CDL Class A Truck Driver Training Program

big red semi truck on highway

Program Overview

The CDL Class A Truck Driver Training Program at SUNY Broome Community College is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the commercial trucking industry. This comprehensive program blends structured classroom instruction with extensive behind-the-wheel training, giving students the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to pass the CDL exam and operate commercial vehicles safely and professionally.

Students benefit from small class sizes and instruction led by experienced CDL professionals who provide real-world insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of truck driving. Emphasis is placed on safety, regulatory compliance, vehicle operation, and professional driving standards.

This program is delivered in partnership with Ancora Training, a nationally recognized workforce training provider specializing in commercial driver education. Ancora’s experienced instructors provide hands-on, industry-aligned training, while SUNY Broome oversees program coordination and student support.

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What You’ll Learn

  • Federal and New York State CDL regulations
  • Vehicle inspection and safety procedures
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Proper shifting, backing, and maneuvering of commercial vehicles
  • Trip planning, logbooks, and hours-of-service requirements
  • Preparation for the CDL Class A skills and road exams

Location of Training

Classroom

SUNY Broome Community College
907 Front St.
Binghamton, NY 13905

Range

47 Thomas St
Binghamton, NY 13901

Program Start Dates

Cohort 1: March 16, 2026 – April 9, 2026
Cohort 2: April 13, 2026 – May 7, 2026
Cohort 3: May 11, 2026 – June 4, 2026
Cohort 4: June 8, 2026 – July 2, 2026
Cohort 5: July 6, 2026 – July 30, 2026
Cohort 6: August 3, 2026 – August 27, 2026
Cohort 7: August 31, 2026 – September 24, 2026
Cohort 8: September 28, 2026 – October 22, 2026
Cohort 9: October 26, 2026 – November 19, 2026
Cohort 10: November 23, 2026 – December 17, 2026
Cohort 11: December 21, 2026 – January 14, 2027

A permit, a DOT physical, and passing drug screening must be secured BEFORE students can begin driving lessons. It is advised to have these secured before the start of class.

  • Be 18 years or older to obtain a CDL-A license (drivers under 21 may operate within New York State only)
  • Be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines
  • Hold a valid New York State driver’s license
  • Be a resident of New York State
  • Provide proof of legal presence in the United States and a Social Security card
  • Have sufficient ability to read and speak English
  • Successfully pass a DOT physical and drug test
  • Have a driving record that meets program criteria
  • Be able to safely operate heavy machinery in various weather and driving conditions

Total Program Cost: $5,500

Tuition includes all required components of the program:

  • Classroom instruction
  • Behind-the-wheel driving training
  • CDL exam preparation
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
  • Drug screening

There are no hidden fees. Students receive a complete, all-inclusive training experience.

What’s NOT Included

Because of DMV regulations, students are responsible for scheduling and paying for their CDL road test.

SUNY Broome is working with Broome/Tioga Workforce Development to support eligible students through workforce training funds. Qualified participants may receive up to $5,000 toward tuition through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Funding approval is determined by the workforce agency before enrollment.

Applicants must have a permit and a DOT physical before being approved for funding

How The Funding Process Works

Step 1 – Register here to create a student profile online to begin your application process. After your student profile is complete, you will be contacted by our training partner (Ancora) to assist with the next steps of your application process (DOT Physical, permit, and drug screening).

Registration – Ancora Training Partner

Step 2 – Contact Broome-Tioga Workforce to begin the eligibility process. You will be matched with a counselor to help determine your eligibility.

Make an appointment

  • 📞 Broome-Tioga Workforce at (607) 778-2136
  • Visit 501 Reynolds Rd, Johnson City, NY 13790

Deadline

  • Funding approval must ideally be started 3 weeks before the program start date

Step 3 – Bring necessary documentation to your appointment with Broome-Tioga Workforce to finalize your funding eligibility.

