PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVING
Professional Truck Driving Program Overview
Midwest Technical Institute’s Professional Truck Driving Program provides classroom and behind-the-wheel experience. Upon completion of the program and passing of the state licensing exam, students will be eligible to obtain entry-level employment as a licensed Class A truck driver and are qualified for a variety of careers within the transportation industry.
During truck driver training, the student will learn how to correctly and safely perform required skill standards. MTI’s truck driving classes include knowledge of the state’s CDL standards, driver safety, air brakes, combination vehicles, log books, trip planning, public and employee relations.
At MTI’s truck driver school, the student will receive on-site range field training, prior to the over-the-road field training on rural highways, interstates, and urban areas. This program will also provide remedial training that includes bookwork, driving skills, and practice exams.
*Not all programs and courses are available at all campuses.
• CDL permit test preparation
• CDL endorsement preparation (doubles/triples and tankers)
• Vehicle inspection for daily operation and safe practices
• Hazardous material (hazmat) training
Weeks 5-12:
• Vehicle inspection for daily operation and safe practices
• Read and identify instrument control systems
• Basic control of the truck
• Coupling and uncoupling
• Range maneuvers
• Road training
• Hours of service/logging
• Trip planning/map reading
• Communication
• Shipping and receiving
• Wellness
• Defensive driving
• Hazard awareness
• Extreme driving conditions
Weeks 13-20:
• Vehicle inspection
• Forklift training
• Load securement/cargo handling
• Preventative maintenance
• FMCSA rules and regulations
• Weigh stations
• Transportation security
• ELDT (entry-level driver training)
• Company speakers
• Resume building
• Life on the road
• Professionalism/soft skills
• Preparation for state range and drive test
Load securement & cargo handling certification
Preventative maintenance certification
ELDT (entry-level driver training) certification
Which Schools Offer Professional Truck Driving Training?
Professional Truck Driving FAQ
- According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity exceeding 26,000 pounds. These drivers deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states.” *www.bls.gov
- The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 in May 2019. *www.bls.gov
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “most heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers’ routes are assigned by a dispatcher, but some independent drivers still plan their own routes. Some drivers have one or two routes that they drive regularly, and others drivers take many different routes throughout the country. Also, some drivers have routes that include Mexico or Canada.” *www.bls.gov
- The Bureau predicts the job outlook for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers will increase by 2% from 2019 to 2029. *www.bls.gov
- For more information on MTI program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost.
Professional Truck Driving at Midwest Technical Institute
Watch for an overview of truck driving training at Midwest Technical Institute.
Midwest Technical Institute offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students. Financial Aid Representatives are available at each of our campuses to assist you. Please contact your nearest MTI campus today to learn more.
More Information
Enrollment and outcome information for all Illinois-based campuses and the ACCSC annual reports for each program in Adobe PDF format. Please note, all programs are not offered at all campuses.
Professional Truck Driving Careers
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the economy depends on truck drivers to transport freight and keep supply chains moving. As the demand for goods increases, more truck drivers will be needed. Trucks transport most of the freight in the United States, so as households and businesses increase their spending, the trucking industry will grow.” *www.bls.gov
The Bureau predicts the job outlook for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers will increase by 2% from 2019 to 2029. *www.bls.gov
Professional Truck Driving Vehicles Include: Dry Vans, Tankers, Flatbeds, Dump Trucks, Low Boys, Cargo Containers, Livestock Trucks, Drop Decks, Cement Trucks, Grain Trucks and Wreckers
Professional Truck Driving Industries Include: Warehouse Workers, Dock Workers, Truck Repair Technicians, Forklift Operators, Shipping I Receiving Clerks, Dispatchers and Entry Level Brokering
Accreditations
MTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC).
MTI is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA).
MTI is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education: 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701. For more info: www.ibhe.org