Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Get your Class A tractor-trailer license in as little as four weeks and start on one of the most in-demand careers in the country.

Noncredit Training

COTC partners with Ancora Corporate Training, an established national provider of CDL training, to offer this highly sought-after non-credit training locally. COTC’s Ancora Class A tractor-trailer program provides the optimal balance between classroom learning and on-the-road training to prepare students for the CDL Class A exam. Classes are small and taught by experienced instructors who give students a real-life perspective on what it’s like to be a truck driver. Training is completed in a 2023 Freightliner with an automatic transmission. 

Learning Outcomes

Students in the CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program will gain skills in the areas of:

• vehicle inspections
• defensive driving
• range maneuvers
• motor carrier safety regulations
• trip planning
• cargo handling
• size/weight laws
• general maintenance procedures
• hours of service
• accident prevention

Schedule Options

Weekday: Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for four weeks (160 hours of training) with small cohorts of four trainees.  

Weekend: Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for eight weeks (160 hours of training) with small cohorts of four trainees.  

Cost

The total cost of the training course is $4,995. 

Additional costs may be required for commercial learner’s permit.

Payment is due in full prior to the first day of the course. Refunds will not be issued once you have attended the course. 

Funding Opportunities

As a non-credit program, CDL training is currently not eligible for any federal financial aid. Students are responsible for 100% of the cost. Please review potential funding opportunities below. 

State of Ohio CDL Student Aid Program

The State of Ohio has awarded COTC with limited funds for a CDL student aid program. This program is grant supported with 50% of the awarded funding a grant and 50% of the awarded funding a forgivable loan (if requirements are met in the predetermined timeframe). 

Students must have funding in place at least one week prior to the start of the class. 

Eligibility requirements include:

• Being an Ohio Resident per the Ohio Student Residency Administrative Rule
• Pass DOT drug screening
• Have no more than three moving violations in two consecutive years
• Have not plead guilty or been convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drug in the past 12 months

Other Funding Opportunities

Students can also explore funding opportunities through these alternative sources:

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is offering scholarships up to $7000 while participating in their services. Explore more by visiting https://oodworks.com

Students may also pursue funding through private lenders. 

Licensure

CDL skills testing will take place on the last few days of the training. If the first attempt at testing does not result in higher than a 50% pass rate for COTC students, remediation will be provided with the opportunity to retest. 

Upon successful completion of the skills test, students will earn Class A Tractor Trailer Certificate and be eligible to apply for the CDL Class A license. 

Training Location

The CDL classroom is located at 621 West Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062.

The CDL range is located at 50 Park Ave., Pataskala, OH 43062.

Get Started

Step 1: Complete the online enrollment form with Central Ohio Technical College.

Questions? Contact Amanda Snider, Assistant Director of Advising, at snider.414@mail.cotc.edu.

Step 2: Register with Ancora.

Visit ancoraed.com/cotc.

Step 3: Complete your physical and drug screen.

Your welcome packet from Ancora Corporate Training will contain all the information you need to schedule these appointments.

Step 4: Begin studying for your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

Your CLP is required; please refer to your welcome packet for more information.