Northeast Community College's Truck Driving training offers a comprehensive six-week course designed to equip students with the skills necessary to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The curriculum includes 190 hours of classroom and lab instruction, covering topics such as public and employer relations, accident procedures, extreme driving conditions, hazard perception, regulation agencies (DOT-CVSA-FMCSA), daily logs, fire safety, trip planning, speed and space management, vehicle preventive maintenance, cargo handling and documentation, hazardous materials, basic control of vehicle, coupling and uncoupling, backing and shifting, concourse, city and two-lane highway driving, and other related topics including CDL training and testing. This immersive training not only prepares students to pass their CDL exam with confidence, but also positions them to enter a high-demand, high-paying industry where skilled drivers are essential to keeping goods and services moving across the country. Many graduates secure employment quickly, with opportunities to earn competitive wages and enjoy the stability and independence that a professional driving career can offer.
Why Students Choose This Program
Students in Northeast’s CDL training program may qualify for no-cost tuition with some limited time financial aid opportunities. This makes it easier than ever to start a high-demand, high-wage career in trucking. With no tuition costs, short training time, and strong job placement support, it's a smart, affordable path to a rewarding future on the road.
Financial assistance is available through the Community College GAP Assistance Program for students meeting income guidelines. Financial assistance is also available from the U.S. Department of Labor Rural Nebraska Increased Access to Truck Driving CDL program. The Rural Nebraska Increased Access to Truck Driving CDL program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through an award totaling $1,000,000.
With a low student-to-instructor ratio, students receive personalized attention from experienced instructors who bring practical industry knowledge to the classroom. This ensures a supportive learning environment where students can develop the skills necessary for a successful career in truck driving.
Students train using up-to-date equipment and facilities, including a newly constructed CDL training building and adjacent driving range in South Sioux City, as well as a training facility and range in Norfolk. These facilities and modern tractor-trailers provide students with the opportunity to practice essential maneuvers and gain real-world driving experience in a controlled environment.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Northeast’s Truck Driving program places a strong emphasis on real-world, hands-on training to ensure students are fully prepared for a successful career behind the wheel. Student will spend time in a truck driving simulator before hitting the road. Then, students spend extensive time operating full-size tractor-trailers, with both manual and automatic transmissions, on a dedicated driving range and public roads. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students practice essential skills such as backing, shifting, coupling and uncoupling, and navigating various driving environments including city streets and highways. This practical experience is reinforced by classroom instruction that covers safety procedures, logbook management, trip planning, and DOT regulations. By combining theory with direct application, students graduate with the confidence and capability to handle the demands of today’s transportation industry.
Program Details
6 Week Course
Total Contact Hours: 240 hours, including 190 hours of classroom and lab instruction, plus 50 hours of hands-on driving experience.
Training is offered in-person. Upcoming schedule and locations can be found here.
Registration is open for this program. Upcoming schedule and locations can be found here.
Eligibility: The student must be at least 18 years old if a Nebraska resident or 21 years old if not a Nebraska resident. You must possess a valid driver's license. Please note that you must meet the physical and drug/alcohol testing requirements set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some employers require a criminal background check, and individuals with a criminal record may face limitations on where they can work.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Continued Learning.
The course prepares students to successfully earn a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Students will take the written Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Commercial Driver's License exam prior to class and be prepared to take the driving exam during the course.
Drivers who wish to drive a vehicle having a design capacity to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, must have a passenger endorsement. This course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate commercial passenger vehicles. This course meets the requirement for the Passenger ELDT.
Drivers who wish to drive a School Bus having a design capacity to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, must have a school bus endorsement. This course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a school bus. This course meets the requirements for the School Bus ELDT.
Instruction includes everything the student will need to know to pass the license exam, pre-trip inspection, practical driving test and is ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) compliant. Sixteen hours will be spent in the classroom.
Class A/B CDL training instruction includes everything the student will need to know to pass the license exam, pre-trip inspection, practical driving test, and is ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) compliant. Sixteen hours will be spent in the classroom. Class A students will also spend up to eight days of training in a tractor-trailer. Class B students will spend up to five days in a large straight truck, with no trailer.
Cory Brader, NIM Transport
Steve Ponder, Great West Casualty
Kent Grisham, NTA
Guy Horn, Werner Enterprises
Mike Andresen, FCC
Katie Mckie, Vocational Rehab
Mandee Lade, Chief Carriers
Tim Gibbons, Crete Carriers
Kevin Signor, Signor Trucking
Mike Olsen, Consumers Supply
Kyle Wiesen, Grand Island Express
Rodney Warnock, Schuster Trucking
Tony Clair, Lyman-Richey Corp.
