Faculty member demonstrating truck mechanics under the hood of a truck to two students during a hands-on session in the truck driving program.

Truck Driving

Skills Development

Hit the Road to a Great Career

Do you like independent work? Would you like to get paid to see the country? Do you want job security? If so, truck driving is a good fit for you.

At South Piedmont, you’ll receive hands-on training from experienced instructors. You’ll get to fine-tune your driving skills behind the wheels of our trucks at our CDL driving pad. Plus, our classes are offered on day and evening/weekend schedules, making it easy for you to get licensed and get behind the wheel.

Ready to start your truck driving career? Let’s go.

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The Program Options

5-10 Weeks
In this class, you’ll learn how to drive box trucks and buses. This is a great option if you’re interested in a career that will keep you local.

Mode

In-Person

Prerequisites

CDL B permit, DOT physical and drug screen

5-10 Weeks
In the CDL A class, you’ll learn how to drive tractor-trailers. This is a great option if you’re interested in long-distance hauling, but local career options exist as well.

Mode

In-Person

Prerequisites

CDL A permit, DOT physical and drug screen

$$$


Scholarships and grants may be available to assist with the cost of the truck driving program

A & B


South Piedmont offers classes for both types of commercial driver’s licenses

4 Weeks


Duration of the truck driving program

Bumper-to-Bumper Education

As a South Piedmont truck driving student, you’ll learn about motor vehicle laws and regulations, map reading, vehicle maintenance, safety procedures, daily logs, defensive driving, freight handling, security, and fire protection. You’ll participate in highway driving training exercises at our CDL training pad, located on the Old Charlotte Highway campus in Monroe, using one of our seven CDL vehicles. You’ll also complete classroom work designed to prepare you to pass the CDL exam.

Our instructors will help you schedule your CDL testing appointment and support you at every turn of your truck driving journey.

When you complete the program and obtain your CDL, you can go to work for a commercial trucking firm or become an owner-operator or private contract hauler.

South Piedmont's Truck Driving instructor showing how to operate the truck with a female student sitting on the driver's seat.

Opportunities for All

A lot of women are hesitant about entering a historically male-dominated field. I always tell those women that if they feel they can do it, if they believe in themselves, and if they’re putting God in it with them, they can do anything. This is a great career – for men, women, everyone.

Lisa Louallen, South Piedmont Truck Driving program graduate

Upcoming Courses

TitleLocation & Date & TimeRegistration
Class A LicenseLL Polk Campus, Polkton
June 16, 2025-July 24, 2025
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
REGISTRATION OPENS: Monday, May 19
Class A LicenseLL Polk Campus, Polkton
July 12, 2025-September 21, 2025*
*except for Labor Day Weekend, August 30-31
Saturday & Sunday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
REGISTRATION OPENS: Thursday, June 12
Class A LicenseL.L. Polk Campus, Polkton
August 4, 2025-September 4, 2025
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
REGISTRATION OPENS: Monday, July 7

Truck Driving FAQ

The cost for this class is $1,101.40.

Additional costs not included in the tuition and fees are:

  • DOT physical: $60, paid to the physician
  • DOT drug screen: $50, paid to the physician
  • Class A permit: $21.50, paid to the DMV
  • Class B permit: $21.50, paid to the DMV
  • CDL application fee: $43.25, paid to the DMV
  • CDL license: $21.50 per year, paid to the DMV
  • Endorsements: $4.25 per year, paid to the DMV
  • Log book: $5

Yes, the cost is the same.

Scholarships may be available. You may contact our Financial Aid department at financialaid@spcc.edu for more information and to apply for assistance.

You can choose a medical office of your choice that offers DOT physical and drug screen tests. Often, our students use Carolina OCC Med, in Monroe, NC. This is their contact information: 3016 Old Charlotte Hwy # C, Monroe, NC 28110, 704-282-2400. Please note that South Piedmont does not endorse any specific medical providers. A DOT drug screen test is only required for CDL Class A, and it must be completed no more than 30 days prior to the course start date.

You’ll need to go to your local DMV office and schedule an appointment to get your CDL permit. A DOT drug screen test is required for both CDL A and B, and it must be completed no more than 30 days prior to the course start date.

If you complete the class with an earned grade of “S,” the instructor will give you your certificate of completion on the last day of class.

Our SP | Career Connector provides assistance with resume writing, job searches, interview preparation, and other skills that will help you become employed.

Yes, there will be a total of 20 hours of homework that you will complete online.

DOT physical exams have an expiration date. Usually, they are good for 1-2 years. If your DOT physical exam has not expired by the start of the class, you do not need to take another one.

No. Your CDL permit needs to be valid and not expired.

  • Complete a D.O.T. drug screen (for CDL A & B). This must be completed no more than 30 days prior to the course start date.
  • Complete the Virtual Orientation
  • Be at least 18 years old. Note: Per state law, those under 21 are not allowed to drive outside the state of North Carolina. 
  • Obtain your CDL A or CDL B permit. Your permit must be valid through the end of the course you are registering to take. The type of permit you need is dependent on the course you are taking (A or B). Note: South Carolina permits will not be accepted. To get your permit, you will need to take the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination exam at the DMV. Click here for the study manual. For Class A, review sections 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. For Class B, review sections 1, 2, 3, and 5.
  • Complete a D.O.T. physical examination

Get an Edge in the Workforce

South Piedmont’s SP | Career Connector will help you create a resume, prepare for job interviews, and even match you with area opportunities at area employers.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Get in Touch

We’re excited to talk to you about your future and how we can help you reach your goals. Reach out today!