Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Is the Open Road Calling You?

The adventure and freedom of the open road is exciting. The demand for local drivers is growing as the regional economic expansion continues, so now is the perfect time for you to answer the call of the road.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE

High Demand.

As the industries drivers reach their retirement age, the current shortage of commercial drivers will be even worse in the coming years. It will be quite a challenging task for trucking companies to replace them to ensure their establishments needs. Having a CDL allows you to fill one of those spots. The industry’s demand is present now but will only grow in the future.

Job Security & Flexibility.

With the current shortfall of commercial drivers, especially, due to the pandemic, demand for CDL drivers is at an all-time high. In addition to this, no matter what happens to the country’s economy, products and goods such as medical equipment will still need to be delivered across the country. Many employers state they cannot find enough drivers that fit their criteria, which means you are needed and might get more salary than many other jobs.

Freedom, Independence, Exploration

You’ll be able to see more of the country in a work week than many will see in their entire lives. You will be in charge of your day without being stuck in an office. 

CDL Program Details

The Smithville Workforce Training Center (SWTC) offers a CDL program free of charge to those who qualify thanks to strategic partnerships including the Federal Good Jobs Challenge Grant, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

How do you qualify for the CDL Program?

  1. Must currently live or work in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, or Lee County 

  2. Men must have registered for selective service prior to 26 years old

  3. Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  

  4. Must be eligible to obtain a CLP&CDL meeting all Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requirements including a drug test and DOT Physical.

  5. Must complete a CASAS Assessment to demonstrate competency to take the CDL course.


What to Expect in the CDL program:

Once students verify eligibility they will take all the initial assessments required from the Smithville Workforce Training Center and the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you meet all of the qualifications you can be enrolled into the course.  The CDL course is a 5 week program that consists of classroom instruction, completing the Entry Level Driver Training (required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) pre-trip, driving instruction, and driving test.  All students will be trained in a manual truck to allow them to earn a Class A CDL upon graduation.  The last week of the course will be conducted with DPS to obtain all of the driving tests and requirements needed to complete the Class A CDL license.  

Am I eligible for a CDL License in Texas? 

Eligibility Status can be verified and checked at the following Texas DPS links:

https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do 

 https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/commercial-driver-license-cdl-disqualifications 

Register for the next round of classes at UpSkillMyCareer.

CDL FAQ’s

Can I get my CDL license if I am 18 in Texas?

Yes, you can obtain a CDL license as soon as 18 years old in Texas.  However, there are some restrictions with your CDL until you turn 21 years old. For example you are unable to cross the Texas State lines, carry hazardous materials, or transport any passengers until you are 21 years of age. 

Do I have to be over 21 to get my CDL license?

No, you do not have to be over 21 to obtain your CDL license.  You can obtain your CDL license as soon as you are 18 years old.  However, there are some restrictions on what you can do with your CDL license between 18 and 21 years old.  

Can I get a CDL if I had a DUI or DWI?

Yes, you can still obtain or renew a CDL license if you had a DUI or DWI in the past.  However, you are ineligible for a CLP or CDL for up to 3 years from the date of conviction for your 1st offense.  If you have a 2nd offense you are ineligible for life for the CDL license.

Does the Smithville Workforce Training Center Offer Manual or Automatic CDL Training? 

The SWTC offers manual driver training at all of our testing sites.  We believe in educating and training all students to be prepared for the workforce by not having any restrictions or barriers that would make them less employable. 

What Type of CDL will you earn when you complete the course?

Once students complete the CDL course and graduate they will be Federal Motor Carrier Certified, and ready to schedule to take the Texas DPS Class A manual CDL driving test. Upon passing the DPS driving test and officially obtaining a CDL this allows all CDL holders to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle or vehicles towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.  

Does the Smithville Workforce Training Center Offer CDL Endorsements?

The CDL course at the SWTC does not offer any additional endorsement training.  Students would need to obtain those credentials separately. However, the tanker and/or HAZMAT Endorsements can be obtained by the student once they obtain a valid CDL license from DPS.  The CSDC can provide study materials and reimbursement of the cost of the endorsement(s) upon completion once proof of the endorsement is submitted to a case manager. 

Does the Smithville Workforce Training Center Offer Driver Safety Training? 

Yes, graduates of the CDL program or employees of businesses located in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, and Lee Counties are eligible to take pre-approved OSHA Transportation Training Free of charge through a Texas Mutual Grant pilot program the SWTC has developed.    

Will the Smithville Workforce Training Center Help With Job Placement?

Yes, the Smithville Workforce Training Center works closely with employers regionally.  It is the mission of the SWTC to ensure each student who completes the CDL course is placed in a job utilizing their newly acquired skill. 

Can I Send My Current Employees to Training to Obtain Their CDL License for Free? 

Yes, as long as your employees live or work in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, or Lee County and meet some other basic qualifications, eligible employees can receive free CDL training.  As an employer keep in mind the training lasts approximately 5 weeks and is Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm.  Upon the employee completing their CDL it is a grant requirement the employer gives the employee a salary increase for upskilling.  The SWTC County Coordinator will work with the employer and the employee to develop an approved training plan prior to enrollment in the program. 

Does the CSDC offer a CDL Refresher Course? 

Yes, the SWTC offers a CDL refresher course.  The length of the refresher course can vary based on the individual, but in general they are between 3-5 days. 

Can I Send an Employee to CDL Training If They Do Not Qualify Under the Good Jobs Challenge Grant?  

Yes, we have options for the full course or refresher training.  If an employee or individual does not qualify for the Good Jobs Challenge grant funding we may have other funding sources such as other grants or scholarships.  Employers or employees can also pay for the cost of the course and enroll in our CDL training program.