Truck Driving

Tuition-Free Truck Driving Course
Attendance to orientation session required. Address: 630 W 19th St. Merced, CA or via Zoom.

Fall 2025 (August – December) course is already full.

These are the orientation dates for the next course scheduled to start in January 2026.

• Wednesday 10/15/2025 5:30pm-6:30pm. Zoom: 891 2791 5504 
• Wednesday 11/12/2025 5:30pm-6:30pm. Zoom: 847 2586 8946

Students will learn the material necessary to successfully pass the DMV CLP test, which will include the option for multiple Class A endorsements. In addition, students will gain knowledge and develop additional skills necessary to become a professional truck driver. *Students must be at least 18 and must have had a driver’s license for at least a year.

The next course will take place in Spring 2026 (January – May). It will be divided into two mandatory parts.

Mandatory Part 1: TRK-769 Permit Training. Location 630 W 19th St. Merced, CA 95340

Mandatory Part 2: TRK-770 Behind The Wheel. Outdoor lab. 2165 Wardrobe Ave. Merced, CA 95340

• Classes Monday to Friday 8am-5pm
• Daily and punctual attendance required
• NO evening or weekend classes offered
• Must be at least 18 and must have had a driver’s license for at least a year (no exceptions)
  
• Must have a valid California driver’s license
• Students are responsible to verify directly with the DMV if with their driving record could apply for the CDL permit
• Class and orientation in English only

Requirements

Although the course is tuition-free, students are responsible to pay for the requirements and DMV permits.

1. Print out of DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Driving Record
2. DOT (Department of Transportation) Medical Exam Clearance
3. Passed 5-panel Drug Test (due the first week of class to avoid its expiration)

*When applying for the Commercial Lerner’s Permit, the DMV (not Merced College) will require:

• Social Security Card
• Two forms of ID
• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Two bills with your address
• Birth Certificate (original) or 10-year Passport