According to a May 22 announcement from the school, the academy is designed to help students earn a Texas Class A commercial driver’s license while building hands-on experience operating tractor-trailers in real driving situations.

The program also gives students in TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker and Management program an opportunity to safely operate commercial vehicles connected to utility and field work.

Students entering the academy must first obtain a commercial learner’s permit before beginning tractor-trailer instruction.

“We are not just teaching how to pass the test,” said Steven Clark, a TSTC Professional Driving Academy instructor. “We want them to see what it’s like in the real world.”

Students Spend Three Weeks Behind the Wheel

Each training cohort lasts four weeks. The first week focuses on virtual instruction before students move into three weeks of backing practice, inspections, maneuver training, and road driving assignments extending into West Texas. Students may earn a CDL after successfully passing the driving test.

Training exercises take place on a state-certified course painted onto an on-campus parking lot, where students practice backing maneuvers, trailer control, and pre-trip inspections before operating in live traffic situations.

Clark said learning how to control a trailer while backing remains one of the more difficult adjustments for many newer students.

“All you have are the two mirrors on the side,” Clark said. “They have to learn to drive the trailer, not the truck.”

Several students participating in the academy described the challenges involved with learning backing maneuvers and handling larger equipment for the first time.

Shannon Welch Dubose of Hewitt, Texas, already holds a Texas Class B CDL for school bus operation, but enrolled in the Class A program because she and her husband have discussed team driving opportunities.

She said reverse offset backing has been one of the more difficult skills to learn during training.

“It’s just something you get the more you try,” she said. “The trailer can get away from you quickly.”

Students Say A CDL Can Open More Job Opportunities

Gabriel Camacho of Temple, Texas, said he took a leave from work to attend the month-long driving course because he had wanted to earn a CDL for several years.

Alex Orozco of Corsicana, Texas, entered the academy without previous heavy equipment experience while studying in TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker and Management program.

He encouraged future students to begin preparing early so they can complete permit steps and meet CDL requirements before training begins.

“Companies will definitely look for you,” Orozco said.

The School Plans to Expand the Academy

TSTC said the Professional Driving Academy plans to add more tractor-trailers, hire additional instructors, increase student capacity, and eventually move operations onto a larger on-campus concrete driving pad.

Clark and fellow instructor Heath Norden reportedly have a combined 60 years of trucking industry experience. Clark is also certified to administer the Texas CDL skills test.

“You have to prove you are safe enough to be on the road with my family,” Clark said. “If they are not safe, they do not pass.”

For more information about TSTC’s Professional Driving Academy, visit tstc.edu/workforce/professional-driving-academy.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TSTC

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 1, 2026

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What to Look for in a Real CDL Training Program

A quality truck driving school teaches more than just steering and shifting. It covers vehicle inspections, hours of service rules, backing techniques, and highway safety in a structured way that mirrors what you will face on the job. Legitimate CDL training programs also align with federal ELDT standards, so you do not hit surprise paperwork issues when you show up at the DMV for your skills test.

When you learn truck driving in a program like this, you are not just memorizing for the written test. You are building habits that keep you safe and employable on the road and make it easier to qualify for entry-level trucking job roles.

Types of CDL Training That Actually Lead to Work

One common path is a national brand truck driving school that offers Class A CDL courses over several weeks. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on range and road training, and often partner with carriers that hire directly from their student fleets into paid entry-level trucking job roles. For many students, this is a fast way to go from CDL training to a real paycheck, including no-experience truck driving jobs that pay while you are still learning.

Another option is a community college-based commercial driver training program. These schools usually offer a more structured, lower-cost route to a CDL with options for endorsements like HAZMAT or passenger. Because they follow the same federal framework, they are a solid choice for students who want affordability and stability without cutting corners on their CDL training.

Some large carriers also run their own CDL training programs inside their facilities. These company-embedded programs let students learn truck driving while already attached to a specific carrier, so once they pass the skills test, they can move into paid roles quickly. If you already know the type of freight and schedule you want, this can be a powerful shortcut from CDL training to an entry-level trucking job.

How to Tell If a CDL Training Program Is Worth It

Instead of trusting slogans or social media ads, ask practical questions. Does the school follow federal ELDT standards and track completion properly? Do they have a track record of placing students into entry-level trucking job roles? Are there clear examples of students who started with no experience in truck driving jobs and moved up in the company?

If a truck driving school cannot explain how its CDL training leads to real work, it is a red flag. Real programs can show you routes, pay structures, and how they help students learn truck driving in a way that matches what carriers expect.

Why This Matters for Your First Job on the Road

For students who want to get into the industry fast, starting with a strong CDL training program shortens the time between classroom and first paycheck. Many no-experience truck driving jobs now require ELDT-compliant training, so choosing a compliant program keeps you eligible for those roles instead of having to retake or re-document anything.

Once you learn truck driving in a program that balances safety, rules, and real-world practice, you can focus on matching with carriers that are hiring for entry-level trucking job positions instead of fighting paperwork or remedial training.

How to Check If a Truck Driving School Is Legit

If you want to confirm that a truck driving school meets federal standards you can check the official FMCSA Training Provider Registry at https tpr fmcsa dot gov. This site lists all registered CDL training providers that meet ELDT requirements, so it is a quick way to verify that a school is legitimate before you enroll.

Using this directory as a reference keeps the focus on how CDL training connects to real, no-experience truck driving jobs and entry-level trucking job opportunities, which is what student drivers actually care about.

The post How to Turn CDL Training into Your First Trucking Job (Even with No Experience) appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why Trucking Appeals to Beginners

Graduates fresh from CDL training step into entry-level trucking jobs starting around $50,000 annually, with pay climbing steadily as you rack up safe miles. Employers care more about your commitment and clean background than years behind the wheel.

Lifestyle Factors to Think Through

Many routes keep you away from home for days or even weeks, so gauge if that fits your life. You’ll handle physical tasks like climbing into the cab, inspections, and long hours seated, and passing a DOT physical for vision, hearing, and health comes first. CDL training typically costs $4,000 to $7,000, but company-sponsored programs often cover it for those eager to learn truck driving skills.

Sit down with family to discuss changing routines, including nights away or holiday shifts. Also plan for extras like fuel and roadside meals.

Finding the Right CDL Training Program

Look for programs running 4 to 8 weeks, mixing classroom lessons, yard drills, and road time to earn your Class A license. FMCSA-registered truck driving schools with 90%+ job placement and solid hands-on hours stand out. A nearby option eases the learn truck drive stretch without extra travel hassles.

Endorsements for hazmat or tankers can make you more hireable right away. Always review their test pass rates and company partnerships.

Official Directory of Truck Driving Schools

The FMCSA directory gives you a free, downloadable list of over 5,000 verified providers across the country. Check it out at FMCSA Training Provider Registry—search by state, see compliance info, and get direct contacts.

Put it to use like this:

• Focus on active schools with strong student success.
• Match up program lengths, prices, and schedules.
• Give your top picks a call to check openings.

It’s your straightforward path to quality CDL training.

Landing No Experience Truck Driving Jobs

Major carriers with student fleets pay you during training and guarantee entry-level trucking jobs once you finish truck driving school. Spotlight your new CDL and dependable attitude in applications for no-experience truck driving jobs. Job fairs right at training centers let you chat with recruiters on the spot.

Start regional for more home time and keep an eye on $5,000 sign-on bonuses in demand areas.

Interview Tips to Get Hired

Research the company’s routes and FMCSA safety ratings before you go. Arrive 15 minutes early with your CDL, medical card, resume, dressed in a collared shirt and boots.

Handle typical questions smoothly:

• Detail your pre-trip inspection from nose to tail.
• Explain safely managing a tire blowout or fatigue.
• Recap Hours of Service rules, like no more than 11 hours driving per day.

