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Q. What type of CDL driving jobs are available and what are the differences?

A. We focus on over the road training as our main competency, although training is suited for most if not all types of cdl driving positions (1) Over the road (OTR) is normally coast to coast, all 48 states and Canada. (2) Dedicated is going from point A to point B on a regular basis, usually over 500 miles. (3) Regional jobs are usually within a 5-7 state area from your employers driving terminal. (4) Less-Than-Load (LTL) usually is local to regional freight normally associated with UPS or FedEx type delivery companies.

 Q. What can I expect as a Continental CDL graduate?

A. Graduates of Continental enjoy the many job opportunities that are afforded them. Naturally, once employed all companies expect their drivers to work hard and put in an honest days work. For those who do, they enjoy good pay packages with an array of benefits.

Q. What if I have DUI/DWI record, or a felony?

A. Qualifications for employment vary by trucking company, but typically any felony in the past 10 years or a DUI/DWI in the past 5 years will mean you can not be employed with a national carrier.  However these are not the only companies hiring drivers and we will work hard to ensure we have pursued every option available to anyone interested in becoming a driver.  We cannot promise we will be successful, but we will promise to try every avenue available to help you find a job. If it's not possible, we will be honest and will not enroll anyone that is not employable in this industry.

Q. Do I need a drug screen and physical?

A. Yes.  Per DOT regulations, a drug screen and physical are required.

Q. What kind of income can I expect as a professional truck driver?

A. First year earnings for an OTR driver are $35,000 to $42,000.  Some schools may claim you can achieve higher income, and in some cases this may be true, but we want to give you a normal, realistic expectation for your income potential.

Q. Is financing available for this program?

A. There are financing options available for all students.   State and Federal funds are available for qualifying students under the Workforce Investment Act (WIOA), Vocational Rehabilitation, and other sources to assist dislocated and unemployed workers.

Q. What kind of regulatory requirements are there for truck drivers?

A. To operate in interstate commerce, a driver must be at least 21 years of age, pass a physical examination every 2 years, and submit to testing for drug and alcohol use, including unannounced random testing.  Drivers of all trucks with gross-weight ratings of more than 26,000 pounds and drivers of vehicles carrying any quantity of hazardous materials that are required to display warning signs must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by passing tests of their knowledge of safety regulations and their ability to drive large trucks.  Drug and alcohol convictions or combinations of various serious driving violations can draw temporary or even permanent loss of driving privileges.

Q. Do I need to be a U.S citizen?

A. You will need to provide a valid Texas Driver License photo identification and social security card, as well as proof that you are allowed to work in the United States.

Q. I have a Class A CDL license, but I have not driven over the road for some time so companies will not hire me.  How can you help?

A. We have a CDL refresher course available that may help you with your situations. We offer 4 day, 1 week, and 2 week CDL refresher courses.

Q. Do you have housing?

A. Yes, this is a service we provide mainly for our out of town or out of state students.

Q. Will you actually drive on US highways and interstates?

A. Yes

Q. Will I have my Class A CDL license at the end of the program?

A. Yes, provided you pass the state written tests and driving test.

Q. How long is your CDL driver training course?

A.  The course is 200 hours.  Our weekday course is 4 weeks long, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. Our evening course is 6 weeks long, Monday - Friday, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm.

Q. What type of Certificate will I receive after completion of classes?

A. Each student will receive a certificate of completion, a transcript of grades and accomplishments.

Q. I need help paying for school.  Is that available?

A. Yes, student loans and financial aid are available to those that qualify.  See Financial Aid for more information.

Q. Does Continental help me find a job when I finish school?

A. Yes, we do help.  There are many companies that are eager to hire Continental graduates and we have Job Placement personnel to assist you.  Many students are hired immediately after training.

Q. Are there any opportunities for women in the trucking industry?

A. There are many opportunities for women in the trucking industry, and many carriers actively recruit women drivers.

Q. What are the normal working conditions for a professional driver?

A. Truck drivers travel in all parts of the country, through heavy city traffic and the wide open spaces, through mountain passes and blistering deserts. They operate in good weather and bad, during day and night. The work is sometimes difficult and often demanding, both from a physical as well as mental point of view. Trucking is a financially rewarding and challenging career.

Q.  How would you summarize the training?

A. Continental's training is 200 hours and is approved by FMCSA for the new Entry Level Driving Training that started February 7, 2022.  Classes meet Monday through Friday.  Weekday class are 4 weeks.  Evening classes are 6 weeks.  Course work includes:

• Driving on the open road in highway, city, and heavy traffic conditions.

• Safe and efficient operation of various types of tractors and trailers.

• Defensive driving techniques, backing softy, and emergency procedures.

• In-depth study of DOT safety rules and regulations.

• Evaluations and critiques from our team of professional instructors.

• Graduates receive a certificate and a Class A CDL

• Continental provides job placement assistance

Q. What is the school philosophy about safe driving?

A. Safety is our Driving Concern. We believe in safety so firmly that we have made that our school motto:  Safety Driven