Commercial Truck Driver - CDL Course Overview - Class A and Class B

Sep 18, 2026

Commercial Truck Driver content outlines the CDL training path with flexible schedules and night-course options, including in-person instruction and on-the-road training. It details Class A requirements and typical progression across roads, plus hands-on skills such as pre-trip inspections, coupling procedures, fifth wheels, tandem adjustments, braking, shifting, and backing. It also describes Class B structure, entry conditions, licensed program status, tuition and drug screening, and required documentation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Program Overview

Class A Training

Class B Training

Entry Requirements

Program Details

Career Outlook and Salaries

Contact Information

Commercial Truck Driver With its flexible schedules and night course offerings, the Commercial Truck Driving (CDL) course makes your career transition a smooth ride. From in-person instruction to on the road training, you will have the opportunity to learn your truck inside and out. CLASS A In just six short weeks (or 10 weeks in the evening class) you can get your class “A” CDL. You will benefit from classroom instruction learning tractor-trailer operations and regulations, map reading, logbook management, and other pertinent subjects that relate to the safety and legal operation of tractor-trailers. You’ll experience hands-on training and driving, becoming familiar with tractor-trailer components and CDL pre-trip inspections. You will also learn the proper procedures for coupling/uncoupling, sliding fifth wheels and trailer tandems, adjusting brakes, using a clutch brake, shifting and backing. You will then progress to secondary roads, practicing correct upshifting and downshifting techniques, engine RPM management, starts, stops, lane control, and turns. As your proficiency develops, you will move on to primary and interstate roads. Training includes pre-trip vehicle inspection, vehicle control, range, and behind-the-wheel driving (required for skills testing). Course requires 148 hours of classroom and hands-on training and testing. This program is licensed by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles/ Department of Public Safety. CLASS B In just two and a-half weeks of training you can get your class “B” CDL. Class consists of 50 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and 10 hours of range experience. During the last 2 days of class you will be testing for licensure. Class B students will begin their classroom instruction with the Class A students. This program is licensed by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles/ Department of Public Safety. Entry Requirements • Be at least 18 years of age • Possess a valid South Carolina Driver’s license • Provide a certified 10-year driving record • Provide a DOT physical, including long-form Program Details • Tuition includes books, materials, and mandatory drug screening. • Drug screening will take place the first day of class. You can also expect togo through an additional random drug screen sometime during your CDL program. • Possess a SC CDL Beginner’s Permit • Provide a copy of your Social Security Card • Have a Workkeys or WIN Score, Bronze or higher • Upon request, you will be provided with information that will assist you as you are studying and taking the CDL Beginner’s permit exam. • Scholarships are available to those who qualify. [tctc.edu/truck](tctc.edu/truck) Career Outlooks and Average Salaries | Job Title | What You Do | Salary | | | \# Job
Openings | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | Entry | Median | Skilled | | | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
Truck Drivers | Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers’ license. Includes tow truck drivers. | $26,528 | $47,121 | $94,173 | 1,910 | CONNECT WITH US Program Director Ron Bryant Telephone: 864-260-6747 Email: [rbryan11@tctc.edu](rbryan11@tctc.edu) Training Coordinator Tracey Robinson Telephone: 864-260-6754 Email: [trobin26@tctc.edu](trobin26@tctc.edu) Division Office 864-646-1700 [tctc.edu/learn](tctc.edu/learn) Workforce Scholarships Available Learn more at [tctc.edu/truck](tctc.edu/truck).

FAQs

What is covered in the Class A CDL training program?

Class A training covers classroom learning on tractor-trailer operations and regulations, map reading, logbook management, and safety procedures. It also includes hands-on behind-the-wheel practice with pre-trip inspections, coupling/uncoupling, braking and shifting, and progression from secondary to primary and interstate roads.

How long does Class B CDL training take and what does it include?

Class B training can be completed in about two and a half weeks. It includes 50 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, 10 hours of range experience, and licensure testing during the last two days.

What entry requirements must applicants meet?

Applicants must be at least 18, have a valid South Carolina driver’s license, provide a certified 10-year driving record, complete a DOT physical (long-form), hold a SC CDL Beginner’s Permit, provide a copy of their Social Security card, and have a Workkeys or WIN score of Bronze or higher.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Lucas Martin