The Truck Driving certificate at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona is a high-quality program focused on connecting skilled, safe drivers with employers.
Major Details
Upcoming Start Dates for the Truck Driving Certificate Program
2025
Monday, January 13, 2025 (Apply Now)
Monday, March 17, 2025 (Apply Now)
Please Note: Truck Driving courses fill quickly! Please contact the Admissions Office to start the process of enrolling and registration. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Chris Cook, Winona Campus Admissions Representative, at 507-453-2410, or email [email protected]
Special Information About the Truck Driving Program
- Apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast. (For step-by-step directions on the application process, visit our Admissions section.)
- Note: For this program, you are NOT required to take the Accuplacer placement test.
- Complete New Student Orientation online. Be sure to complete the required form at the end of the orientation.
- In order to register for Truck Driving class, you will need to complete the following:
- Valid Class A CDL permit.
- Complete a DOT physical exam. You are responsible for the cost of the DOT physical.
- To help you complete the above steps, download the Truck Driving Program Prerequisites PDF.
- Once you have your Class A CDL Permit and DOT Physical complete, you will be able to register for Truck Driving classes (during open registration window.)
- Your instructors will schedule a drug screening exam during the first week of class; the cost is included in your tuition.
Minnesota State College Southeast's 20-credit Truck Driving certificate in Winona is renowned for top-notch instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and best of all, 100% job placement. As a student, you will enjoy a low student-to-instructor ratio to give you the attention you need.
Many trucking companies pre-hire qualified students once they are enrolled at Southeast. After training is completed, our graduates are ready to get behind the wheel and earn a desirable income. Because highly skilled truckers are in demand, many companies offer tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses.
Truck driver training begins with 8 weeks of classroom and behind-the-wheel training, preparing students for the situations they may face on the road. During this 8-week sequence of training, the students will also prepare for the Class "A" commercial driver's license (CDL) road test.
Finally, to complete the program, students must register for and complete an 8-week paid internship. Because the program is so intense, attendance and attitude are crucial, just as they are once you are on the job.
Our motto
"We have an obligation to our students, our community, and to other highway users to train the safest, most courteous drivers on the highway today. This is not an obligation we take lightly."
Apply now for admission to Southeast
Cluster/Pathway
Career Field: Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
Cluster: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
TRDR1400
Safe Driving Fundamentals
This course introduces students to the world of transportation (trucking), through lecture. It allows the student to develop an understanding of the needs and rewards of the trucking industry. It enables the student to understand the workings of driving and it prepares them for range and road operation of a tractor-trailer combination vehicle. (Prerequisite: None) (4 credits: 4 lecture/0 lab)
Download the Course Outline
4 cr
TRDR1405
Proficiency Development
This course covers all aspects of operating a tractor-trailer in a confined area (Driving Range) (Backing Range). With supervised instruction, students will practice the skills learned in TRDR 1400 to the point of proficiency. The intent of this course is to prepare the student driver for solo operation. (Prerequisite: TRDR1400) (4 credits: 0 lecture/4 lab)
Download the Course Outline
4 cr
TRDR1410
Advanced Driving
This course covers all areas of advanced driving including grade driving, city driving, highway and expressway driving. This class will be the final preparation for student drivers to actively seek employment in the transportation field. For the student to be eligible for a certificate he or she must pass a CDL road test to obtain their Class A license. (Prerequistes: TRDR 1400, 1405) (4 credits: 0 lecture/4 lab)
Download the Course Outline
4 cr
TRDR1415
Employment Skills
This course is the gateway to employment in the trucking industry. It deals with money management, professional attitude and requirements as well as physical well-being. (Prerequisites: TRDR1400, 1405, 1410) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
Download the Course Outline
2 cr
TRDR1420
Internship
Under the supervision of a company trainer, this course will enable the student to apply the training he/she received at MSC-ST with the trucking company of his/her choice. The student will earn a salary during this internship(OJT). The successful completion of this course will enable the student to drive solo with the company of his/her choice. (Prerequisites: TRDR1400, 1405, 1410, 1415) (6 Credits: 0 lec/0 lab/6 OJT)
Download the Course Outline
6 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 20 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $6,506 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $56 |
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| Estimated Total: | $6,562 |
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Career Opportunities
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Over-the-road driver
- Local driver
- Safety Department
- Dispatch
- Yard spotters
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Shift various transmissions proficiently.
- Successfully back vehicle into specified maneuvers.
- Be aware of utilizing space management in different situations.
- Properly complete required daily paperwork.
- Recognize changing road characteristics and properly adjust.
Highlights
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Prehire program: Companies are eager to hire you once you're enrolled
- Affordability: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement
- Learn in a state-of-the-art facility
Instructors
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Thomas Gierok
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Tom Gierok dreamed of being a truck driver his entire life. His dream came true. Tom drove truck for ten years before becoming an instructor at Minnesota State College Southeast. He continues to be active in industry and drives over-the-road from time to time.