Ask about their training teams and home time to show you’re serious. Practice with STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for confident answers.

Your Step-by-Step Plan Forward

Download the FMCSA directory now and contact three schools. Set up your DOT physical this week. Tweak your resume to highlight skills like customer service or basic repairs.

Power through CDL training, pass your skills test, nail the interview, and claim that entry-level trucking job soon. Safe driving and best wishes on your journey!

The post Things to Consider if You Want to Be a Truck Driver: Complete Starter Guide for Aspiring Student Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The scholarship is specifically available to students enrolling in the college’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, located at its Benton Harbor campus.

“Employers and job providers have told us short-term training opportunities like the LMC Truck Driving School and the Marine Maintenance Technology program are in high demand,” explained Doug Schaffer, Vice President of Advancement and Community Impact. “Those programs, however, are not eligible for traditional financial aid like Pell grants or state scholarship programs. This is the LMC Foundation stepping in to fill a significant need in our community to help students with career opportunities.”

The CDL program, a cornerstone of LMC’s short-term training offerings, is conducted in partnership with Regen Trucking School. Students can complete all requirements in just three weeks at the South Haven campus. Additionally, the Marine Maintenance Technology program, a recent addition to LMC’s lineup, is also included in the scholarship initiative.

Jeremy Burleson, Associate Dean of the South Haven Campus and Select Academic Programs, highlighted the importance of this funding: “We have a great deal of interest in truck driving, but the stumbling block has been the lack of financial aid for students. The Lake Michigan College Foundation is paving the way for high-paying jobs, and we are grateful to LMC donors and leaders for again removing barriers for people in our community. This is great news for our region and our students.”

By addressing the financial challenges that often accompany short-term training programs, Lake Michigan College is opening doors to lucrative career paths for individuals in Southwest Michigan.

Image Source: Lake Michigan College
Source: Truckers News

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With mounting college debt and stagnant wages impacting younger workers, a surprising trend is emerging in Waco, Texas. Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is increasingly turning to trucking as a viable and rewarding career option.

According to ACE Driving Academy, a leading CDL training school in Waco, 45% of its recent graduates now belong to Gen Z. This represents a significant departure from industry norms, where the average age of a truck driver stands at 46, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We’re seeing more young people choose trucking because it’s a career that pays well and doesn’t require a college degree,” said Eddy Hooker, school manager at ACE. “Gen Z wants something real; a job that gives them freedom, stability, and a good paycheck. Trucking offers all of that.”

Why Trucking Appeals to Gen Z

Trucking offers competitive salaries, with professional drivers earning between $76,000 and $95,000 annually, according to an ACE press release. The profession also provides upward mobility, including opportunities to become owner-operators or to specialize through endorsements. Unlike many traditional career paths that require a four-year degree, CDL training at ACE Driving Academy takes just four weeks, enabling recent graduates to start earning quickly.

“Many younger students are also drawn to the independence and mobility that comes with a trucking lifestyle, as well as the opportunity to explore the country while building financial stability,” ACE stated.

With Gen Z now making up 30% of the total workforce, the growing interest in trucking could address longstanding industry challenges like aging workers and driver shortages.

Trusted Career Training

ACE Driving Academy is part of the Driver Resource Center (DRC) network, which has trained over 50,000 professional truck drivers. Students at ACE benefit from tuition assistance, job placement services, and partnerships with leading carriers nationwide, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.

For more information about ACE Driving Academy’s CDL program, click here or call 254-340-6615.

Whether you’re drawn to trucking for its promising pay, independence, or quick entry into the workforce, ACE Driving Academy is ready to help you get on the road to success.

Source: The Trucker
Source: ACE Driving Academy

The post Waco CDL School Experiences Surge in Gen Z Interest in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“There’s nothing better than sitting over in that passenger seat and watching the driver over here and seeing that big old smile because they just did something,” Hallada said. “They accomplished a maneuver they never thought they could do.”

