Shift gears into a new career: San Jac’s truck driving program
With a national driver shortage and transportation jobs growing steadily, San Jacinto College is preparing students for rewarding careers on the road with hands-on, industry-aligned training that leads to commercial driving credentials and in-demand positions.
San Jac’s professional truck driver program prepares students for the Class A Commercial Driver’s License exam through a comprehensive two-course curriculum. The program offers flexible scheduling, with day classes running Monday through Thursday for six weeks or weekend classes on Saturdays and Sundays for 12 weeks to accommodate working professionals.
Students complete approximately 300 miles of hands-on, behind-the-wheel driving across various terrains and traffic conditions. The curriculum covers critical skills:
- Operating manual transmission semi-trucks
- Trip planning
- Texas Department of Transportation regulations
- Maneuvers like backing, turning, and parking
Graduates receive both an occupational certificate and Department of Transportation certification.
The full cost of the course is around $4,300. You can be out and working in a matter of weeks and start out making $50,000 a year. That makes a great investment.
The timing couldn’t be better to break into the transportation industry. Employment for heavy diesel and tractor-trailer truck drivers could grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 231,100 job openings annually over the next decade.
With a Class A CDL, graduates can work as a commercial truck driver, long-haul cargo driver, hazmat driver, delivery driver, heavy equipment operator, or dispatcher.
“This technology allows our students more practice time mastering maneuvers like backing, parking, and shifting in a virtual setting before hitting the road,” said Rich. “Over 75% of our classes are devoted to actual behind-the-wheel training. This gives our students a huge advantage as they start their careers.”
Students may also qualify for free tuition through programs such as the Texas Public Education Grant and partnerships with organizations like Volunteers of America. Eligibility includes residing in Harris County, holding a GED or high school diploma, and meeting specific financial or employment conditions.
Why Become a Truck Driver?
- Job Security and Demand
The trucking industry consistently needs drivers, with ongoing demand for freight transportation nationwide. This ensures stable, recession-resistant employment. - Independence and Travel
Truck driving offers significant autonomy. For the most part, you are your own boss on the road, managing your schedule and routes. Long-haul drivers get to see new parts of the country as part of their job. - Flexible Schedules
Many truck drivers set their own schedules, offering better work-life balance. You can choose day or night shifts, weekdays or weekends — making it ideal for those seeking flexibility outside a traditional office job.
Learn more about the truck driving program
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
