Truck Driving

Professional truck drivers keep goods moving safely and efficiently. In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience behind the wheel, learning to maneuver trucks in real-world situations. Training includes classroom instruction, driving range practice, and on-road driving. You’ll also build essential non-technical skills such as communication.

Upon successful completion, you’ll be prepared to earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with opportunities to pursue additional endorsements.

Please note: CDL testing is not included in the program. Testing fees are set by the State of Wisconsin. You may test at Northwood Tech or with any certified examiner in Wisconsin; choosing Northwood Tech can simplify the process. Additional exam fees apply regardless of location.

Truck Driving Information Flyer

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

Northwood Tech Truck Driving Training Semi Truck

There is a current high demand for entry level truck drivers in local and long distance employment. After your 9 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.

Interior view of truck with student driving

Excellent starting wages.

Northwood Tech Truck Driving students standing outside the semi truck

Rewarding career.

Academics

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 9-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.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Truck Driving Courses

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Truck Driving - Semi Level 1

30458304

UGRD

| 3 CR

This is the first of three courses in the 9-week Truck Driving technical diploma. Become prepared for entry-level positions as a commercial driver and understand basic information about trucks and their operation. You will need to present your DOT physical (Fed-Med) card and CDL Permit (CLP) prior to enrolling in the course. A scheduled drug screen is required prior to behind-the-wheel training. If you need assistance with passing the CLP, refer to the CDL Theory course designed to help you prepare for the test. NOTE: It is required that the Truck Driving program students enroll in all three levels of truck driving (30458304, 30458305, 30458306) at the same time to secure space. PREREQUISITE: Admission to the Truck Driving or Diesel Equipment Technician Plan.

Truck Driving - Semi Level 2

30458305

UGRD

| 3 CR

This is the second of three courses in the Truck Driving technical diploma. This course will focus on obtaining the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) while highlighting industry regulations, trip planning, hours of service, and driver safety. Corequisite: 30458304 Truck Driving - Semi Level 1. Corequisite override required for students enrolled as part of a contract through Workforce & Community Development (WCD). Work with Associate Dean of WCD for override.

Truck Driving - Semi Level 3

30458306

UGRD

| 3 CR

This is the third and final course in the Truck Driving technical diploma. Refine the skills learned in the first two levels assuring readiness for the industry (and to obtain a CDL). The primary focus includes entry-level requirements, program certifications, advanced operations, and technical backing skills. COREQUISITE: 30458305 Truck Driving – Semi Level 2

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.

Requirements and Application

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.

Learn More About Paying for College

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2025-26*

Truck Driving

9 Credits | Less than 1 year

$2,076

*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.

Healthcare symbol - a heart with the a plus sign in the middle

Financial assistance may be available as part of the West Cap Skills Enhancement Program. Learn more about this opportunity here.

Financial assistance may be available as part of the Worker's Advancement Initiative (WAI-2) grant program with the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB). To learn more about eligibility and training services, please contact Sara Wieland, Training Navigator at swieland@nwwib.com or 715.230.8399 or check out the website at: Worker Advancement Initiative 2.0 (WAI 2.0) - NWWIB.

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).

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Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.

View Transfer Center

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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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