Commercial Truck Driving

About the Course
Wallace State’s CDL course combines theory and hands-on driving practice. Students must complete the classroom portion either in person or online (hybrid option available), covering topics like vehicle operation, safety regulations, route planning, and cargo handling. Following the theory portion, students complete behind-the-wheel training with an instructor:

• Class A: 120 hours
• Class B: 80 hours

Upon completion of training, students test out with a Wallace State certified ALEA examiner on campus. Once they pass, students receive a certification to take to the courthouse to obtain their official CDL license.

Testing options are available for external examinees who only require testing access, including Class A and B CDL exams, Passenger endorsement testing, and O, E, L, and Z restriction removals.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within the state) or 21 for interstate (across state lines).
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) must be less than two weeks old and free of disqualifying violations in the past three years (DUIs, reckless driving, 20+ mph speeding, vehicular homicide).
• Must pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) Physical Exam and Drug Screen prior to orientation.
• Orientation requirements: valid driver’s license, drug screen chain-of-custody form, and DOT physical form (or current medical card).
  • Approximate out-of-pocket expenses: $250–$500 (exam, drug screen, permit, written test, and license).

Training Options:

• All In-Person Course: $3,500 for Class A (160 hrs) | $2,650 for Class B (120 hrs).
  Behind-the-Wheel Only, No Theory: $2,650 for Class A (120 hrs) | $1,800 for Class B (80 hrs).
• Skills for Success Hybrid CDL Training: Online theory with on-campus driving, available for Class A & B – Tuition Free.
• Class B to A Upgrade: $2,050 (120 hrs).
• Refresher Course: $1,100 (40 hrs, available for Class A, Class B, and Class B with Passenger Endorsement).
• CDL+ Program: No cost. Partnership with Wallace State Adult Education, includes permit prep, drug screen, physical, and behind-the-wheel training (4–6 weeks).
• Test-Out Only Options (click here for full listing of options and pricing):
  • $350 with equipment furnished
  • $200 without equipment furnished
  • Retests: $200
  • Restriction/endorsement removals: $200–$350 (varies by type)
    • To schedule your test, please contact Steven.adams@wallacestate.edu, 256.352.8114.

Please Note:
Wallace State offers multiple CDL training pathways supported by different funding sources, grants, and scholarship opportunities. Funding availability may change at any time as new grants and scholarships are awarded or existing funding sources expire.

To ensure you are matched with the correct training option and funding source, please complete the CDL Funding Source Form. This allows us to collect the appropriate contact information and connect you with the training option that best matches your needs.

Career Outlook
National median annual wages vary depending on driving type and license class:

• Long-Haul (Class A CDL): ~ $50,000-$100,000+/year
• Local Routes (Class A or B CDL): $40,000-$60,000/year
• Construction/Vocational (Class B CDL): ~ $35,000-$55,000/year

Industries You Can Work In

• Long-haul trucking and freight carriers
• Local delivery and distribution services
• Construction and vocational driving
• Municipal services and transportation companies

Class Locations & Schedules

CDL training is offered at three locations—Hanceville, Oneonta, and Winston County. Students may choose between Day Classes or Night & Weekend Classes at any location.

Day Classes meet Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Night & Weekend Classes meet Thursday & Friday, 4:30–9:30 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.