Truck Driver Training
Below you will find important information about our school and how to enroll.
Contact us at drivertraining@northampton.edu or 570-839-2778, option 1.
Course prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age to obtain a CDL license.
(Cannot carry hazardous materials or cross PA state lines until age 21). - Must have a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to obtain a PA or NJ CDL written knowledge permit.
(No outstanding traffic violations and/or suspensions, and not delinquent on any court ordered payments). - Must be able to pass a Department of Transportation Physical and a Federal Chain of Custody Drug Screen.
- Must have dependable transportation to and from class.
- Must have a positive attitude and a commitment to safe driving.
- Federal Motor Carriers Fleet Safety Compliance Manual Part 391.11 Section (a) (2) indicates that the driver shall be able to read and speak the ENGLISH language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and directions given in ENGLISH and respond to official inquiries.
- Federal regulations require a Security Threat Assessment for those pursuing a HazMat endorsement. General information about HazMat and the costs are available from any staff member.
Upon enrolling:
- The student will complete and pass an entrance exam or provide proof of post-secondary degree.
- The student must come into the office and complete a Pre-Admission Questionnaire, Registration Form, a Background Screening Authorization and Release Form, and a Student/College Agreement.
- The student will be given an appointment for a DOT physical and drug screen.
- The student will be given a completed permit application to obtain their CDL written knowledge permit.
- The student will have their funding source secure.
- Pay a non-refundable registration fee of $200 to reserve your seat.
Course Descriptions
Class A Program
This course provides theoretical and practical instruction with safety in mind, to educate the student and prepare them for entry level into the job market with emphasis on being a company driver. The student will learn vehicle control systems, D.O.T. rules and regulations, logs, and all legal topics of interest to trucking and transportation. Additional topics include safe operation, defensive driving, speed and space management, cargo handling, hazardous materials, job applications, drivers' role in public and employer relations, alcohol and other drugs. The student will also receive hands-on experience in backing, starting, stopping, turning, shifting, coupling, uncoupling, docking, emergency equipment, sharing the road, and pre-trip inspection. This will prepare the student to take the necessary exams to obtain a Commercial Driver's License to operate a Class A vehicle. Successful students will earn a Class A CDL with air brakes, hazardous materials, tank, and doubles/triples endorsements.
Class A Refresher Program
This course is designed for the student with previous verifiable theoretical instruction or driving experience. The previous experience must be verified with a program coordinator. In addition the applicant must be current on Hours of Service regulations and demonstrate the ability to prepare daily logs. The course provides practical instruction with safety in mind, to educate the students and prepare them for an entry level position into the job market with emphasis on being a company driver. The student will receive extensive hands-on experience in backing, starting, stopping, turning, emergency equipment, sharing the road, and pre-trip inspection. This will prepare the student to take the necessary exams to obtain a Commercial Driver's License to operate a Class A vehicle. Successful students will earn a Class A CDL with air brakes, hazardous materials, tank, and doubles/triples endorsements.
Class B Program
This course will cover the same basic information as the Class A program. This course will prepare the student to take the necessary exams to obtain a Commercial Driver's License to operate a Class B vehicle. Successful students will earn a Class B CDL with air brakes, hazardous materials and tank endorsements.
Facilities & Equipment
The classroom portion is held in up to date dedicated classrooms at Northampton Community College's site located in Pocono Corporate Center East. Topics are taught by instructional staff who have at least 3 years of tractor trailer driving experience. Educational materials include text books, audio visual materials, lecture, and group discussion. The driving portion of the program is held in a range where there is ample area to practice pre-trip and backing skills.
Equipment is leased or owned by the College and includes late model Freightliners with 10 speed transmissions and vans of various lengths (48 and 53 foot), and also includes a weighted trailer.
Students interested in visiting the school are encouraged to stop by at their convenience to view the facilities and equipment and to talk with the office and/or instructional staff.
Course Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete the following in order to graduate from the program:
- Complete all classroom assignments
- Complete all range assessments
- Complete all road assessments
- Earn an overall grade point average of 80% or higher
- Pass the Commercial Driver License Skills Exam at Department of Motor Vehicles
Upon Graduation
The student will receive a graduation packet which includes a graduation letter, certificate of completion, copies of grades, and a local job list. The student will receive a specialized diploma from the College at a later date.
