Southern State Community College – Truck Driving Academy (Ohio)

Southern State Community College – Truck Driving Academy (Ohio)

Program Information

Southern State Community College’s Truck Driving Academy (TDA) offers accelerated, affordable, and hands-on CDL training that exceeds Ohio state requirements. With small class sizes and individualized instruction, students gain significant behind-the-wheel training on a closed course and public roads. Tuition costs are transparent and include instruction, licensing, and endorsements with no hidden fees. Graduates have the potential to earn $45,000–$55,000 in their first year.

Programs Offered

• Class A CDL Training: $5,750 – 160 hours – 4 weeks (weekday) or 8 weekends. Includes endorsements (HazMat, doubles, triples, tankers, combination tractor/trailer, and air brakes), DOT physical and drug screen, and testing with SSCC’s truck.
• Class B CDL Training: $3,000 – 80 hours – 2 weeks. Includes General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and optional Tanker endorsement, DOT physical and drug screen, and license/testing fees.
• Passenger Bus Endorsement: $3,000 – 80 hours (or $1,000 if CDL earned through SSCC TDA). Includes 8 hours classroom, 24 hours maneuver training, and 8 hours behind-the-wheel driving.
• ELDT HazMat Online Course: $65 – 2–4 hours. Online, self-paced training required for drivers seeking a HazMat endorsement.

Program Length

Program durations vary by CDL type:

• Class A: 160 hours – 4 weeks (Mon–Fri) or 8 weekends (Sat–Sun)
• Class B: 80 hours – 2 weeks (Mon–Fri)
• Passenger Bus: 80 hours – 2 weeks (Mon–Fri)
• HazMat: 2–4 hours (self-paced online)

Certifications & Career Opportunities

Graduates earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with available endorsements, qualifying them for careers in:

• Over-the-road trucking
• Commercial passenger transport
• Hazardous materials hauling
• Local and regional freight

SSCC’s program prepares drivers to operate a wide range of vehicles including tractors, buses, and trailers, ensuring versatility and career readiness.

Program Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (18 for intrastate in Ohio)
• Possess a valid Ohio driver’s license
• Obtain a CDL permit prior to training
• Pass a DOT physical exam and drug/alcohol test

Application Process

Enrollment steps include:

• Step 1: Complete the secure online TDA Student Registration Form (DocuSign)
• Step 2: Pay tuition (out-of-pocket, state assistance, Sallie Mae loan, GI Bill®, or Union Education Trust vouchers accepted)
• Step 3: Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) from a BMV testing center
• Step 4: Complete DOT physical and drug test (included in tuition)

Equipment

SSCC maintains a fleet of modern, roadworthy equipment including tractors, buses, and trailers with a variety of engines and transmissions. Class A students train in a 53’ trailer with a manual 450 hp 10-speed tractor. Class B students train in a manual Kenworth 6-speed straight truck. Passenger bus training includes maneuver and road experience in SSCC’s passenger buses.

Financial Aid & Support Services

While FAFSA does not cover CDL training, several financial aid options are available:

• Ohio Means Jobs tuition assistance
• State financial aid (with county denial documentation)
• Sallie Mae student loans
• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Union Education Trust vouchers

SSCC staff assist students in identifying funding options and securing career opportunities after graduation.

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