NorthWest Arkansas Community College

NWACC's Full CDL Truck Driving Program offers training to new, entry-level drivers. It includes 160 hours of classroom, theory-based instruction and simulator and in-cab training.

160 hours (4 weeks) include:

• 54 hours - classroom
• 55 hours- range
• 35 hours - behind-the-wheel
• 16 hours - observation

Topics include:

• Classroom, simulator and in-cab instruction
• Regulations and vehicle mechanics
• Manual and automatic transmission
• CDL A and B licensing completion

Courses	​Begin Date	​End Date
​CDL Full Course 7	8/17/2024	9/20/2024
​CDL Full Course 8	9/23/2024	10/25/2024
​​CDL Full Course 9​	​10/28/2024	​12/5/2024

Course Descriptions: 

Week 1: Classroom/theory. Standard hours are 8 am - 5 pm or 7 am - 4 pm.

Week 2 -4: Range/behind-the-wheel (BTW) training, standard hours. Evening hour classes are determined by full class needs for that session. Students must work with instructor for am/pm only hours.

NOTE:

• Consecutive hours must be adhered to during scheduled night time driving (3 hours) and are recommended to meet the 16 hours behind-the-wheel requirements.
• Campus closures due to inclement weather and/or make-up hours due to missing courses may extend the completion date. 
• Refresher Training 3 to 5 day sessions may be scheduled in-between new, full sessions or coordinated in tandem with full class sessions. 

Program participants must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a DOT physical, background check, drug screening, and have a Class A permit prior to starting the course. Participants must be able to read, speak, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to meet the Department of Transportation regulations.

Program Curriculum

Primary Materials

• State Commercial Driver’s License Manual
  • Safety regulations, 49 CFR 382-399. Students will also receive training in entry level drivers in accordance with 49 CFR 380.503.
• J. J. Keller Student Driver Manual – 2021-22 Updates (latest version)

Supplemental Materials/Enhancements

• J. J. Keller video-based training
• Financial wellness curriculum (courtesy of Regions Bank Financial Institution)
• Overall health and wellness, stress management and time management
• Adult education literacy/English as second language assistance (free to students/families)

Core Topics

• Driver qualification requirements
• Hours of service
• Driver wellness
• Whistle blower protection
• Truckers against trafficking

The classroom, range and behind the wheel instruction will include:

• Instruction in the laws and regulations pertaining to the interstate and intrastate commercial motor vehicle operation.
• Both classroom and range training will include proper completion of pre-trip and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Simulation training for air-braking, scenario-based multiple terrain, situational, vehicle compliance and maneuvering (four-hour-to-one-hour ratio for behind-the-wheel).
• Range instruction will include training in the coupling and uncoupling of combination units.
• Range training will cover the aspects of placing a commercial motor vehicle in operation.
• The proper use of the different motor vehicle controls and emergency equipment.
• Operation of the commercial motor vehicle in the inner city, farm-to-market roads and interstate highways and will include the skills in passing, turning, backing, and parking the commercial motor vehicle.
• Extensive training will be given in the skills of braking and slowing the vehicle by means other than the application of the service brakes.
• Extensive training will be conducted in the proper completion of the driver’s daily logbook.
• Instruction will also be given in accident prevention, personal health, and fitness, and in public relations.
• Students will complete daily written tests to gauge their progress prior to an end-of-course comprehensive final exam.

NOTE: The final CDL skills testing will be performed at a local testing center.

Grading System

Grading system is A - F. Students must complete training with an overall score of 80% to receive a Certificate of Completion.

About Truck Driving Simulator

The L3Harris TranSim™ commercial truck driving simulator provides hands-on, experiential training for commercial vehicle drivers, offering experience without risks to people or equipment. The compact, ergonomic design of the TranSim simulator is a replica of an actual commercial vehicle driving compartment. TranSim accurately simulates the vehicle’s physical and functional characteristics. It also adjusts to the size, weight, turning radius, tire and suspension characteristics for each vehicle that it simulates. TranSim provides the most realistic and effective simulation based training system possible.

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Costs:

• $4,200 - Program tuition
• $50 - CDL manual 
• *$150 – Drug and physical testing
  • *Costs are estimates

Additional training time after the program has concluded may incur additional testing fees. See enrollment agreement.

Financial assistance options:

1. Employer sponsorship- Request Letter of Intent/Sponsorship for Tuition Payment
2. Arkansas Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
3. Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship (Apply Now)
4. Scholarships may be available (NWACC application period is October 1 – March 31)
5. Career Pathways assistance for student parents. Email careerpathways@nwacc.edu or 479-619-3128 to learn more.
6. VA Benefits now available.
7. Ask Adult Education for Help with GED/ESL etc. at askadulted@nwacc.edu or (479) 986-6911  (M-Thu 8a-8p, Fri 8a-430p)

• Most Workforce Programs do not qualify for Financial Aid (Pell Grant or FAFSA)

Update to Students will be tested by the State Policy or Third-Party tester for their appropriate Class Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).