Commercial Driver's License Certificate (Class A)
Hit the road with a high-paying, in-demand career as a commercial driver. You can complete San Juan College's commercial driver's license (CDL) program (Class A) in just eight weeks. Our faculty will prepare you to be a knowledgeable, safe and legal driver and prepare you to pass New Mexico's CDL exam.
Our program will also connect you with local industry partners and recruiters who provide over-the-road, long haul opportunities. You can also check out our Class B and refresher programs. Be a part of our country's economic engine as a truck, bus, or heavy machinery driver.
Why Earn a Commercial Driver's License Class A Certificate?
Commercial drivers are a vital part of our supply chain. They move everything from groceries to electronics to oil across the country. Because of their essential role in our economy, truck drivers are always in high demand.
Driving large vehicles requires more skill and knowledge than driving a regular car. Earning a CDL certificate will give you the experience you need to drive safely on local streets, roads, highways, and interstates. You'll be qualified to take the state exam to earn your CDL Class A license, which allows you to operate heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles. You will be ready to start your career as a commercial vehicle driver and enjoy the freedom of the road!
Why Get a CDL Class A Certificate at San Juan College?
Efficient and Flexible
Our eight-week program will help you earn your CDL Class A license quickly. The first class of the program is a combination of face-to-face interactive classes and online material and lectures that you can read and watch around your busy life. You'll post on class discussion boards to interpret scenarios and apply driving concepts. With our flexible program, you'll learn at school and at home.
You'll also get real-world experience driving a truck on our training course and the highway. Our expert teachers will also show you how to operate a forklift, extinguish fires, drive defensively, and use air brakes. Be ready to take the CDL exam in two months with the support of San Juan College.
Quality Education
Our comprehensive courses and excellent faculty will prepare you to become a safe and efficient driver. Our program meets and exceeds the requirements mandated by the state's new entry-level driver training mandate, effective February 2022.
We are also listed as a training provider by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA). We offer training in:
- Class A: Theory, Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) public road and BTW range
- Class B: Theory, BTW public road and BTW range
- Passenger: Theory, BTW public road and BTW range
- Hazardous Materials: Theory
We will also help you register for the FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Firsthand Experience
You'll get hands-on instruction and guidance in San Juan College semi-trucks. You'll practice driving skills in a simulator, controlled environment, and on the road. We'll even help you schedule your CDL skills test with a certified state examiner.
Local Apprenticeships
Want to stay in the Farmington or New Mexico area? Our CDL program has connections with local industry partners waiting for new drivers. You can start an apprenticeship that can lead to a full time position. Drivers are in high demand, so apply today.
Affordable Option
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the CDL Class A Certificate is an excellent investment for you. You'll receive a rigorous, high-quality education that will prepare you for your career. Scholarships may be available to assist you. Call us and find out!
Commercial Driver's License Certificate and Other Course Options
Commercial Driver's License Class A Certificate
The CDL Class A certificate program prepares you for a career driving trucks and other large commercial vehicles. The program training includes:
- Driving safety and techniques, including backing up and road awareness
- Learning state rules and regulations
- Proper truck loading
- Air brakes training
- Tanker and hazmat endorsements
- Tracking hours via log book or eLog
- Defensive driving
- Forklift driving
- Fire extinguisher training
With your Class A certificate, you can take the state exam to earn your commercial driver's license.
Requirements for applicants:
- At least 18 years of age for New Mexico residents, and 21 years of age for non-residents.
- Have a valid driver's license with a good driving record.
- Be able to pass a drug test.
- Obtain a medical card the first week of class.
CDL Class A Certificate Curriculum
Class B Driving Courses
Be ready to take the CDL driving test in a Class B commercial vehicle. You will first take a commercial driver's license course that takes four weeks. Once you pass this course with an 80% or higher, you can take the one-week driving course. In the driving course, you will learn skills such as:
- Pre-trip inspection
- Vehicle backing up skills
- Highway driving
Passenger Upgrade Course
This two-day course will help you pass the driving portion of the passenger endorsement exam.
Composite Driving Course
San Juan College offers a one-week driving-only course that will prepare you to upgrade to a higher level of driving or refresh your driving skills. You will be ready to take the CDL skills exam after this course.
Composite Classroom Course
Take a one-day classroom training course that covers one of the following:
- Hours of service regulations and log book training
- Defensive driving for professional truck driver training and certification
- Air brake adjustment training and certification
- Hazardous materials endorsement training
Careers and Outcomes
Demand for commercial drivers is predicted to remain high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow by 4%. As our economy improves, the demand for truck drivers will also increase. On the last day of class, SJC hosts a recruitment day where local and national companies recruit right out of the class. We'll help you find a job that fits your career interests.
You can find a career carrying loads for:
- Companies that work in oil fields
- Local businesses
- Over-the-road trucking companies
Recent employers of our graduates include:
- CNJ Trucking
- Drake Services
- M&R Trucking
- Werner Enterprises
- Triple S Trucking
"My training through the CDL program was not just for the written part of the CDL exam but also preparing me for road trips, safety on the highway, how to maneuver the big trucks, backing up, and alley docking."
Next Steps
Begin your career as a commercial driver. You must first apply to San Juan College to enroll in the courses. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
Once you've been accepted to San Juan College, it's time to register for your courses. Contact Kali Trowbridge at 505-566-3017 or click the link below to email her and get started.
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our CDL Class A License program.