PTDI Certification – Professional Truck Driving Institute
The student will receive a certificate from PTDI if he/she completes the required PTDI certification hours: minimum of 44 hours behind the wheel and 104 hours of classroom/lab. Visit www.PTDI.org for more information.
Course Evaluation
Evaluations are completed at the end of the classroom portion, midway of the road/range portion, and at the end of the road/range portion. If you want to make comments regarding either course content or the instructors, contact the Driver Training Program at 570-839-2778.
Course/Classroom Policies
Student Conduct
The standards of conduct at the Northampton Community College Driver Training Program are patterned after those that prevail in the trucking industry. Students are expected to observe the College regulations, to follow directions given by their instructors, and to conduct themselves in a manner that is a tribute to the program.
The following activities at or around the College facilities and equipment will be cause for immediate dismissal:
- Being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Smoking in unauthorized areas, i.e. classrooms or the trucks
- Performing an unauthorized truck start up or operation
- Harassment of fellow students
Academic Honesty
It is expected that all assignments, quizzes, and exams are the work of the student. Any student deviating from this policy may be withdrawn from the program.
Disruptive Behavior, Noises, Attire, and Attitudes
Disruptive behaviors can be illustrated by wearing improper clothing, excessive talking, consistent tardiness, leaving class early, speaking while others are speaking/presenting information, and improper language. Any of these behaviors are unacceptable and consequences will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cell Phone and Pager Use
All cell phones and pagers MUST be turned off in classroom, on the range, and on the road. Exceptions will be granted by the staff for emergency situations only.
Unauthorized Persons
Only College staff and students are allowed in the classroom, on the range, or in the trucks, except as approved by program staff.
Attendance
A successful learning experience is not based on a one-way model of the teacher merely delivering information. It necessitates the student being in class, joining discussions, asking questions and participating in the learning process.
Attendance and punctuality are stressed throughout the course. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and are responsible for all material presented in classroom, range, and road. However, a student without a valid excuse (i.e. illness, death in the student's immediate family, etc.) who misses more than three consecutive days or five days total, may, on the recommendation of the instructor(s) and the approval of the Director, be withdrawn from the program. The amount of time missed due to arriving late or leaving early may also be added to determine total days missed. Students recommended for withdrawal from the program will be so notified and given one week to appeal to the Director. The Director may discuss the situation with the instructor(s) and the Director will make the final decision regarding withdrawal.
School Closings
The possibility exists that the school may need to close due to inclement weather or an emergency situation. To check if classes are cancelled, call 570-839-2778 and listen to the recorded message. Any changes to the schedule are noted on the recording by 6:30AM for day classes and 3:30PM for evening classes.
Accessibility
Northampton Community College is committed to being accessible to all students. To make requests for special services, the student should call 610-861-5342. The College's Coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act can be reached at 610-861-5496.
Drug Screen & Physical Policy
A positive test result from a drug screen will prevent a student from starting or continuing the class in which they are enrolled. The Director will discuss the impact a positive result can have on a career in the driving industry. In addition, a positive result may require the student to pay additional costs to the lab for processing a positive result.
Cancelling your enrollment or withdrawing from the program after taking the DOT physical and drug screen will result in the charges begin billed back to you. If you change your start date repeatedly the charges for the DOT physical and drug screen may revert to you (please see a program administrator for clarification).
Refund Policy
View the Truck Driving Program refund policy here.
Testing Policy
The Driver Training Program will schedule students for their Pennsylvania or New Jersey CDL test. If a student fails a test they will be required to return for additional training prior to their next test.
Pennsylvania Licensed Students
Pennsylvania licensed students will be scheduled for up to three state tests at no additional cost. If the student desires additional testing after the third failure, fees will be charged for training and testing.
New Jersey Licensed Students
We will schedule New Jersey students for two tests that are covered by the testing fees paid at the beginning of the course. The student will incur additional testing fees for the third and subsequent tests. After the third failed test, any additional training and testing fees will be the responsibility of the student.
Federal Regulations
To qualify for admission into the College's truck driving programs and to obtain employment in the trucking industry, a driver must meet the minimum requirements as stated in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators are required to take a U.S. Department of Transportation physical every two years. There are certain portions of the physical that may disqualify a person from driving a CMV.
