Texas community colleges offering truck driving programs use both classroom study and on-the-road experience. Students learn about cargo handling and documentation requirements, communications, basic large vehicle function such as braking and shifting, speed management, regulations and laws, avoiding hazards and general safety. Most colleges allow students to practice in both empty and weighted trucks on highways and in urban areas for the best all-around experience. Some schools use the CDL written and driving exams as part of regular coursework.
Completion of an entire truck driving program at a Texas community college generally earns students a Class A CDL, allowing them to drive vehicles in excess of 26,000 lbs. States restrict the types of vehicles drivers may operate unless they receive endorsements for double or triple trailers, passenger vehicles (non-school buses), hazardous materials or school buses. Some schools include these elements as part of program instruction, but others require additional courses for the endorsements.
Programs range from 120 to 200 hours in length, with one-third to one-half of the coursework being hands-on driving experience. Programs typically run for about four weeks, although some offer weekend programs and courses. Classes run throughout the year, including summer months, although they typically skip two to three weeks around the end of the year for the holidays. Midland College tailors training to a company's needs if asked for a customized program. Experienced drivers may take a one-week, 45-hour refresher course from North Texas Community College.
Various community colleges offer CDL courses. Alvin Community College has campuses in Alvin and Pearland. Northeast Texas Community College is located in Mt. Pleasant. Midland College in Midland offers classes at the Advanced Technology Center. Extreme western Texas is home to El Paso Community College, named for its border town location. Costs for programs run between $2,800 to $3,800 as of February 2011. The refresher course from North Texas Community College costs $500. Students may qualify for financial aid for CDL classes.