In order to be eligible for the program, you must-

• Have a valid driver's license with a minimum of one year of driving experience
• Be at least 18 years old to drive in-state, and 21 years old to drive across state lines
• Provide verifiable work history or schooling
• Certain felony convictions can limit employment. Hazmat hauling has stricter rules; if you plan to haul Hazmat materials, inquire with employer/DMV prior to pursuing program
• Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination (DOT Medical Examiner's Card)
• Pass a DOT drug screening (completed after acceptance into the program, and ordered by Chemeketa)
• Obtain a Class A CDL learner permit with Airbrake and Combination Vehicles endorsements. Tests administered at DMV in English only.

Fall Term Schedule 2023:

Location: Salem Campus (class hours subject to change)

Class start date:  September 5 (Class in session)

Class start date:  October 2  Schedule:  Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, 4-week training (Currently, full, accepting alternates)

Class start date:  October 30 (November class) Schedule:  Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, 4-week training. No class/Holidays on 11/10, 11/23, 11/24 (Currently, 3 spots available)

Class start date:  December 4 Schedule:  Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, 4-week training. No class/Holidays on 12/25, 12/26 (Currently, 6 spots available)

Please complete the following steps for entry into the program-

• Complete the paper Truck Driving Application OR the online truck driving application
• Applicants should ensure they will meet the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements to get a CDL
• Obtain an official printed copy of your driving record from the DMV. If you held a license in more than one state in the past five years, a driving record from each state is required

Return paper application and required documents to- 

Chemeketa Community College
Truck Driving Program
Brandy Lehn
306 NE Norton Ln
McMinnville, OR 97128

Tuition and fees for the program are as follows-

*Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Payment Methods (non-credit programs are not eligible for financial aid through Chemeketa financial aid office.):

• Cash, Check, Credit Card
• Grants/Scholarships
  • Available to qualifying students through several different programs. Please see the "Grants and Scholarships" menu for more information. 
• Personal Loans
  • Students can obtain their own financing through a financial institution of their choice

Several trucking companies have sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursements once a student earns their CDL.

Financial assistance is available through the following programs. You will still need to fill out a Truck Driving Application in addition to these applications for funding. See the Application Process tab for more information.

South Coast Business Employment Corporation (SCBEC)

SCBEC offers limited financial assistance to qualifying students. If you're interested in securing possible funding, complete the interest form below. Response time for follow-up is typically within a week at SCBEC. Applications are decided near the end of each month, so you should complete this as soon as possible. Their funding generally covers only tuition ($5,000). The student will be responsible for the drug screening fee ($45) and third-party testing ($230). 

Please fill out this interest form for a referral. https://forms.gle/xkZCyDaKPpxtCoNx6

Worksource Oregon Vocational Scholarship 

• Complete and update an iMatchSkills profile:  https://empportal.emp.state.or.us/mprod_imscod_dad/!pkg_startup.proc_new_home
• Schedule and complete a Welcome conversation with the employment department (this includes ID verification): https://www.worksourceoregon.org/contact
• This can be completed virtually or in person at any Worksource Center
• In that Welcome conversation, make sure to request a referral to WIOA services for funding for their program 
• Additional funding is available through the STEPS program at Worksource

Chemeketa STEPS Program

Students can obtain more information on the STEP webpage, or call 503.399.6482.

To be eligible for STEPS, you must:

• Must currently be receiving SNAP benefits
• Must not be on TANF
• Must be interested in pursuing training and/or educational opportunities
• Make an appointment
• Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs & Degrees

If you're pursuing a certificate, AAS degree, prerequisite classes, or license/certification exam, STEP can help with:

• Success coaching is dedicated to providing academic and personal support, connecting you to resources
• Gap funding to assist with required CTE certificate or degree program expenses-
• Tuition and fees
• Textbooks
• Tools
• Certification exams
• Transportation

Need to brush up on your truck driving skills? We offer one-on-one training with our instructors to address your areas of need. See pricing below!

**CDL must not have lapsed/expired more than 5 years to qualify for a refresher**

Skills assessment required (done with an instructor who then recommends the number of hours).