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TCC Truck Driving Program

Introduction

The Tidewater Community College Truck Driver Training Program gives students the opportunity to obtain the skills necessary for a successful, well-paid career in the trucking industry.

Upon entering our program, students should have knowledge of standard shift vehicle and clutch operation.

Our program is an intense eight weeks of combined classroom instruction (30%) and practical training (70%). We offer both day and evening classes which meet Monday through Friday at our Suffolk site on College Drive.

TCC does not guarantee nor assist students with employment upon completion of the program. However, at graduation, there are company recruiters that provide students with valuable information.

Please read the entire packet. If you need further information or have questions regarding the informational packet, contact:

Peggy Manuelito Administrative Assistant Truck Driver Training Program 120 Campus Drive Portsmouth, VA 23701 Phone: 757-822-2428 Fax: 757- 822-2926 pmanuelito@tcc.edu

The Basics

Students should be able to read and understand the Department of Transportation (DOT) Manual. Although there are no special educational requirements for admission to the program, you must have an understanding of basic mathematics, reading and writing.

The course includes DOT rules and regulations, defensive driving, maintenance, hazardous material, backing the tractor/trailer (9 exercises), and over-the-road and city driving. The 280 hours of instruction are broken down to 120 hours of classroom and personal instruction, and 160 hours of practical application.

During the first week of class, students will review the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commercial Driver’s License manual. At the end of the week, DMV comes to the school to test students for their CDL learner’s permit.

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PLEASE NOTE: If you can’t obtain your CDL learner’s permit by the beginning of the second week of class, you will NOT be able to continue the program.

Throughout the next seven weeks, each student receives three evaluations: a 9-day evaluation, a mid-term evaluation, and a final evaluation. In order to receive a certificate, a passing grade in the following courses must be received:

TRK 101 – DOT Safety Rules and Regulations (2 credits) TRK 102 – Preventive Maintenance for Truck Drivers (1 credit) TRK 103 – Tractor Trailer Driving (9 credits) TRK 110 – Survey of the Trucking Industry (3 credits) SDV 106 – Preparation for Employment (1 credit)

Applying to the program

After you have applied for admission to TCC, taken the placement tests if required and applied for financial aid:

Bring your Student ID number and a form of payment to the Truck Driver Training Program Office Portsmouth Campus 120 Campus Drive Building C, room C-117

If you are using financial aid, make sure it's awarded and posted in your myTCC Student Center.

After you are registered in the program, you will receive information about required documents. Do not obtain any of these documents until you are registered.

All required paperwork (including drug test results) must be turned in 2 weeks prior to the start of class.

It is your responsibility to pay any costs associated with these documents and to contact the trucking office at 757-822-2428 to report any problems.

You will need to provide:

A DMV report showing at least 7 years of driving history

The college reserves the right to reject any applicant whose driving record is judged unacceptable or who has a criminal record. If your driving record shows more than 5 demerit points, you will not be admitted to the program.

Copy of your Virginia driver’s license

No restrictions, suspensions or revocations. Out-of-state licenses will not be accepted. If there are any discrepancies regarding your driver’s license, the student will be immediately dropped from the program.

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Department of Transportation (DOT) substance abuse screening (drug test), requiredunder Federal Regulation 382.103The drug test should be taken within 30 days before classes begin. A one-time negative resultsis required. If the result comes in "dilute negative/dilute specimen” or “positive,” you will bedropped from the program. However, you may return at the next class session with a negativeresult.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Examination Report and Medical Examiner’sCertificate

Most physicals are good for two years. However, any health conditions stated on your physicalform could affect the expiration date. Some medical conditions such as a history of hearttrouble, diabetes, mental illness or serious back injuries may affect your ability to complete theprogram.

You may use a facility of your choice for your tests, but it must be in accordance withDepartment of Transportation procedures. You must be examined by a medical professionallisted on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

These facilities have provided fast and accurate results for our students:

Patient Choice Ghent 957 W. 21st St. Norfolk, VA 23517 757-622-8358

Now Care Medical Center 6632 Indian River Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-424-4300

Sentara Obici Occupational Medicine 3920-A Bridge Road, #100 Suffolk, VA 23435 757-983-0080

Bon Secours OccuMed 4300 Portsmouth Blvd, Suite 220 Chesapeake, VA 23321 757-465-4000

TaylorMade Diagnostics 801 Poindexter St., Suite 218 Chesapeake, VA 23324 757-494-1688

Labs To Go 5792 Northampton Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-8888

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If any circumstances cause this paperwork to be delayed, the student will not be allowed to start class. If a problem is discovered after the class has begun, the student will be withdrawn immediately. If the withdrawal occurs after the second day of class, only a partial refund of tuition will be made.

Books and supplies

The Tractor Trailer Driver Handbook/Workbook, Driver's Daily Log, Hazardous Materials, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are approximately $65.

Students are required to purchase a yellow DOT safety vest, available at the Barnes & Noble at TCC bookstore in MacArthur Center, Norfolk.

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