Commercial Driving

Truck driving

CDL CLASS A

10 Week Program
30 Hours of Training Per Week

10 to 20-hour short-term class is available for people with trailer experience, a $30.00 evaluation must be completed prior to being accepted for short-term.

We also offer refresher courses.

CDL CLASS B

2 1/2 Week Program
30 Hours of Training Per Week

10- hour short–term class available for people that have prior experience driving large class B style vehicles. Only automatic available for Class B.

Our program exceeds the minimum requirements for entry level drivers as set by the FMCSR. Students will get a minimum of 80 hrs behind the wheel.

Commercial Driver Training at James Rumsey Technical Institute is an intense 10-week training program. The major component of the class is hands-on learning. During the first 5 weeks, students gain experience on our unique driving range. Students then advance to road work for an additional 4 to 5 weeks of driving.

Class hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m. to 9:00p.m. for our evening class. Students work in the classroom the first week. During class time, the students will complete ELDT theory and given lessons on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, size and weight requirements, hours of service requirements, cargo securement, inspection procedures, trip planning, CSA 2010, and employer relations.

Because of state support for this program, the cost (approximately $4,660) to students is low compared to programs of this type and quality. In addition, students completing this program have an excellent success rate in passing the state CDL performance exam.

Interviews for potential students are conducted on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. at the Commercial Driving Range. No appointment is necessary. However, a certified copy of your driving record is required at the time of the interview. See website for more info.

If you are not within commuting distance, inexpensive lodging is available in our dorms.

Curriculum

Driving Range

  • Pre-trip CDL Inspection
  • Gear shifting—Double Clutch Method
  • Coupling Tractor to Trailer
  • Cargo Securement, van and flatbed
  • Straight Line Backing
  • Range Driving—with strategic maneuvers through various obstructions
  • Spotting (parking) Trailers
  • Right Turns & off-track training
  • 45˚ Backing & parallel parking
  • Range Test

Classroom

  • Entry-Level Driver Training
  • Defensive Driving Skills and Techniques
  • Hours of Service Regulations
  • Weight Distribution and Scaling Procedures
  • FMCSA Compliance Training
  • CSA 2010 Regulations
  • Trip Planning and Navigational Skills
  • Visits by recruiters from our various trucking companies.

Road Driving

  • Interstate Driving Techniques
  • 4-Lane Highway
  • 2-Lane Secondary
  • City & Town Driving
  • Congested Traffic Driving Skills
  • CDL Preparation
    • Inspection
    • Skills
    • Driving
  • CDL Test
  • Mountain Driving Procedures
  • Night Driving Procedures
  • Loaded Trailer
  • Warehouse
  • Docking (ship/receive)

Courses of Study

CDL Class A
9260A Truck Driver Training I
9283A Truck Driver Training II
9011A Work-Based Integration & Transition

CDL Class B
9316A CDL- Class B

Opportunities

The commercial driving program boasts a 95%  placement rate. The staff at James Rumsey’s Truck Driving Program works closely with several companies whose orientation and training programs enable employers to hire entry level drivers. Within two weeks to two months, many employers have students driving full-time as over-the-road tractor-trailer drivers.

Cost

JRTI is a public school. That means that our adult prep programs are very affordable.

Use our Net Price Calculator.

Download approximate program costs PDF.

Commercial Driving CDL Class A
Approximate Total
$4663
Commercial Driving CDL Class B
Approximate Total		 Explanation
$1500 $235 registration fee, $1265 tuition

For more information, see our Gainful Employment Disclosures.

Admission Procedure

Do You Meet the Prerequisites?

    1. Must be at least 21 years of age or 18 with two (2) years’ experience as a licensed driver. If under 21, you may only drive within your state of residence.
    2. Must have no physical impairments that would interfere with their ability to drive a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) as outlined in the FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations). Certain medications are also prohibited. You can call the WV DOT @ 304.347.5935 to determine medical eligibility.
    3. Must hold a valid driver’s license in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania.
    4. Must not have more than six (6) points against your driving record. It is the responsibility of the applicant to furnish a certified original copy of his/her lifetime Department of Motor Vehicle record prior to final acceptance.
    5. Must not have been convicted of any of the following crimes:
      1. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs within the past year.
      2. Transporting drugs.
      3. Leaving the scene of an accident during the year prior to enrollment.
      4. Using a vehicle to commit a serious crime.
      5. Be convicted of a felony offense during the year prior to enrollment.

    Note:  These are minimum CDL requirements. Company hiring policies may be more stringent. It is advisable to discuss personal situations with an instructor.

What to do Next

  1. Fill out an application.
  2. Visit the program any Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. to complete the interview process. You may contact one of the instructors:
    1. Kenneth Dombroski – kenneth.dombroski@k12.wv.us
    2. Tim Marcum – timothy.marcum@k12.wv.us
    3. Joe Hall – guyowen.hall@k12.wv.us
  3. Pay the registration fee.
  4. If you do not possess a high school diploma, HISET, TASC™, or GED®: Take the TABE (basic skills test) to evaluate your academic (reading, math, etc.) skills. Call the Jill S. Weekley Learning Center to schedule your test. 304-754-9712
  5. Schedule and pass a Department of Transportation approved physical examination and drug screen. After passing the physical, a copy must be sent to Charleston along with a CDL application from the DMV.

Final Steps

  1. Students will be permitted to begin after the tuition for the class has been paid or arrangements have been verified in writing from a sponsoring agency.

Find Us

Driving range

Directions:
Take exit 16W (RT.9W) off  I-81 towards Hedgesville. In about 3 miles, JRTI will be on your right. Just past the school, turn right onto Cumbo Road. In about 1/3 mile, at the bottom of the hill, turn right through yellow gate. Bear left and follow the road to the range office.

Application

Consumer Disclosure Letter

Dear Student,

James Rumsey Technical Institute is committed to providing all potential students with information regarding their rights and responsibilities as mandated by the United States Department of Education.  While the following information may be found in more than one location, we are providing you with direct links to access this information.  We will provide a paper copy upon request.  If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the school directly.

  • JRTI Net Price Calculator:  www.jamesrumsey.com  under financial aid and on program pages. (please note that JRTI does not provide room and board, therefore living costs are estimated and may vary greatly according to a student’s individual circumstances)
  • Gainful Employment Information: www.jamesrumsey.com under Policies.
  • Course schedule and textbook information:  www.jamesrumsey.com on each program page.
  • FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) information: www.jamesrumsey.com  under Policies.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse prevention information:  www.jamesrumsey.com under Student Resources
  • Copyright Infringement Policy:  www.jamesrumsey.com under Policies and on page 18 of the student handbook.
  • Voter registration information:  www.jamesrumsey.com  under Student Resources
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy:  www.jamesrumsey.com  under Policies and as part of the JRTI Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual.
  • Fire Safety Report: www.jamesrumsey.com under Documentation.
  • Crime Report:  www.jamesrumsey.com under Documentation.

Application

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