Addressing the Truck Driver Shortage

The trucking industry is facing a pressing need for skilled drivers, with hundreds of thousands of job openings expected yearly. Veriha Trucking’s academy offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals for careers on the road. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on driving experience to give students the skills they need for the job.

“We not only teach you the fundamentals of driving a truck, but we teach you how to drive a truck,” Hallada emphasized. “How to survive out on the road, how to pick up loads. The day-to-day operation of the truck.”

Financial Support Makes Training Accessible

Tim Kordula, the safety, training, and development director at Veriha, shared how the academy is making training more affordable for students.

“We just received a grant from the state of Wisconsin that will reimburse Wisconsin-resident students half of their tuition,” Kordula explained. “They can come here, get their CDL, and we’re going to reimburse them half their tuition. If they decide to stay on with Veriha, we will reimburse them the other half after a year.”

While the academy’s training program spans six weeks, students also receive four weeks of paid training once they join the Veriha team, which has helped boost retention rates.

A Personalized Approach to Training

Veriha’s academy isn’t just for over-the-road drivers. For Joe Krueger, co-owner of Chipper Guys Tree Service in Wausaukee, the academy was a way to enhance his family business by earning his CDL.

“It’s not like a big tech school where you’re getting grouped in with a bunch of people,” Krueger shared. “It’s a little more personalized.”

Preparing Drivers for Success

The ultimate goal at Veriha Driving Academy is to provide students with the skills and confidence to succeed as truck drivers.

“I believe we take it a step further and we actually turn these folks into living, breathing truck drivers,” Hallada said. “They’re going to be safe; they’re going to be productive and be able to do the job by the time we’re done with them.”

A Path to a Stable Career

Training programs like Veriha Driving Academy play a vital role in preparing the next generation of skilled drivers as the trucking industry continues to grow. With comprehensive training and real-world experience, individuals are equipped with the tools they need to pursue a long-term and successful career in trucking. For more information visit Veriha’s Website.

Source: Spectrum News 1
Image Source: Spectrum News 1/ Nathan Phelps

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A Career-Boosting Opportunity

“Our CDL program is a short-term path preparing students for the CDL Class A licensing exam,” shared Molly Carney, executive director at Miller-Motte College in Raleigh. “By completing this curriculum, students can jumpstart a career path that is flexible, dependable, and important to keep our economy moving.”

This four-week training equips students with the skills to excel on the road and at pickup or delivery locations. The curriculum covers essential topics such as vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380-397 and certification for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, and accident prevention. Training is delivered entirely at the college’s facilities using school-provided equipment, ensuring students are prepared for real-world scenarios.

Meeting Industry Needs

If you’re wondering who needs a CDL Class A license, it applies to those operating vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with towed vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds. This designation is vital for driving tractor-trailers, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, truck-and-trailer combinations, and livestock carriers.

Upon completing the program and passing the CDL exam, graduates can immediately access a variety of roles in the transportation sector. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 5% growth in employment for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers between 2023 and 2033, resulting in approximately 100,000 job openings annually, this certification opens doors to a stable and crucial career path.

Nationwide CDL Training Access

Miller-Motte College is just one of Ancora Education’s many campuses offering CDL programs. Ancora operates over 200 locations, connecting aspiring professionals to quality training across institutions such as Miller-Motte Driving Institute, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, and Arizona Automotive Institute. Beyond campuses, Ancora collaborates with community colleges, corporates, and government organizations to make CDL training widely available.

Enroll Today

Miller-Motte College’s CDL Class A program begins February 3, 2025, for weekday courses, and February 22, 2025, for weekend sessions. Enrollment is currently open, so whether you are looking to kickstart a career in trucking or seeking a career change, this four-week program offers a fast and reliable path to industry certification.

For more information or to sign up, visit miller-motte.edu.

Source: The Trucker

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