Students Must Have:

  • Proof of enrollment from Ancora
  • CDL permit
  • DOT physical completed
  • Drug test completed

Step 4 – Once your application is complete with our training partner (Ancora) and your funding with the Broome-Tioga workforce has been secured, you will need to call or come to SUNY Broome to officially enroll and pay the remaining portion for the CDL course.

  • CDL CLASS A = 160 Hours of Training

Weekday Schedule

  • Days: Monday – Thursday
  • Time: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Duration: 4 Weeks Total (1 Week of On-campus Training & 3 Weeks of Range Training)

Weekend Schedule

Coming soon

Attendance Policy

  • If you are absent for 3 or more calendar days, you may be withdrawn from the program.
  • You must communicate any absences to workforce@sunybroome.edu or 607-778-5012

Weather & Emergency Notifications

If a class session is canceled or delayed, the instructor will notify participants in advance of the scheduled start time whenever possible. Participants may be required to make up any missed instructional time outside of the regularly scheduled class hours to ensure course requirements are fully met.

In New York State, there are three main types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs):

Class A

  • Required to operate combination vehicles with a total weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the trailer alone is over 10,000 pounds.
  • Examples: Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers), tanker trucks, flatbeds, and some large freight vehicles.
  • This is the most comprehensive license and offers the most job opportunities.

Class B

  • Required to operate a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing a trailer under 10,000 pounds.
  • Examples: Box trucks, dump trucks, large buses, and straight trucks.

Class C

  • Required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
  • Examples: Small passenger buses or specialty vehicles with HazMat endorsements.

For our program, we are currently offering CDL Class A only.

Out-of-State Students (SUNY Broome):

Yes, out-of-state students can absolutely train through SUNY Broome. Training can be completed in New York; however:

  • Students must obtain their CDL Permit and License in their home state (Same State as their Driver’s License)
  • State charges an out-of-state fee (reciprocity, avg $85) depending on the state.

Age Requirement:

Students must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL. However, those under 21 years old are restricted to intrastate driving only (within their state) and must complete additional training requirements.

Class A vs. Class B:

  • Class A CDL: Allows drivers to operate combination vehicles (tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, etc.) This is the most versatile license.
  • Class B CDL: Allows drivers to operate single vehicles (such as straight trucks, buses, dump trucks) but not combination vehicles like tractor-trailers.

CDL License Renewal:

Below are the CDL (Commercial Driver License) renewal requirements in New York, outlined step by step:

  1. Ensure your license is in good standing (no suspensions or revocations).
  2. Confirm your medical certification is up to date and on file.
  3. Complete the CDL renewal application (MV-44).
  4. Provide proof of identity and residency.
  5. Submit your renewal application by mail or in person (CDL renewals cannot be completed online in New York).
  6. Pay the required renewal fee.
  7. It’s recommended to begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires to avoid any delays.

Marijuana & Drug Testing:

Although marijuana is legal in New York State, federal DOT regulations still apply to CDL holders. This means:

  • Marijuana use is not permitted for CDL drivers
  • All students must pass a DOT drug screening, which includes marijuana
  • A positive test will disqualify an individual from training and/or employment in safety-sensitive positions

Occupation Title:

Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Estimated Annual Wages (New York State / Regional Averages):

  • Entry Level: approximately $48,000 annually
  • Annual Average: approximately $58,000–$60,000 annually
  • Experienced Level: approximately $65,000+ annually

Projected Employer Demand:

Estimated growth of approximately 15–20% over the next decade

Employment Landscape:

Thousands of truck driving positions exist statewide and regionally, supporting industries such as freight transportation, construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.

Wages and demand vary by employer, driving route (local, regional, long-haul), endorsements, and experience level.

Get Started

Workforce Development & Continuing Education
Email: workforce@sunybroome.edu
Phone: 866-937-1850

Contact us to learn more about enrollment, funding options, and whether this program is the right fit for you.