- Loss of a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes requiring insulin for control
- High Blood pressure which was previously undiagnosed or is not under control with medication
- Physical defect or disease likely to interfere with safe driving
- Hearing loss greater than 40 decibels with or without a hearing aid
- Must have 20/40 vision or better with or without corrective lenses and field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye and must be able to distinguish the colors of traffic signals and devices
- Use of illegal controlled substances
- Use of any prescribed medication on the Department of Justice "Controlled Substance List" found at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/1308/1308_11.htm.
- Current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism
Job Placement Assistance
We offer job placement assistance to our student graduates. However, we cannot guarantee employment. It is up to the student to successfully gain employment. We will provide you with job leads for local, regional, and over the road companies. We have numerous recruiters visit the class and make presentations about their companies.
Some criteria that companies are screening before hiring you are your 10 year job history, your motor vehicle report, and your criminal background.
Directions to Office & Classroom
Northampton Community College
Driver Training Program
1900 Corporate Center Drive East
Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Office: Room 106
Classroom: Room 111
Phone: 570-839-2778
Fax: 570-839-3534
From the Stroudsburg area:
From Route 80 West take 380 North to the 1st exit which is #3 (Pocono Route 940). At the top of the ramp turn right. At the 5th light make a left onto Route 611 North. Follow approximately 1 ½ miles. At the 1st traffic light make a right onto Corporate Center Drive East. Follow the road to the end. Our building is on the right.
From the Lehigh Valley area:
From Route 33 North take Route 80 West to 380 North to the 1st exit which is #3 (Pocono Route 940). At the top of the ramp turn right. At the 5th light make a left onto Route 611 North. Follow approximately 1 ½ miles. At the 1st traffic light make a right onto Corporate Center Drive East. Follow the road to the end. Our building is on the right.
From the Scranton area:
Route 380 South to Tobyhanna exit (8) - turn right onto Route 611 South. Follow approximately 4 miles. At the 3rd traffic light make a left onto Corporate Center Drive East. Follow the road to the end. Our building is on the right.
Paying for School
The non-refundable registration fee must be paid when you register for a class. The balance due for program tuition and fees must be paid in full no later than the day you begin your training. We accept the following forms of payment: cash, bank or certified check, money order and most major credit cards.
Out-side education loans
You may apply for an outside educational loan through your established lender. Eligibility is determined by your income, employment status, and your credit worthiness. A co-signer may be required.
Questions you may want to ask the lender before securing a loan are:
- Percentage Rate
- Length of Loan
- Application or Loan Processing Fees
- Early repayment Penalties
Public Funds
You may qualify for public funds through State and Federal programs designed to provide job training assistance to qualified applicants. These include the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance (OVR), Veterans Administration (VA), Welfare-to-Work (WtW), and the Trade Readjustment Act (TRA/TAA). Please contact your local Career Link or unemployment office to discuss your eligibility for these programs.
Note: There are multiple Veterans Benefits programs. You must obtain a certificate of eligibility prior to enrollment. The Montgomery G.I. bill pays on a post-payment system. This monthly benefit is calculated by the V.A. at defined daily rate multiplied by the number of days of your program. Please contact the College's V.A. Representative Diana Holva at 610-861-5508 or at dholva@northampton.edu for further information.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plans
Some companies have reimbursement programs that may pay for the tuition portion of your schooling. Please inquire about tuition reimbursement with company recruiters.
CDL CLASS A (PA & NJ)
- Day course is 6 weeks duration; new classes start every 4 weeks.
2 weeks of classroom training, and 4 weeks of range/road training. Day class meets: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (includes ½ hour lunch), Monday – Friday. FIRST SATURDAY TESTING 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - ONE NIGHT OF NIGHT DRIVING- 10:30 p.m.-7:00 a.m. - Night course is 8 weeks duration; new classes start every 6 weeks.
3 weeks of classroom training, and 5 weeks of range/road training.
Night class meets: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, & 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Program Length:
- 240 Total hour course of instruction
PTDI Certification – minimum of 44 hours behind the wheel & 104 classroom/lab hours.
