Southeast Community College Truck Driver Training
The 10.5-week Professional Truck Driver Training Program at Southeast Community College is an intensive truck driving course that prepares students for a career in over-the-road truck driving in both intrastate and interstate commerce. Most companies who employ graduates of the program are long-distance carriers. Some local positions are available, but tend to be seasonal.
Program Location
The program is located on SCC’s Lincoln Campus. On-campus housing is not available. However, Lincoln is a city of 250,000, and many apartment complexes are available for rent.
About the Program
During their study, students have the opportunity to take classes during First Shift (7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) or Second Shift (15 days of classroom from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 36 days of driving from 1:30-8 p.m.) Students are assigned to either first or second shift by the program. Students learn to operate articulated vans and flatbeds. Students perfect their driving skills on the private SCC backing range and perimeter road before progressing to city streets, rural roads, and two-lane and interstate highways. Graduates will obtain a Class A Commercial Drivers License.
Special Requirements Prior to Start of Class
1. Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
2. Copy of driving record for the past three years from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
3. Physically qualified under Department of Transportation regulations. Physician must complete a D.O.T. form.
4. Minimum age of 18 years.*
5. Drug screen required.
6. Acceptance into the program may be contingent on the quality of the driving record, results of the drug screen, and results of the D.O.T. physical. All reviews will be made by the program.
*Employment opportunities require the applicant to be at least 21 years old to work in Interstate Commerce, and at least 23 years old for insurance requirements with some commercial carriers.
How Much Can I Earn?
Most long-distance carriers pay their drivers by the mile. The range in entry level salary rates, reported by recent graduates in SCC’s annual Placement Report, was $30,000 to $35,000 based on mileage and range. Drivers for local trucking companies are paid by the hour, with wages ranging between $9 and $14 per hour. These rates reflect the starting rates of graduates in all companies and facilities. In 2007, 94 percent of program graduates were either employed in training- or non-training-related jobs or continued their education.
For more information, contact:
Southeast Community College
8800 O St.
Lincoln, Nebraska 68520-1299
Phone: (402) 437-2695
Email: dgrant@southeast.edu
Toll Free: 1-800-642-4075 ext. 2695
Or visit the Southeast Community College website
