State College, PA — Penn State Behrend’s Office of Community and Workforce Programs has announced a new 77‑hour Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program that begins on June 5 and July 17. The course, designed with input from local carriers Barnhart Transportation LLC and Team Harding, blends classroom instruction, written testing, vehicle inspection drills, and 15 hours of on‑road practice.
Truck driver jobs across the country continue to outpace supply, and FMCSA regulations mandate that new CDL‑A holders complete a minimum of 40 classroom hours. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that meets or exceeds those requirements, Penn State Behrend aims to reduce the time and cost barriers that often keep aspiring drivers out of the field. The program’s 48 classroom hours cover theory, safety, and regulatory compliance, while the written test is administered at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver License Center.
After the written portion, students tackle vehicle inspection training that mirrors real‑world inspection protocols used by freight companies. The final segment of the program consists of 15 behind‑the‑wheel hours on local routes, giving candidates hands‑on experience with tractor‑trailer operations, load handling, and highway driving. The curriculum’s design reflects current FMCSA standards and the practical needs of trucking companies hiring today.
What This Means for Drivers
For prospective CDL‑A drivers, the program offers a clear, 77‑hour pathway that eliminates the need to juggle multiple training providers. The structured schedule—48 hours of classroom learning followed by a written test and hands‑on training—ensures that graduates are ready to hit the road immediately. Owner‑operators can benefit from the program’s focus on inspection and safety, skills that directly impact maintenance costs and compliance records. Trucking companies hiring new talent will find that graduates are already familiar with FMCSA regulations, reducing onboarding time and training expenses.
Industry Reaction
Carriers across Pennsylvania have welcomed the initiative, noting that a locally trained workforce can fill gaps in the supply of qualified drivers. Barnhart Transportation LLC highlighted that the curriculum’s emphasis on inspection aligns with their own safety protocols. Industry advocates emphasize that such programs help address the ongoing driver shortage, especially for OTR truck drivers who require robust training before long‑haul assignments.
Key Points
- 77‑hour CDL‑A training program launched by Penn State Behrend
- Course includes 48 classroom hours, a written test, vehicle inspection drills, and 15 behind‑the‑wheel hours
- Program starts on June 5 and July 17, with potential financial aid through the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act
- Curriculum developed in partnership with local carriers Barnhart Transportation LLC and Team Harding
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