Thank you for your interest in Trident Tech’s Commercial Truck Driving certificate program. Please follow the steps below to be ready to start your program.
You are invited to attend the Commercial Truck Driving Workshop to get help with this process. This workshop is held every second Wednesday at Trident Tech’s Thornley Campus Student Success Center (Bldg. 500/Suite 134) at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in person and 6 p.m. virtually. Register here for the workshop.
- Apply for free.
Apply online here. Select Commercial Truck Driving Certificate as your academic program. Email a photo/file of your valid South Carolina driver’s license and high school diploma or GED Transcript to admissionsdocs@tridenttech.edu.
If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, there are alternative options available to you that will be discussed at the CDL workshop.
- Visit Trident Tech's student portal at my.tridenttech.edu.
Your username is usually your first and last name, all one word, all lowercase at my.tridenttech.edu * (ex: firstandlastname@my.tridenttech.edu).
Your password is originally set to “Aa” plus the last six numbers of your social security number plus “$” (ex: Aa######$).
*There are exceptions. If your name is a common name, your username may be an exception which means it has up to a five-digit number after your name. (Ex.: susanbrown4572). This number was included in the acknowledgment letter you received from the Admissions office after you applied to Trident Technical College.
- Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Using this link (FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid), please complete the FAFSA for the current academic year. (For example, to start in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025, submit the 2024-25 FAFSA. To start in Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026, submit the 2025-26 FAFSA).
Please contact the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) if you need help with the FAFSA by calling 843-574-6430 or emailing eoc@tridenttech.edu.
- Attend a CDL workshop.
Held every second Wednesday at Trident Tech’s Thornley Campus Student Success Center (Bldg. 500/Suite 134) at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in person and 6 p.m. virtually. Register here for the workshop.
- Complete a Department of Transportation physical.
You will not be able to register for classes without it. You are responsible for the cost of this physical. Costs vary significantly, typically between $70-$150. We recommend that you call for pricing in advance. You can search from a list of registered providers in your area.
- Get your Class-A Learner’s Permit (CLP) and 10-year driving record.
You will need to take your driver’s license and DOT medical card to a SCDMV field office to apply for a CLP and also obtain your official 10-year Certified Driving Record. You will be responsible for all SCDMV fees. You will need to pass three knowledge tests: General Knowledge, Combinations, and Air Brakes. To prepare, you should study sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the S.C. CDL Manual for these tests. The manual is available online (search for CDL Manual) or may be purchased at any SCDMV field office. We also recommend you take the knowledge tests for the Tanker Vehicle endorsements.
- Contact the program administrator.
Please send an email to the program administrator, Angela Crump. This email must include copies of the following: DOT medical card, Class-A Learner’s Permit, regular driver’s license, 10-year driver history and a preferred phone number.
If you have questions, contact Angela Crump by calling 843-574-6389 or email Angela.Crump@tridenttech.edu.
Interest in this program is high and we are working hard to meet everyone’s needs. Your patience is appreciated.