Truck Driving
Technical Diploma
10 Credits | Less than 1 Year
Multiple Start Dates
January, April, July, and October
New Richmond, Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
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This program will be modified for the 2025-2026 academic year pending WTCS approval. Please contact an Admissions Advisor if interested or have questions.
Join a growing field where there is a demand for truck drivers in local and long distance employment. Learn from instructors who are state-certified examiners and become fully prepared to successfully complete the CDL Road Test. You will be on your way to a rewarding career!
Financial assistance may be available as part of the West Cap Skills Enhancement Program. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Program Overview
Professional truck drivers are responsible for the safe, efficient delivery of goods between locations. Spend time behind the wheel learning how to maneuver trucks in a variety of real-world scenarios. You will develop backing and driving skills through classroom, lab, range and roadway experiences. Non-technical skills such as communications will also be discussed. With successful completion of this program, you will have the ability to obtain your Commercial Driver's License. Opportunities to earn additional CDL endorsements will also be available.
The CDL test is not included within the Truck Driving program. Testing fees are set by the state of Wisconsin. To test and receive your CDL, you have the option to test at Northwood Tech or with any examiner in Wisconsin. Testing through Northwood Tech reduces some of the process for you. Please expect an additional fee for the test.
Program Outcomes
Truck Driving graduates will be able to:
- Perform Basic Truck Driving Operations
- Adhere to Safe truck driving operating procedures
- Explain advanced operating practices
- Explain vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
- Comply with non-driving activity activities
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
There is a current high demand for entry level truck drivers in local and long distance employment. After your 10 week program you will find yourself behind the wheel in a satisfying career. Entry level salaries are generally in excess of $40,000 per year with potential to earn more than $60,000 per year with experience. Most employers also offer health, vacation and retirement benefits.
High-demand job.
Excellent starting wages.
Rewarding career.
Academics
Your ultimate goal is to earn your Commercial Driver’s License. Learn from those who have work experience in the industry and who conduct CDL tests for the State of Wisconsin. Be better prepared to successfully pass your CDL tests, from vehicle pre-trip inspections, to basic control skills and the road test.
Truck Driving is a 10-week program offered at the New Richmond and Rice Lake campuses with coursework in the classroom, on the driving range and on the road.
Beginners or Experienced
You will cover the basics from learning how to document hours of service, cargo handling and how to drive and shift an 18-wheeler. Advanced activities will be learning how to maneuver and back a big rig in challenging situations.
Real-World Training Opportunities
Through classroom and behind the wheel instruction, you will experience realistic situations that you can expect to encounter behind the wheel of a truck. Experience rural, small town and urban driving settings that will better prepare you for working in the trucking industry.
Communication
You will get to see actual terminal operations and talk with employers as well as seeing DOT weight enforcement personnel on the job.
Required Courses
This 10-week program will lead you to a Truck Driving technical diploma and the ability to earn your Commercial Driver’s License. With safety as priority, progress from basic driving skills to more advanced operations.
Featured Truck Driving Courses
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
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Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Truck Driving
10 Credits | Less than 1 year
$2,161
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Truck Driving Program
Upon completion of the program, you will have the ability to earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information
Northwood Tech's Truck Driving program is designed to prepare students to meet the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The College has not determined and does not guarantee its required courses meet the requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure in states/territories other than Wisconsin and Minnesota as documented on the licensure and certification disclosure webpage. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states/territories other than Wisconsin or Minnesota should contact the appropriate licensing board in the state to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements.
For more information, visit:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
