South Plains College Truck Driving School seeks students

REESE CENTER – A new career is just a month away for anyone who wants to participate in South Plains College’s Truck Driving School. After completing the course, the school has a 100 percent placement rate.

A new class starts every two weeks, and there are seats available for 20 students each session.

"When COVID shut down the country, the only business that saw continuous success was truck driving," said Lidia Franco, admissions representative for ATDS Truck Driving School. "In this industry, you can choose whether you want to work close to home or longer routes."

The earning potential ranges from $45,000 to $125,000 annually, Franco said. The courses consist of three or five days in a classroom environment and then three or one week of in-the-cab training, both on our closed driving course and on public roadways. 

"If you come in with a permit, it will be very beneficial to help a student get through the classes," she said. "But if you don’t have a permit, we can help you obtain it."

All students receive an introduction to the regulations governing the trucking industry and the qualifications for entry into the field. During this course, the students will be trained for their class of license, as well as familiarize themselves with the Department of Transportation rules and regulations. Students receive preparation for the written examination, general driving skills with a hands-on component, in state-of-the-art simulators and instruction coordinated with the Department of Transportation.

Students must be 18 years of age and must possess a valid Class C Texas drivers' license and pass a DOT medical physical and DOT drug test. SPC truck driving school is a licensed third-party testing center registered with the TX DPS, so all testing, both written and driving skills tests, are performed on-site. In addition, SPC driving school is registered and approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as listed on the Training Provider Registry.

The next class will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.. on Nov. 7 through Dec. 3, with the following class starting Nov. 21 through Dec. 16. The cost for the CDL-A (Automatic and Standard) is $5,995 and includes five days of in-class training and 15 days of in-the-cab training.

Presently, funding is available through Workforce Solutions of the South Plains to assist students interested in the school. Workforce Solutions has funding options for students under the age of 24, and a different funding option is available for individuals older than 24.  

Motivation, Education and Training in Plainview also has funding options for students interested in the truck driving industry. Franco said local companies such as the City of Lubbock and Atmos Energy often hire students to become drivers.

"To be successful in this industry, all it takes is dedication, motivation and a good attitude," Franco said.

The truck driving industry seeks both male and female drivers.

For more information, contact Franco at (806) 716-4686 (office), (806) 928-7527 (cell) or email lidia.franco.atds@gmail.com.