Certificate Program
Western Texas College is a federally approved training provider.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Are you ready to hit the road on your own terms? WTC designed the Truck Driving Owner/Operator Certificate Program to launch your career into high gear.

Whether you're aiming to be an independent driver or plan to manage a fleet, our Owner/Operator Certificate Program equips you with the skills needed to succeed.

The comprehensive program combines expert classroom instruction with practical hands-on road training. You won't just learn to drive a truck; you'll master the art of navigating the trucking industry as a savvy business owner.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Our streamlined curriculum gets you trained, certified, and ready to embark on your new career as quickly as possible.

From mastering your CDL to defensive driving and handling adverse conditions, our courses fully prepare you for the road ahead. We go beyond driving. Learn crucial business skills, including how to effectively finance, manage, and grow your own trucking business.

You can earn your certificate in just 18 semester hours.

COURSES

Commercial Driver's License Written Skills. Overview of the State of Texas Class A Commercial Driver's License written test. In-depth coverage of general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicle, doubles and triples, tankers, and hazardous materials. Includes preparation for mastery of the Commercial Driver's License written examination.

Commercial Driver's License Driving Skills. Overview of the State of Texas Class A Commercial Drivers' License driving test. In-depth coverage of in-cab air brake test, proper shifting, right and left-hand turns, movement in traffic, parking of a tractor-trailer, highway and city driving, and backward movement and control.

Advanced Driving Skills I. Operation of a tractor-trailer combination in city and highway conditions, including control and maneuvering of the vehicle through various traffic situations with numerous tractor-trailer combinations.

Advanced Driving Skills II. Continuation of tractor-trailer operation in city and highway conditions. Emphasis on practical applications of space management techniques, improved methods for control in difficult traffic situations, and effective operation in various conditions.

Defensive Driving Course. Defensive driving techniques. Includes identification of hazardous situations and methods for recognizing, understanding, and taking corrective action to prevent accidents in a tractor-trailer combination.

Trucking Environment and Lifestyle. The environment of the trucking industry, the lifestyle associated with the truck driver, and methods for coping with the trucking environment and lifestyle.

Small Business Financing. The financial structure of a small business. Includes business financing, budgeting record keeping, taxation, insurance, and banking.

Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship. Starting, operating, and growing a small business. Includes essential management skills, how to prepare a business plan, accounting, financial needs, staffing, marketing strategies, and legal issues.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To enroll in the program, the State of Texas requires you to meet the following qualifications.

You must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Have an acceptable driving record (a three-year driving record must be provided)

• Hold a current Department of Transportation Medical Card or pass a DOT physical exam

• Pass a drug screening

In order to obtain a learner’s permit, you will also need:

• A valid Texas Department of Transportation Class C License

• Proof of Texas residency for six months

• A Social Security card, Birth Certificate, or Passport

Please note that students must pass the mandated classroom hours with a score of 80 or greater before testing for a learner’s permit at the DMV. Learn more about the early drive train requirements, here.

CERTIFICATE OFFERED

Truck Driving Owner/Operator Level I Certificate

For course descriptions and tuition and fee information, please see the Course Catalog.

Download the White Paper. 

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Would you like to receive more information about this program? Fill out the Information Packet Request HERE.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Ready to apply? Check out our New Student Checklist. For more information on applying to the program, please contact:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations
Federal Training Provider Registry
National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS)