Tractor Trailer Driver, Basic (TTD150)

This program is designed for the needs of students with no prior knowledge or experience in truck driving. The objective is to provide students with an in-depth look at the trucking industry and a thorough introduction to long haul truck driving.

The program is structured to provide students with basic knowledge and practical skills necessary to take the Class A CDL test and assist in preparing them to become entry level over-the-road, regional or local drivers of tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. The Class A CDL is administered by the State, and can include doubles and triples, tank truck, and hazardous materials endorsements. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates to work in a co-driver/driver trainee position, although some graduates may be qualified to work as a solo driver, depending on individual skill development and employer requirements and policies. The program takes approximately 8 weeks to complete, and includes 150 clock hours of instruction, including 98 hours of class and lab, 52 hours of behind the wheel driving time and the CDL test. The program is divided into the 6 courses described below.

SAGE Truck Driving Schools have provided professional truck driver training since 1989.

• Fast, Affordable Training: Get on the road with your CDL in a few months—not years.
• Behind-the-Wheel Training: Hands-on practical instruction.
• Dedicated, Experienced Instructors: Our instructors have years of real-world experience.
• Job Placement Assistance: We help you find a job in your field. (SAGE does not promise or guarantee employment to any student or graduate.)

Our training model is built on in-depth classroom instruction and real-world driving experience because we believe the best way to learn is behind the wheel. SAGE students don’t just train to pass a test — they train to become safe, confident, and job-ready professional drivers.

All programs are offered without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, veteran status or handicap. The Admission requirements are based largely upon trucking industry requirements and a desire to learn about and pursue a career in the trucking industry. To be admitted, students must: be at least 18 years old (21 if intending to drive interstate); possess a valid state driver's license; have a motor vehicle driving record free from current serious offenses; be willing to submit to a drug test; be able to pass a United States Department of Transportation physical exam & drug screen; and be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language sufficient to be employed in the trucking industry (read traffic signs, converse with public, respond to official inquiries and complete required written documents). Washington residents must provide a High School Diploma, GED or high school equivalency from a school where the primary language is English. Documentation of this requirement must be received prior to enrolling into a CDL program.

Students are required to pass a DOT Physical conducted by an approved DOT provider; obtain their Commercial Driver's License Permit; and pass a DOT Drug Screen prior to commencing the behind-the-wheel (BTW) portion of the program.

Students in the full-time programs follow a daily class schedule that may be offered from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the classroom and lab portions of the program. Included in this schedule are meal breaks and periodic 10 minute breaks. During the driving portion of the program, the schedule is very similar to the schedule a professional driver may follow, and lessons can be scheduled according to availability of equipment and instructors. For those students attending on a part-time basis (evenings or weekends), where available, the School attempts to schedule instruction in order not to conflict with other responsibilities.

Classes are held every day except holidays, or in the event of emergencies or unavoidable circumstances such as severe weather. Please consult the School for a current list of program start dates. The School offers start dates every 2 weeks. The School is closed for these holidays: New Years' Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Campus hours. Monday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Total charges. $5,450 for the program. Includes tuition, books, DOT Physical, DOT Drug Screen, Motor Vehicle Record, and initial State CDL Test. Student is responsible for paying license and permit fees directly to state or state agency.

Other fees.

• CDL Retest: $275
• CDL License (Paid to State): $40 (± Pricing does not include any additional endorsements or other state fees.)
• CDL Permit (Paid to State): $29
• Truck Rental: $300
• HazMat Background Check (paid to TSA): $86.50

Financing. SAGE offers in-house financing through Institutional Retail Installment Contracts. These school-based financing agreements provide an alternative to traditional loans and are managed directly at the training location. Availability varies by campus. Students may also explore private student loan options through banks, credit unions, or online lenders; SAGE does not endorse or partner with any specific lender.

Tuition assistance. Options include Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, state and local grants, Vocational Rehabilitation programs, veterans funding at approved locations, trucking company tuition reimbursement and non-profit foundation funding. Availability and eligibility for these options can vary by location and individual circumstances.

Howes Scholarship. Howes is pleased to offer $1,000 scholarships towards the tuition costs of students attending select SAGE Truck Driving Schools. Howes scholarships will be presented monthly to eligible and qualified candidates who have enrolled in one of the Truck Driver Training, Basic CDL Class A Programs (TTD150-TTD160). Standard SAGE admissions criteria apply in addition to any scholarship criteria.

The school also participates with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The program is structured to provide students with basic knowledge and practical skills necessary to take the Class A CDL test and assist in preparing them to become entry level over-the-road, regional or local drivers of tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles.

Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates to work in a co-driver/driver trainee position, although some graduates may be qualified to work as a solo driver, depending on individual skill development and employer requirements and policies.

Placement assistance. SAGE offers job placement assistance services to all students. SAGE has an excellent history of successfully placing graduates with many local and national employers. The School assists students in planning, developing, and obtaining a position in the trucking industry. Students are assisted in establishing credentials, writing a resume, developing interviewing skills, and making contact with employers. Students are required to truthfully disclose all relevant information in response to applications for training and employment. Although the School maintains lists and is in contact with prospective employers, SAGE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY STUDENT A CDL, A SPECIFIC WAGE OR RATE OF PAY, OR EMPLOYMENT IN A JOB AS A RESULT OF TRAINING OR PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. It is important to note that actual driver income is based on many factors outside the School's control, including carrier rates and policies, economic conditions, driver safety, health and judgment, regulatory requirements, traffic and weather, among others. Data regarding the School's completion rates, typical graduation rates and industry job placement rates are available from the School Director for the previous 12-month period for which the data was reported.

In-Class Training. The classroom portion of the program provides foundational knowledge on topics such as Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, trip planning, vehicle inspections, hours-of-service rules, logbook management, and defensive driving techniques. Led by experienced instructors, this structured setting prepares students for their CDL written exams and instills essential safety and compliance practices.

Behind-the-Wheel Training. SAGE’s hands-on, behind-the-wheel training gives students real-world experience operating a commercial vehicle. Training takes place on a driving range and on the road, where students practice shifting, turning, backing, and maneuvering techniques. One-on-one, on-the-road instruction ensures that each student gets the attention and seat time needed to build confidence and readiness for the CDL skills test. (One-on-one, on the road training varies by location.)

Class size. The class size typically will not exceed twenty (20) students. SAGE believes that personal and individual private instruction is critical for behind the wheel driving lessons. The ratio of student to instructor may be up to 4:1 on the driving range and is 1:1 over-the-road (unless otherwise required by law).