Commercial
Truck Driving

BEFORE ORIENTATION

Students must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License
• Be able to read, write, and speak English fluently in accordance with 49 CFR §391.11

Attendance Policy

• One unexcused absence will result in removal from the program
• A doctor’s note is required for illness
• No other absences are excused

This course may be repeated up to three times.

Strongly Encouraged:
 Experience driving a manual (stick shift) vehicle is recommended but not required.

Part One

TRCK 7800 – Commercial Truck Driving: Theory (14 hours)

Course Objective:
 To prepare students to take the Commercial Learner’s Permit test at the DMV and to obtain ELDT certification upon completion.

IMPORTANT – DO NOT COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE COMPLETING THEORY

Students should NOT complete or pay for the following until instructed by the program:

• CDL Permit
• Drug test
• Enrollment in a Random Testing Consortium
• DMV 3-Year Driver History Printout

These items are required for Part Two and should only be completed once students are eligible to advance.

The ONLY document students are encouraged to obtain before Theory:

• DOT Physical Examination

The DOT Physical is valid for up to 2 years, making it safe to complete prior to Theory.

Part Two

TRCK 7801 – Yard Skills (16 hours)

Course Objective:
 To practice the pre-trip inspection, in-cab inspection, air brake inspection, offset parking, and straight-line backing.

AND

TRCK 7802 – Public Road (20 hours)

Course Objective:
 To practice driving on public roads (freeways and city streets).

Before enrolling in Part Two, students MUST submit:

• Class A or Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Completed DOT Physical (Medical Examiner’s Certificate)
• Drug test results (negative)
• Proof of enrollment in a Random Testing Consortium
• FMCSA Clearinghouse registration and account creation
• DMV 3-Year Driver History (full report)
• Must meet DMV exam limitations 
• Must meet DMV Medical Eligibility

Students are responsible for all DMV fees and DOT screening costs.

DMV testing trips are limited to two attempts per student.

As of February 7, 2022, all entry-level drivers must meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, including:

• Theory instruction
• Minimum Behind-the-Wheel hours

Optional

TRCK 7803 – Commercial Vehicle Simulator Lab

Course Objective:

Provides additional training using computer-based simulation technology in a controlled environment.

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Part Three:

DMV CHECKLIST – PERMIT TEST

• Complete your Theory Course – Prep for Permit Class with Allan Hancock College
• Make an appointment online or at the DMV for your permit test
• Bring your California Driver’s License
• Bring your completed Department of Transportation (DOT) physical report
• Bring a second form of identification
• Complete your CDL application online for the DMV

Link to DMV Webpage:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/

DMV CHECKLIST – BEHIND THE WHEEL TEST

• Make an appointment with your instructor to meet you at the DMV online: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments/select-appointment-type/
• Bring your California Driver’s License
• Bring your completed Department of Transportation (DOT) physical report
• Bring a second form of identification
• Upload your behind the wheel hours to the DMV website:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/submit-dl-1236-vfo/california-commercial-driver-behind-the-wheel-training-certification-form/

• Link to DMV Webpage:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/

• Bring a copy of your Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) report

Students who drop for any reason or miss one class will be placed at the end of the interest list.

To join our program students must: 

1. Sign up on our Interest List: CTD Interest List 
2. Wait for an email with more information and updates. 
3. Wait to receive a text message invite to an upcoming orientation. Please RSVP quickly, space is limited and spots are first-come, first-served. If the session fills before you reply, you’ll need to wait for the next orientation invite. 

• A generated interest list randomly selects students for enrollment.
• Once selected from the lottery, you will need to attend a Mandatory Orientation.
• Interested students are required to reapply every semester.
• Students are chosen from the interest list at random.

Due to the new California and federal Department of Transportation regulations that come into effect on Feb 7, 2022, all students must meet program requirements before starting classes. Therefore, the program orientation is mandatory. (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Subtitle B, Chapter III, Subchapter B, Part 380)

Disclaimer: This program is on a lottery system. 

Does Allan Hancock College offer endorsements (passenger, doubles/triples, tankers, hazmat)?
No. Students must apply for these endorsements at the DMV and pay the required fee.

Do I need my permit to join the program?
No. However, students must have a valid permit before starting the behind-the-wheel training.

I already have my CDL permit. Can I skip the Theory Course (permit class)?
Only if you already hold a valid Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate.

My permit expired. Can I still drive in the program?
No. Students must have a valid CDL permit to participate.

What does CDL stand for?
Commercial Driver License.

Required Documents for Behind-the-Wheel Training

• DOT physical (full report and certificate)
• DOT drug test results (staff will notify students when to complete this)
• DMV driver record (staff will notify students when to print this)
• ELDT certificate (automatically issued upon completion of the Theory Course)
• Class A or B permit (can be obtained after completing the Theory Course)

How long is the program?
The program consists of five courses:

• Theory Course (permit class): 14 hours
• Yard Skills: 16 hours
• Public Road: 20 hours
• Simulator Course: Optional, hours vary (link to video)

How will I know if I’m enrolled in the program?
Check your email and text messages for updates from Allan Hancock College. We use ahctrucking@hancockcollege.edu to communicate with prospective and current students.

What do I need to join the program?

• A valid California driver’s license
• Completion of the interest list form (at the top of the page)
• Watch for email updates with next steps

I have an out-of-state driver’s license. Can I join?
No. All students must have a valid California driver’s license.

Are courses offered in Spanish?
No. Courses are only offered in English at this time.

Can I join the program if I’m under 21?
Yes. However, students under 21 will be restricted to driving within California.

Do I need to know how to drive a stick shift?
No. While prior experience with manual transmission helps, students can earn a license in an automatic truck. This will place a restriction on their license.

Will I be randomly drug tested?
Yes. Students may be randomly selected for drug testing during the program.

Where does the program take place?

• Theory Course: Santa Maria campus
• Behind-the-wheel training: Lompoc Valley Center

DOT Physical Locations

Akeso Occupational Health

Phone: (805) 922-8282
Address: 3070 Skyway Drive, Suite 106, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Website: https://akesomedical.com/santa-maria/

* Fees subject to change by the California Department of Transportation and Department of Motor Vehicles.

Do not complete the drug and alcohol tests until you receive instructions from our staff. If completed early, you will need to retest and repay.

Arensdorf Chiropractic

Phone: (805) 346-6700
Address: 912 E. Main St., Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: https://arensdorfchiropractic.com/

Prices:

• DOT physical: $100 (appointment) or $130 (walk-in)
• Recommended completion by the end of the Theory Course.

* Fees subject to change by the provider.