VC truck driving students get hands-on driving practice on a closed course near Victoria Airport.

In response to the continuing increase in demand for truck drivers, Victoria College’s Workforce and Continuing Education Department is offering two truck driving courses to meet local employers’ needs.

An evening commercial truck driving course begins Monday, Sept. 17 and will be held Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. The evening course takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks to complete.

A day class will begin on Monday, Oct. 29 and runs Monday through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day class takes approximately six to eight weeks to complete.

The demand for truck drivers has intensified throughout the Golden Crescent region due to the growing activity in the Eagle Ford Shale and the expansion of the general local oil and gas industry. Not only are more drivers needed in the oil and gas industry, but because so many of the area’s current drivers are employed within this rapidly expanding industry, the demand for truck drivers has increased across all industries.

Students who complete the training and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License are likely to find employment immediately.

“Truck drivers are in such high demand right now,” said Sherri Pall, director of VC’s Workforce and Continuing Education Department. “We have company recruiters coming into our classes on the first day to provide information on employment opportunities. The majority of our students will have multiple job offers before they complete the course.”

Students who successfully complete VC’s Commercial Truck Driving Program are eligible to take the Commercial Driver's License written and driving examinations at the Department of Public Safety. These exams are included as class activities.  

“Our program combines classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving range activities,” said Truck Driving Instructor Clyde Revelle. “This includes public, street and highway driving along with safety, rules, regulations and techniques.”

Admission requirements include a valid Texas driver’s license, successful completion of a Department of Transportation physical examination, and drug and alcohol screening. Tuition assistance may be available.

For more information or to enroll, please contact Pam Price at (361) 485-6830.