Truck Driving

Prepare for an in-demand career behind the wheel through Lakeshore’s Truck Driving program. Gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to safely operate commercial vehicles and begin a rewarding career in the transportation industry.

Why Consider Truck Driving?

  • You enjoy hands-on learning and working with equipment.
  • Professional truck drivers are in high demand across industries.
  • Truck driving offers strong earning potential and job stability.
  • The skills you gain are transferable and needed nationwide.
  • You can pursue a variety of driving careers, including local, regional, or over-the-road positions.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

  • The Lakeshore Truck Driving Program is offered in a traditional format with 8-week classes, providing a structured learning experience.
  • Receive hands-on, behind-the-wheel training using industry-standard equipment.
  • The program meets Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
  • Learn from experienced instructors with extensive professional driving and teaching backgrounds.
  • Training is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into the workforce.

What It Takes

  • Commitment to learning safe driving practices and federal regulations
  • Ability to focus and make sound decisions under pressure
  • Willingness to follow detailed procedures and safety standards
  • Good communication skills and a strong sense of responsibility
  • Physical ability to meet CDL requirements

Lakeshore College’s Truck Driving Program prepares students to meet federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements and to test for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in the state of Wisconsin. However, the college does not guarantee its curriculum meets all requirements for licensure, testing, or employment in other states.

Career Area
Supply Chain & Transportation
Type
Technical Diploma
Program Number
30-458-1
Availability
In-Person
  • 1 Term
  • 9 Credits
  • Not Financial Aid Eligible
  • 8-week program with start dates 4 times a year

Career Outlook

Truck Driving

Median Income: $56,117.00*

Potential Job Titles

(Click a title for job description)

Drive tractor-trailers and other heavy trucks to transport goods over local, regional, or long-distance routes. Inspect vehicles, maintain delivery records, and ensure cargo is transported safely and efficiently.

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District.

Admission and First Semester Enrollment Steps

  • Submit online application
  • Complete the online Student Success Questionnaire
  • Complete Get Started at Lakeshore appointment
    • Application Check-in
    • College Orientation Overview
    • 1st Time Program Registration
  • Review Handbook and complete disclosure forms
  • Submit copy of Federal Medical Card
  • Submit copy of Commercial Learner’s Permit

Submit high school transcripts , college transcripts, and test scores (optional, highly recommended). Official transcripts will be needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

  • Tuition Cost: $1,800.00
  • Book Cost: $375.00
  • Supply Cost: $330.00*
  • Program Total: $2,505.00

*Medical and Fee costs are outside of Lakeshore’s control and are handled by the DMV and/or a medical provider.

Some of Lakeshore College's programs may reach enrollment capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. For more information, visit the High Demand Program Information page.

Truck Driving FAQs

Get answers to some of the most common questions about the Truck Driving program, admission requirements, CDL preparation, and training.

What is the Lakeshore Truck Driving Program?

The Lakeshore Truck Driving Program is a 9-credit technical diploma that prepares students for entry-level careers as professional Class A commercial truck drivers. Students complete classroom theory, range training, and behind-the-wheel road training.

What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A Commercial Driver License allows a driver to operate tractor-trailers and other combination vehicles. This program is only for a Class A CDL with no endorsements and automatic transmission only.

How long is the program?

The Truck Driving program is eight weeks long and meets during the day. The first six weeks focus on theory and over-the-road training, while the final two weeks focus on simulated and final skills testing.

Is the Truck Driving program eligible for financial aid?

No. The program does not qualify for federal student aid. However, other funding resources may be available.

The program is also listed on the Wisconsin Eligible Training Programs List (ETPL), which is used by WIOA participants when selecting training that may be funded through WIOA.

What do I need to complete before starting the program?

Before starting the program, students must:

  • Apply to Lakeshore College.
  • Complete the Student Success Questionnaire.
  • Meet with a counselor.
  • Review the Truck Driving program handbook.
  • Obtain a DOT Medical Card.
  • Obtain a Class A Commercial Learner Permit (CLP).

Students must also be at least 18 years old when classes begin.

Do I need my Commercial Learner Permit before starting?

Yes. Students must obtain a Commercial Learner Permit before participating in behind-the-wheel training.

Why is a DOT physical required?

Commercial driving is federally regulated, and drivers must demonstrate that they can safely operate large commercial vehicles.

What is a DOT Medical Card?

A DOT Medical Card documents that a certified medical examiner has determined that an individual meets federal medical standards.

What skills will I learn?

Students learn pre-trip inspections, vehicle control, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, turns, highway driving, defensive driving, and Hours of Service compliance.

Will I automatically receive my CDL after completing the program?

Students will complete their CDL road test with a third-party provider during the program until Lakeshore is certified to provide skills testing.

After passing the CDL skills test, students must go to the DMV and pay the applicable CDL license fee before the license can be issued.

Have questions about OWI eligibility, drug and alcohol testing, the FMCSA Clearinghouse, or other CDL requirements? View all Truck Driving FAQs.

Apply Now

Faculty Bios

Instructor Bios Lamp

Damian Anhalt

I have worked in the truck driving and heavy diesel mechanic field for more than 26 years and have had the opportunity to pass along my knowledge of trucks and how to operate them safely on the road. I enjoy teaching students the importance of safety when operating commercial motor vehicles and following the rules of the road.

Learn More About This Instructor

Downloads

2026-2027-Truck-Driving.pdf

pdf - 297.58 KB

2026-2027 Truck Driving Handbook.pdf

pdf - 311.92 KB