Professional Driver preparation is a serious and rewarding undertaking. The quality of our program reflects our commitment to you and your investment in your future. Our program provides 150 hours of intensive, relevant training both in the classroom and over the road. We provide state-of-the-industry rigs typical of what you will be using in your career and a low student-teacher ratio to ensure that you get exceptional instruction and experience.
Time
Other programs may offer comparable hours of training. Many programs include substantially more hours. However, these hours are spread over many weeks or even months. The additional hours included in other programs may be linked to academic requirements, college policy, or other factors that do not provide increased benefits to you. We are confident that our program will provide you the skills you need to be successful. NIACC’s Professional Driver Prep program is an intensive 3-week program that gets you on the road earning money sooner. Why is that important?
Here is what you could make from a typical company ...
Suppose upon your initial hire, you make $2,100 during the first 6 weeks ($350 week). This is the company training/probationary period required after you graduate from any school . After this period, you may earn $31,050 for the remainder of your first year if you drive a typical 2,500 miles a week for $.27 per mile ($675 a week). Your total first year income is $33,150.
If you were in a training program longer than our 3-week program, each additional week of training would decrease your first year's income by $675 per week.
Curriculum
Our
three-week program includes training on all aspects of the following, but not limited to:
Safety
Equipment knowledge
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The "Rules and Laws" of the road
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Professional knowledge
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Course Description
An intense 3-week session of classroom and lab (hands-on and driving) that provides training in all aspects of safety, rules and regulations, overview of the industry, and final Class A CDL license exam. 40 hours classroom, 110 – 120 hours of driving time.
Schedule
The program schedule is based on enrollment and is subject to change. Students wanting to participate are notified with ample time to prepare prior to the start of class. Classes will run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday for 3 weeks and may include some evening sessions. You will need to complete a D.O.T. drug test and physical prior to the start of class. Schedule this drug test and physical in advance to be sure to meet the deadlines! Also, you must acquire a CDL permit prior to the start of class. Please review the qualifications section for more details. If you would like additional information about the program and the instructors, please contact NIACC to find out when the next informational session is scheduled.
Reimbursement
NIACC’s Professional Driver Prep program is modestly priced compared to many programs around the state and even around the country. The complete price of $3,995 includes all books and materials for completion of the class.
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement Often the reimbursement rate is 100% of your tuition fees. We are developing partnerships with companies providing recruiting and networking opportunities and hiring incentives such as reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, and other programs for qualified drivers.
Qualifications:
Ø Must be at least 21 years of age (18 with instructor approval and do not intend to drive professionally out of state)
Ø No violations that would prevent the issuance of a CDL
Ø CDL Permit that includes successful completion of the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicle written tests prior to the start of class.*
* We can help you obtain your CDL permit and completion of the 3 tests. Take advantage of our “Start Now!” study packet that provides all the materials you need to prepare for the tests and get your CDL permit. The “Start Now!” packet requires a $200 non-refundable deposit that will count toward your total tuition for the program.
You must provide a D.O.T. drug test and physical exam taken and completed before the start of the class. This test is the responsibility of the student to complete. Your own healthcare provider may be able to provide the drug test and physical exam. Otherwise, you may contact Healthworks in Mason City, IA (641-422-5244) to schedule an appointment. Be sure to schedule this test now to ensure that you can take it prior to the start of class! Tell them that this test is for the NIACC Professional Driver program and they will expedite your test. Both the D.O.T. drug screen and physical will be required to drive professionally.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s alcohol and drug testing rules apply to every person and to all employers of such persons who operate a commercial motor vehicle in commerce in any state, and is subject to: (1) the commercial driver’s license requirements of 49 CFR Part 383; (2) the Licencia Federal de Conductor (Mexico) requirements; or (3) the commercial driver’s license requirements of the Canadian National Safety Code.
Quality
Very few if any companies will hire professional drivers that only have a Class A CDL and no training or experience. Training is paramount to being successful in this career. NIACC’s program provides relevant and useful classroom instruction about equipment, regulations, trip planning, log books, and more. The driving portion includes hands-on experience in a variety of tractor/trailer configurations as well as “real world” driving and maneuvering scenarios. Our equipment includes newer tractors and a variety of flatbeds, dry vans, refers, and doubles.
Our student – teacher ratio for the driving portion of the program will be 3:1. That means more instructor time and more driving time for you. NIACC’s Professional Driver Prep program is not just about passing the CDL exam. Our program provides you with the knowledge, competence, and experience to launch you into a successful professional driving career.
More Information
Everything you wanted to know about a CDL (Almost)
Pro Driver Informational Brochure [PDF]
CDL in a Nutshell [PDF]
Professional Driver Prep program
Session starts March 29 and runs Monday thru Saturday for 3 weeks ending on April 16, 2010. Space is limited so that we can offer the best instruction for all students. To find out more about the program, see the Professional Driver Prep article included in this link or call John Sjolinder at 641-422-4352 or 1-888 GO-NIACC ext 4352 for more information.
If you already know that you want into this program, call 1-888- GO-NIACC ext 4358 to register and reference Course #72385.
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North Iowa Area Community College, 500
College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu