Fort Wright, Ky — Gateway Community & Technical College will roll out its inaugural evening CDL‑A class on Aug. 26, offering a four‑week program that runs until Oct. 16 for students who need to work or study during daylight hours.

The move comes as Kentucky grapples with a shortage of qualified truck operators. The state employs roughly 84,000 heavy‑truck and tractor‑trailer drivers, yet the average annual wage of $37,735 remains modest compared with neighboring markets. Governor Andy Beshear’s recent legislation easing out‑of‑state licensing aims to pull more talent into the corridor, and the new night program aligns with that push.

Classes will meet Mon‑Thu from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the college’s Transportation and Technology Center in Fort Wright, the same facility that houses automotive and diesel technology labs. The $4,500 tuition covers a DOT‑required physical, drug test, and an online entry‑level driver training (ELDT) theory course. Prospects must be at least 18, hold a valid Kentucky driver’s license, pass the federal DOT physical, and demonstrate English literacy. Registration closes Aug. 5, and seats are assigned on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers who enroll can keep their current jobs while completing the coursework, eliminating the income gap that often forces candidates to abandon their goals. Fleet managers gain a pipeline of locally trained operators who have already cleared the DOT physical and drug screening, reducing onboarding time. Owner‑operators looking to expand their credentials will find the night schedule compatible with existing routes, and the program’s inclusion of ELDT satisfies FMCSA regulations for new entrants.

Industry Reaction

Regional carriers and OTR trucking companies have welcomed the initiative, noting that a steady flow of qualified drivers eases the chronic staffing crunch that has plagued the Midwest. Training providers across the state are watching the enrollment numbers, expecting the model to inspire similar night‑shift offerings. The broader industry sees the program as a practical response to driver shortages, especially as trucking companies ramp up hiring to meet post‑pandemic freight demand.

Key Points

• Evening CDL‑A classes begin Aug. 26 and end Oct. 16, with sessions Monday‑Thursday, 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
• Tuition is $4,500 and includes DOT physical, drug screen, and mandatory online ELDT theory.
• Applicants must be 18+, hold a Kentucky driver’s license, pass a DOT physical, and meet English literacy standards.
• Financial aid is available through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and possibly the Kentucky Career Center.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR truck driver candidates, owner‑operators, and regional drivers with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.

Photo by Beyza Kaplan on Pexels