Delaware Technical Community College is Delmarva’s top entry-level Commercial Driver’s License Certification (CDL) provider, responding to labor market and community needs related to the commercial driving industry.
The eight-week, 240-hour CDL course is certified by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and taught by a team with more than 295 combined years of experience.
“The transportation of goods by commercial motor vehicles is the most flexible mode of transportation that offers unmatched versatility when addressing route management and timing issues associated with customer satisfaction,” said Bryan Ward, commercial transportation department chair. “Economic growth and an aging driver population continues to create an increased demand for CDL drivers.”
The knowledge and skills necessary to earn a Class A CDL are taught to provide a solid foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the transportation industry. The curriculum prepares students to meet theory, lab and behind-the-wheel training. Instruction in the classroom covers the fundamentals of motor fleet safety, control systems and concepts related to combination vehicles. Qualifications, job-seeking skills, substance abuse, driver wellness and whistleblower protection are also discussed.
“The program currently operates at the Owens Campus in Georgetown and serves approximately 100 students per year with a 98 percent success rate,” said Ward. “In order to address the shortage of CDL drivers, Delaware Tech is expanding its program to Middletown in the fall 2024.”
Delaware Tech’s state-of-the art, truck-driving simulator provides a low-risk, low-pressure way to train students as well. Lab hours include training on pre-trip inspection and coupling and uncoupling of tractor trailers.
Behind-the-wheel training includes the basic control skills necessary to operate tractor trailer vehicles through a series of backing maneuver exercises on a closed range environment. Students are also exposed to the challenges of operating a commercial motor vehicle on public roadways in both urban and rural surroundings.
“Students who complete the program and receive their Class A CDL often find employment at some of the top-paying companies in the industry and speak highly of their training experience at Delaware Tech,” Ward said.
CDL program graduate Novica Nikolic is using the experience he gained through Delaware Tech’s CDL program in his new position with the nation’s largest food redistributor, Dot Foods, where he will soon become a driver-trainer. His wife, Reka Nikolic, is currently enrolled in the CDL program at Delaware Tech and is on track to finish at the top of her class.
“The combination of thorough classroom instruction and practical training was invaluable, rigorous and rewarding,” said Nikolic. “My two-month CDL driving school began with two weeks of intensive classroom learning.”
Once he moved on to hands-on driving and range practice, he said, he learned essential skills like upshifting, downshifting and proper clutch use.
“Backing techniques were challenging, but the instructors provided patient guidance,” Nikolic said. “Each session built my confidence and proficiency, while preparing me for real-world driving scenarios.”
Students who are interested in enrolling in Delaware Tech’s CDL program are eligible for the SEED scholarship and should contact Bryan Ward at 302-259- 6200.
