Close

Professional Driving Academy

The Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Professional Driving Academy is a program in which you’ll learn specific skill sets related to the professional truck driving occupation. The program prepares trainees to test for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. The program is designed to lead graduates to immediate employment within the transportation industry.

 

 

Apply Now!
About the program

The Professional Driving Academy is offered at six campuses at Texas State Technical College. Our classrooms and labs are interactive and have a real-world setting. We offer you the training, knowledge and hands-on skills to prepare you for commercial truck driving in the transportation industry. Our instructors are dedicated to providing students the necessary hands-on experience and technical know-how needed to succeed. This program includes classroom, driving and technical instruction that focuses on preparing individuals to operate a truck and applicable equipment in the transportation industry.

Evening classes available at select locations. 

 

Information for Professional Bus Driver Training Academy

The Bus Driving Program is currently offered once per month on our Abilene and Harlingen campuses.
Program length: 3 weeks (120 hours)
Schedule: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuition: $2,500

Learn More About Bus Driving Program >

 

Class type
In-person
Type
workforce
Industry
Transportation
Campus
Abilene Brownwood Fort Bend County Harlingen Marshall Sweetwater
Length
40–160 Hours
ESTIMATED COST
$150–$4500
contact
Lead Instructor: Jake Whitley
Krystal Johnson
325-738-3315
Lead Instructor: Kenneth Sample
Linda Cavazos
956-364-4553
Lead Instructor: Juan Hernandez
Linda Cavazos
956-364-4553
Lead Instructor: Robert Ramirez
Bettye Cole
903-923-3204
Robert Ramirez
956-364-4551
Rebecca Mortensen
325-738-3332
Upcoming dates
16 Sep
Fall ’25 Official Census Date (11th Class Day)
16 Sep
Abilene Housing Authority Resource Fair
Informational downloads

TSTC is now accepting applications for the Professional Driving Academy! To secure your spot, prospective students must submit their application packet and meet admission requirements at least five days before the first day of class. For upcoming course start dates and details about available scholarships, please contact your preferred campus today.

Prerequisites

  • Pass a DOT Physical and Drug Test.
  • Hold a valid driver’s license without warrants or pending federal/state criminal charges.
  • Be at least 18 years of age. Please note that students under the age of 21 cannot drive outside the State of Texas and are not eligible for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

Professional Driving Academy Admissions Requirements

  • Copy of drug screen
  • Provide Medical Examination Report Certificate
  • Payment for the course
  • Provide driving record (no more than 30 days prior to CDL Exam)
  • Attend mandatory pre-course

 

Professional Driving Academy Courses

Available in Abilene, Brownwood, Fort Bend, Harlingen, Marshall, Sweetwater.

  • CDL Class A (CVOP 1013) $4500 | 160 Hours
    Comprehensive training for obtaining a Class A CDL. Topics include pre-trip inspections, basic control skills, and commercial driving rules. Hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment and real-world driving scenarios.
  • Automatic Restriction Removal (CVOP 1001) $500 | 40 Hours
    A 40-hour course designed to remove the automatic transmission restriction from a CDL. Focus on manual transmission operation, including shifting techniques and vehicle control.
  • Hazmat Endorsement (EPCT 2004) $150 | 8 Hours
    This is an 8-hour course covering the requirements for obtaining a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement. Topics include hazardous materials regulations, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures.
  • Refresher Course (CVOP 1001) $500 | 40 Hours
    This 40-hour course is for current CDL holders who need to refresh their skills and knowledge. It will focus on recent changes in regulations, advanced driving techniques, and safety protocols

 

Available in Abilene and Harlingen only.

  • CDL Class B with Passenger and/or School Bus Endorsement (CVOP 1011) $2500 | 120 Hours
    Training for obtaining a Class B CDL with options for Passenger and/or School Bus endorsements. Includes pre-trip inspections, basic control skills, and commercial driving rules. Specific training on the safe transport of passengers.