Commercial Truck Driving: Entry Level

Contact Us

South Campus

Instructors
Tom Deligeannis
253.680.7493

Dan French
253.680.7483

Louie French
253.680.7484

Bob Gunter
253.680.7486

Ken Thompson
253.680.7485

Wade Westphal
253.680.7491

Jim Field
Career Advisor
253.680.7410

Location South Campus

Hours Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m - 2:30 pm.
7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., or
2:30 - 10 p.m.

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.

Prerequisites:

  1. Applicants must have a valid Washington State driver's license and a good driving record.
  2. Applicants must pass the Washington State Department of Transportation physical exam and drug screen.
  3. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age to enroll in local commercial driving.
  4. Applicants must 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

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Students must choose one option:

Option A: Local CREDITS

TRUCK 110 City/Town Driving
TRUCK 111 Materials/Cargo II

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Option B: Long Haul CREDITS

TRUCK 112 Freeway/Open Road II
TRUCK 113 Advanced Commercial Driving

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Important Documents

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