career” Here at TDS we strive to completely train and prepare all our students to pass the Washington State class A CDL, Skills Test in 4 weeks or 7 weekends. Its still going to take some time after school to learn all there is about truck driving, but we give you the tools you need to get started and are always here to answer questions or to help in any way we can.

Q: What types of CDL are there?

A: There are three types of CDL Class licenses, Class A: for a combination vehicle that is towing 10,001 pounds and or has a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or greater. Class B: A vehicle without a trailer weighing less than 26,000 lbs and or a passenger vehicle for 16 or more passengers. Class C: a vehicle weighing less than 26,001 pounds carrying Hazardous materials and or a School Bus

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Q: What jobs are out there and how do I get one once I have my cdl?

A: There are roughly 51,000 jobs available for CDL drivers in the U.S. and a lot of those are available to you right out of school due to being in high demand. We will help find you a job when, or before you graduate, most if not all our students without a job will at least have an interview by the time they take their skills test. We currently have a 95% job placement rate right out of school.

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Q: What do I need to get my learner permit?

A: You need a valid Washington driver license and one of the following:

*Certified copy of birth certificate (no copies, it must have a raised seal)

*Valid US Passport

*Green Card – proof of US Citizenship

*Work Permit – Visa with at least 1 year until expiration

Q: When can I start school?

A: Your start date is going to vary Depending on space availability in the classes and what your funding is. Usually you can start in the next available class that has an open space, however those doing the work source program and other funding programs that can take a while to get approved on must be approved and have documentation of that before they can start class.

Q: How long are the classes? What is the schedule?

A: The length of the course varies from week days to weekends. The week day course is 4weeks Monday – Thursday from 7am – 5:30pm and your first 3 days you’re in the classroom studying to pass your permit test and the rest of the time you will be hands on driving, backing, and vehicle inspections. The weekend course is 7 weekends total, Saturday and Sunday only from 7am – 5:30pm your first weekend is in the classroom studying for your permit and the rest will be spent Driving, Backing, and Vehicle Inspections. It all varies if you already have a permit and or are upgrading from a class “B” or “C”