Commercial Truck Driving: Entry Level

Bates Technical College is the only school in Washington State certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Students prepare for entry-level employment as commercial truck drivers with the goal of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)with all endorsements.

Training takes place in classrooms, on Bates' truck driving range, and on the road, using a variety of equipment.

Note: Through an Opportunity Grant, special tuition and book funding is available to assist low-income adult students entering this program. Contact Ramon Burton, 253.680.7544, for more information.

Learn more about our English as a Second Language Truck Driving I-BEST program.

Prerequisites:

Applicants must:

1. possess a valid Washington state driver's license;

2. have a driving record with no DUI,  negligent, reckless, or hit and run infractions within the past five years;

3. have no more than three moving violations in the past 36 months (a state vehicle operating requirement);

4. must be able to pass the Federal Department of Transportation physical exam and drug screen;

5. not have a felony within the past five years;

6. be a minimum of 18 years of age to enroll in local commercial driving; and 

7. be a minimum of 21 years of age to enroll in long-haul commercial driving.

Program Length: Two quarters (approximate)

Certificate of Training: 40 Credits

REQUIRED COURSEWORK	CREDITS
TRUCK 101 Safety/First Aid TRUCK 102 Introduction to the Trucking Industry TRUCK 103 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) TRUCK 104 Pre-Trip Requirements TRUCK 105 Close Quarters Operation TRUCK 106 Materials/Cargo I TRUCK 107 City/Town Driving TRUCK 108 Freeway/Open Road I	3 4 4 3 5 3 5 5

Students must choose one option:

Option A: Local	CREDITS
TRUCK 110 City/Town Driving TRUCK 111 Materials/Cargo II	4 4
Option B: Long Haul	CREDITS
TRUCK 112 Freeway/Open Road II TRUCK 113 Advanced Commercial Driving	4 4

 

Important Documents

• Welcome Letter
• Enrollment Steps
• Start Dates
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Costs