Truck Driver – CDL A Certificate
At a Glance
Start a Rewarding Career Behind the Wheel as a Commercial Truck Driver
Our Truck Driver CDL-A Certificate Training Program qualifies you to operate different types of commercial trucks and tractor trailers. The state-approved coursework combines classroom learning and hands-on driving experience to prepare you for the Maryland CDL exam and a future as a professional truck driver.
Schedule:
Offered 5 times a year: Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall (2X); weekday daytime classes
Next Start Date:
April 13, 2026
Approx. Number of Hours/Weeks:
280 hours/8 weeks
Program Cost:*
$5,500 (includes certification exam); up to 100% may be covered by the Ratcliffe Works Grant: Apply for Assistance
Certification Earned:
Maryland Class A CDL License
Helpful Resources
What You’ll Learn
This comprehensive 3-part training series prepares students to earn their Maryland Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and launch a career as a professional truck driver.
You will learn:
- CDL theory and preparation for the Maryland Class A Learner’s Permit
- Hazardous materials, alcohol awareness, and FMCSA regulations
- Pre-trip inspections and air-brake leak tests
- Hours of service, logbook use, and trip planning
- Map reading and understanding road signs
- Defensive driving and accident prevention techniques
- Backing, parking, and shifting maneuvers
- Safe operation of Class A tractor-trailers
- Use of mirrors, lane changes, and merging
- Handling road hazards, emergencies, and breakdowns
- Skills to pass the MVA Class A CDL exam and begin working as a commercial driver
Curriculum
The CDL-A Certificate Training Program is structured as a 3-part series designed to guide students from the basics of commercial driving to full licensure and job readiness. Each course builds on the last, combining classroom instruction with practical, behind-the-wheel experience.
This initial course in a 3-part series provides instructional classroom training to prepare students for the Maryland Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Learner’s Permit, including various endorsements. Topics include basic CDL theory, hazardous materials, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), pre-trip inspections (interior and exterior), alcohol awareness, hours of service, defensive driving techniques, logbooks, trip planning and map reading. Successful completers will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to pass the pre-trip portion of MVA Class A Commercial Driver’s License examination.
This second course in a 3-part series provides instruction and hands-on practice to pass the range (maneuvers) and road portions of the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) Class A Commercial Driver’s License examination. Topics include pre-trip inspections, air-brake leak tests, straight-line backing, blind and sight-side parallel parking, shifting, highway and road signs, and basic road operations. Additionally, students will practice a variety of maneuvers, including backing and parking, up-shifting/down-shifting, and the safe and efficient operation of various tractor-trailer (Class A) vehicles.
This final course in the 3-part series provides instruction and hands-on practice to operate a CDL Class A vehicle and to pass the Maryland Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Class A Commercial Driver’s License examination to become eligible to work as a Class A commercial driver. Topics include operating awareness; hours of service for over-the-road vehicle operation; shifting techniques; backing and parking maneuvers; use of flat, convex and fender mirrors; changing lanes and merging; road and weather hazards; emergency stops; breakdowns and accident prevention; and defensive driving techniques.
Licensure/Certification Earned
Upon successful completion of the CDL-A Certificate Training Program and the MVA written and driving tests administered during class, an MD CDL-A license will be awarded.
Why Choose Carroll’s CDL-A Training?
- Fulfills State Requirements: Our CDL-A Certificate Training Program meets all Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements for commercial driver education.
- Learn from the Best: Experienced instructors not only teach the course content, but act as mentors with their real-life experience being on the road. As such, they can demonstrate how to handle “soft skill” challenges such as dealing with customer complaints or problems with management.
- On-Campus Range: Our onsite range has been certified by the MVA as a remote testing facility. All of your training and your licensing test will be held on our Westminster campus.
- Affordable: Up to 100% of the program cost may be covered by the Ratcliffe Works grant for eligible participants.
Get Paid to Prepare for This In-Demand Career
Career Outlook
The demand for commercial truck drivers remains robust, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 5% growth in employment for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers from 2023 to 2033. This growth is expected to result in approximately 240,300 job openings annually, largely due to the need to replace retiring drivers and those transitioning to other careers.
The industry continues to face a significant driver shortage, with estimates suggesting that 1.2 million new drivers will be needed over the next decade to meet freight demands. This shortage has led to competitive compensation packages, with new drivers starting around $50,000 annually and experienced drivers earning well over $90,000, especially in specialized freight sectors.
As the trucking industry evolves, companies are increasingly offering incentives such as sign-on bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and modern equipment to attract and retain drivers. These trends indicate a promising and stable career path for those entering the field.
- What qualifications are required for the CDL-A Certificate Training Program?
No prior truck driving experience is required. However, students must meet all driver qualification standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).To enroll, students must:
- Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 years old for interstate driving
- Hold a valid, non-provisional driver’s license with a safe driving record (no more than three points and no drug or alcohol violations)
- Be able to read, speak, and understand English as required by DOT regulations
- Successfully complete a DOT physical that remains valid throughout the training period
- Pass a DOT-required federal drug screening prior to road training
- Register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse and comply with random drug and alcohol testing requirements
- Do I need any prior experience with trucks?
No. The CDL-A Certificate Training Program is designed for beginners with no prior truck driving experience. - Does this program prepare me for both Class A and Class B licenses?
Yes. The program prepares students for the Class A CDL skills test and also provides training applicable to Class B licensing. - What endorsements can I add during the training (hazmat, passenger, school bus, tanker)?
During the program, students may add Tanker (N) and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements. Additional testing and background requirements may apply for certain endorsements. - Is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) included in the program?
Yes. The program includes all federally required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) components. - How soon can I take the skills test after getting my permit?
The CDL skills test is scheduled as part of the final day of the training program, provided all requirements have been met. - What is the pass rate for the CDL skills test through Carroll’s program?
Historically, approximately 98% of students who complete Carroll’s CDL-A training program successfully pass the CDL skills test. Pass rates may vary by cohort and are not guaranteed. - Do I need to be a Maryland resident to enroll in CDL training?
Yes. Students must be Maryland residents to enroll in the CDL-A training program. - How much does a Maryland CDL license cost?
The cost of a Maryland CDL license is approximately $150. Fees are subject to change and are set by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). - Is financial assistance available?
Yes! Through Ratcliffe Works and other workforce development programs, students may qualify to have up to 100% of the cost of the program covered. Check your eligibility today. - Do you offer job placement assistance? / Are there job placement or employer partnerships after graduation?
We invite a group of local employers to meet each class to discuss their particular job openings and how to apply for those positions.While Carroll does not provide formal job placement, the program hosts local and regional trucking employers who visit each class to share information about job openings, hiring requirements, and application processes. These employer connections help students explore employment opportunities after graduation. - What tools or equipment are used during CDL training?
Students train using industry-standard equipment, including:- Class A tractor-trailer vehicles
- Pre-trip inspection tools and checklists
- Backing and maneuvering training ranges
- Road-driving routes that meet CDL testing standards
- In-cab instructional technology and safety equipment
Get Started Today
410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.