Commercial Truck Driving Certificate

The Commercial Truck Driving program prepares students for occupations in the trucking industry. It is an 8-week course which meets five days per week. In presenting the material, the instructor uses both the lecture and demonstration method of teaching with active participation and practice by the students.

Upon successful completion of the 240 hours, the student is awarded a certificate and 8 semester hours credit. Employment opportunities are excellent, and every effort will be made to help a graduate in locating a job.

Entrance requirements are as follows:

1. Must have high school diploma or HSE.
2. Must be 21 years of age.
3. Must be able to produce a valid driver’s license. (Commercial license not required for admission; should be capable of meeting requirements).
4. Must be capable of driving a manual transmission.
5. Must present a copy of official driving record. (MVR)
6. Must pass DOT physical, drug screen, and blood alcohol tests. Results must be submitted before enrollment.
7. Must have CDL learner’s permit.
8. Application for admission to Northwest Mississippi Community College with required high school and college transcript(s) and ACT scores must be sent to the DeSoto Center campus.

NOTE: This program is not eligible for financial aid; however, VA Education Benefits will cover the cost of this program for eligible veterans/service members.

The Commercial Truck Driving curriculum consists of four general categories:

1. CLASSROOM - Department of Transportation regulations, demonstrations, freight handling, defensive driving, accidents, insurance, customer relations, maintenance of equipment, etc.
2. FIELD WORK - Basic driving skills, handling of equipment, yard tests, various transmissions, etc.
3. ROAD DRIVING - Actual day and night highway driving.
4. CITY DRIVING - Actual driving in city traffic.