University of Arkansas develops CDL test prep program

The University of Arkansas Global Campus partnered with Northwest Technical Institute and Mid-America Truck Driving School.
The University of Arkansas Global Campus partnered with Northwest Technical Institute and Mid-America Truck Driving School. | Contributed photo

The University of Arkansas has developed a test preparation program in conjunction with two Arkansas technical institutions that will help those seeking their commercial driver’s licenses.

The university’s Global Campus in Rogers partnered with Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale and Mid-America Truck Driving School Inc. of Springdale for this program, which will provide participants with the information, skills and hands-on training necessary to apply for a commercial driver’s license. 

The partnership was forged to address the growing shortage of licensed truck drivers in the United States. The American Trucking Association estimated in 2015 that the country was short 50,000 drivers.

“The U of A Global Campus has been expanding our non-credit programming to meet the training needs of the local workforce and one area of focus will be on CDL training,” Tara Dryer, director of training for corporate development and academic outreach for the campus, said. “With this partnership, we hope to expand the number of individuals being placed in careers after obtaining their CDLs.”

The program, which lasts five weeks, includes 200 hours of combined classroom and behind-the-wheel training. The course will include a final exam.