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Posted: 9/16/98

A&M International to Offer Commercial Driver Training

 

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Beginning Sept. 28 Texas A&M International University's Office of Continuing Education will offer Class A and Class B "Commercial Driver Training" courses that prepare students for lucrative careers in the transportation and truck driving industry.

The courses are designed to enable students to take and pass the testing required to obtain a Federal Commercial Drivers License (CDL). A commercial driver's license is required for anyone who drives a vehicle intrastate or interstate that weighs 26,001 pounds or more, carries 16 or more people, or transports hazardous material.

The Class A CDL course, which entails 160 hours of training, will prepare students to take and pass the Class A license test. A Class A license is required to drive combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, that weigh 26,001 pounds or more.

The Class B CDL course, which entails 80 hours of training, will prepare students for the Class B license test. A Class B is required to drive single vehicles that weigh 26,001 pounds or more.

Both courses will provide practical training on pre-trip inspection of tractors and trailers, coupling and uncoupling procedures, circle of safety, gauges, brake systems, transmissions, engines, emergency equipment, shifting, steering and turning, backing and parking maneuvers, defensive driving, and log book completion and recapping. The courses includes classroom instruction as well actual driving instruction on both a practice range and on the road.

The course will be taught by MTA, the only nationwide transportation training company in the United States. MTA offers job placement assistance and has a 95% success rate in placing graduated students.

Persons who register for either course should meet the following criteria: must be at least 21 years of age by the course completion date to drive interstate or at least 18 years of age to drive intrastate; must have an acceptable driver's license; and must meet specific driver qualifications established by the Office of Motor Carrier Safety including a physical examination and drug screen.

Prior to the start of course, students must provide a copy of the successfully completed "long form" Federal Department of Transportation physical examination. Students must also obtain a tractor trailer instructional permit issued by the state of their residence. Course instructors will help registered students in applying for and obtaining the learner's permit.

Interested persons may register for the course in the University's Office of Continuing Education located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 332.

For information on the "Commercial Driver Training" courses offered at A&M International, call the Office of Continuing Education at 326-2700. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Information may also be secured by email at contedu@tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu