Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators are a vital part of the system that moves goods throughout the United States and neighboring countries. CMV operators transport goods and passengers using large vehicles that require special training and licensing. To obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which is required to operate a CMV, drivers must pass both knowledge and skills tests specific to CMVs. Some CMVs require additional license qualifications such as doubles/triples, hazardous materials, air brakes, or passenger endorsements. CMV operators must pass a physical and adhere to drug and alcohol regulations. For more information, please visit the VVC Commercial Driver's License and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial Driver's License Program websites.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Students completing this certificate will be prepared to enter the workforce as a class "A" or class "B" commercial driver upon successfully passing the commercial driver test administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Commercial Drivers License Courses
This introductory course is designed to prepare students for the VVC Commercial Driver training program. Students will be exposed to the various aspects of life and employment as a commercial driver. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to earn their commercial learner's permit (CLP).
Lecture Hours: 14.4
Transfer: Not transferable
Enables students to become familiar with regulations governing the operation of commercial vehicles and safe operational practices. This course follows state and federal guidelines for commercial driver training programs and is approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as an Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program. Participation in this course does not guarantee students will earn their Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Upon completion of this course, students must pass the written CLP test at a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Students must provide DMV with a number of documents including a 10-year driver history and a medical clearance. Check Commercial Driver's Licenses - California DMV for more information about applying for a CLP or CDL.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to prepare students for the range operations section of the California CMV License test. Students will practice moving forward, backing, parallel parking, backing into a dock, and other operations typical of a commercial driver. Students will also demonstrate proficiency performing pre-trip inspections and the required air brake system test. Students must have a California Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) prior to starting this class. Instructors (at their discretion) may allow students with a CLP test scheduled to start the course but students will not be allowed to operate CMVs until they have passed the CLP test.
Prerequisite(s): CDL 041
Lecture Hours: 27.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Students in this course will demonstrate safe CMV operation by driving a CMV with an instructor on public and private roads. Students must have a California Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) prior to enrolling in this course.
Prerequisite(s): CDL 042
Lecture Hours: 27.0; Lab Hours: 67.5
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is for drivers who wish to reinstate a previously held Class A CDL. This course will cover updates to laws and regulations, range operation practice, and on-road driving practice. Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate proficiency in pre-trip inspection, air brake test, in-cab inspection, range operations, and on-road driving.
Lecture Hours: 4.5; Lab Hours: 9.1
Transfer: Not transferable
Students will enroll in CDL 049 for commercial driver assessment by DMV approved examiner (required for employment). Prerequisite Requirement 1. Current Valid Commercial Learners Permit 2. Current Valid DOT Physical 3. Completed DOT pre-employment drug test OR current participation in a DOT drug test consortium. 4. Verified completion of ELDT training OR proof of Class A Commercial Drivers license held prior to Feb 7,2022.
Lab Hours: 13.5
Transfer: Not transferable
This is the first course in a two-part sequence that meets the entry level driver training requirement for commercial vehicle operator hazardous materials training.
Lecture Hours: 7.2
Transfer: Not transferable
This is the second course in a two-part sequence that meets the entry level driver training requirement for commercial vehicle operator hazardous materials training.
Lecture Hours: 7.2
Transfer: Not transferable
This is the first course of a two-part sequence that meets the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for operating commercial vehicles with passengers.
Lecture Hours: 7.4
Transfer: Not transferable
This is the first course of a two-part sequence that meets the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for operating commercial vehicles with passengers.
Lecture Hours: 7.2
Transfer: Not transferable