CDL and Heavy Equipment Operator Technical Certificate

Commercial Driver License

This is an entry-level tractor-trailer driver course. The primary goal of the program is to train the student driver to obtain a Commercial Driver license. Supervised training is used as a reliable way of teaching the special skills required to safely and legally operate various types of tractor -trailer combinations (van trailer, tanker, doubles, and triples). The curriculum incorporates general theories of tractor-trailer operation including proper maintenance, pre-trip inspections, daily log requirements, professional tractor-trailer maneuvers (basic skills) and field trips (driving the rig) throughout the Four Corners area. Graduates are employable as professional over-the-road drivers, drivers for local companies, or establish their own trucking company.

The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program is a six-week program. Two sessions are offered each semester. Class size is limited and students are enrolled on a first come, first served basis. Students must be at least 18 years old and possess a current New Mexico driver’s license and a DUI education certificate (if required), current DOT medical card, birth certificate, copy of NM Dept. MVD record, and proof of New Mexico residence (see page 9 for details) before applying to the commercial driver license program. Students may still attend training from other state residents, but have to abide by the resident state requirements to test in their state. Students who wish to obtain additional certification for hauling hazardous materials must be 21 years of age. After satisfactory completion of this training program, New Mexico state CDL examinations are given on-site.

CDL Requirements for AZ, CO, UT

Requirements for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in AZ, CO, and UT are as follows.

Hold a valid driver’s license for over one year.

Students need to be able to obtain a CDL in their state (Clean Motor Vehicle Report - MVR)

Be a resident of that state with a physical address on the license or be able to prove residency.

The students need to pass CDL physical and have a medical card.

21 years of age and over can drive inter-state.

The students to be able to pass a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) background check.

They need to take a written test in their home state, and skill tests can be done in any state.

Heavy Equipment Operator/CDL

The purpose of a one-semester certificate program in Heavy Equipment is to prepare students to operate and maintain heavy equipment for professional work in the construction industry. The students will receive classroom instruction and gain hands-on experience. A construction equipment operator drives and controls construction equipment, such as forklifts, backhoes, front end loaders, excavators, motor grades, and dozers. A heavy equipment operator assists construction of structures, bridges, roads, and buildings.