Program Fee:
- Tuition & Fees: $4200.00
- Additional Costs:
- CDL Permit: cost is based on current driver's license expiration date ($83.50 average)
- NJ Licensed Drivers: NJ Driving Test Fees $600.00 (covers up to 2 driving tests)
- HazMat Security Threat Assessment (recommended but not required) $60.00 (PA) $89.25 (NJ)
- TWIC (recommended but not required) $105.25 with HazMat, $132.50 without HazMat
Start Dates:
| DAYS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 7, 2013 | Feb. 4, 2013 | Mar. 4, 2013 | Apr. 1, 2013 | Apr. 29, 2013 |
| May 28, 2013 | June 24, 2013 | July 29, 2013 | Aug. 26, 2013 | Sept. 23, 2013 |
| Oct. 21, 2013 | Nov. 18, 2013 | Jan. 6, 2014 | ||
| NIGHTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 22, 2013 | Feb. 25, 2013 | Apr. 1, 2013 | May 6, 2013 |
June 10, 2013 |
| July 22, 2013 | Aug. 26, 2013 | Sept. 30, 2013 | November 4, 2013 | Jan. 13, 2013 |
Payment Options
- Cash Payment (check, money order, or cash)
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express
- Approved alternative loans
- PA Career Link, NJ Workforce Development, OVR or TRA
CDL CLASS A REFRESHER (PA & NJ)
This course is designed for the student with previous verifiable theoretical instruction or driving experience. This previous experience must be verified with a program coordinator. In additional the applicant must be current on Hours of Service regulations and demonstrate the ability to prepare daily logs.
- Day course is 4 weeks of Range/Road Training
Day class meets: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (includes ½ hour lunch), Monday – Friday.
ONE NIGHT OF NIGHT DRIVING - 10:30 p.m.-7:00 a.m. - Night course is 5 weeks of Range/Road Training
Night class meets: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, & 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday
Program Length:
- 160 Total hours
Program Fee:
- Tuition & Fees: $3330.00
- Additional Costs:
- CDL Permit: cost is based on current driver's license expiration date ($83.50 average)
- NJ Licensed Drivers: NJ Driving Test Fees $600.00 (covers up to 2 driving tests)
- HazMat Security Threat Assessment (recommended but not required)
$60.00 (PA) $89.25 (NJ) - TWIC (recommended but not required) $105.25 with HazMat, $132.50 without HazMat
Start Dates:
| DAYS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| January 3, 2012 | January 30, 2012 | February 27, 2012 | March 26, 2012 |
| April 23, 2012 | May 21, 2012 | June 18, 2012 | July 16, 2012 |
| August 13, 2012 | September 10, 2012 | October 8, 2012 | November 5, 2012 |
| December 10, 2012 | January 22, 2013 | ||
| NIGHTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| January 3, 2012 | February 10, 2012 | March 16, 2012 | April 20, 2012 |
| May 25, 2012 | July 06, 2012 | August 10, 2012 | September 21, 2012 |
| October 26, 2012 | January 4, 2012 | February 21, 2013 | |
Payment Options
- Cash Payment (check, money order, or cash)
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express
- Approved alternative loans
- PA Career Link, NJ Workforce Development, OVR or TRA
CDL CLASS B (PA & NJ)
Enrollment of a minimum of 2 students for class to begin
- Day course is 3 weeks duration:
5 days of classroom training and 7.5 days of range/road training.
Day class meets: Classroom: Mon – Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Road/Range: To be announced - Night course is 5 weeks duration:
8 nights of classroom training and 10.5 nights of range/road training.
Night class meets: Classroom: Mon – Fri 5:00pm-10:00pm
Road/Range: To be announced
Program Length:
- 90 Total Hours
Program Fee:
- Tuition & Fees: $2890.00
- Additional Costs:
- CDL Permit: cost is based on current driver's license expiration date ($73.50 average)
- NJ Licensed Drivers: NJ Driving Test Fees $600.00 (covers up to 2 driving tests)
- HazMat Security Threat Assessment (recommended but not required)
$60.00 (PA) $89.25 (NJ) - TWIC (recommended but not required) $105.25 with HazMat, $132.50 without HazMat
Offered on demand (Minimum of two students required to run class).
Payment Options
- Cash Payment (check, money order, or cash)
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express
- Approved alternative loans
- PA Career Link, NJ Workforce Development, OVR, or TRA