Admissions

DCS School of Driving

DCS School of Driving is a Private Trade School, operating under the license of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

DCS School of Driving admits, trains, and refers students without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin.

Simply Put: We will teach you how to drive a truck.

Upon completing the DCS School of Driving program, students will be prepared to obtain their Class A Commercial Driver’s License and begin working as entry-level truck drivers.

This will be achieved by completing the following 14 objectives:

1. Identify the major components of a tractor-trailer.
2. Locate and operate the controls found on a tractor-trailer.
3. Conduct comprehensive pre-trip, during-trip, and post-trip inspections.
4. Drive, shift, and steer a tractor-trailer.
5. Safely back a tractor-trailer in various settings.
6. Properly and safely couple and uncouple a trailer and adjust trailer tandems as needed.
7. Conduct a visual search of the roadway for potential hazards and take defensive measures to avoid them.
8. Communicate effectively with other drivers using widely accepted signals.
9. Properly manage speed and space to ensure maximum safety while driving a tractor-trailer.
10. Safely operate a tractor-trailer at night and under extreme driving conditions, using proper techniques.
11. Describe how to safely handle cargo and complete proper documentation.
12. Plan a trip and accurately log hours of service for that trip.
13. Pass Pennsylvania state tests for Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Doubles & Triples, Tank Vehicles, and Hazardous Materials.
14. Prepare to pass the Pennsylvania State Commercial Driving test and earn a Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

In 1986, Pennsylvania established the Commercial Driver Licensing Program to ensure that all commercial vehicle drivers in the United States have the skills required to operate these vehicles safely.



At DCS, students will learn the theory of truck driving and then put that theory into practice. Training begins in a sheltered yard environment and progresses to driving on two- and four-lane roads under varying conditions.

Students must complete the following on or before the first day of class:

1. Provide an original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other proof of U.S. citizenship.
2. Be at least 18 years old (21 years of age is required for interstate driving).
3. Take and pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) "Commercial Driver's Physical" and provide the results to the school.
4. Take and pass a DOT drug screen and provide the results to the school.
5. Possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's Knowledge Test Authorization (the permit is not required, only the Test Authorization).
6. Provide a 10-year Motor Vehicle Report to the school. This report can be purchased and printed instantly at Pennsylvania DMV by selecting the "Request Your Driver History" option.
7. Be able to communicate in English.
8. Hold a regular driver's license for at least one year.

It is highly recommended that students meet the following criteria to enhance their chances of successful employment after graduation:

• No failed or refused drug or alcohol tests in the last three years.
• No reckless driving convictions in the last three years.
• No license suspensions due to points in the last three years.
• No more than three moving violations in the last year.
• No more than four moving violations and/or accidents in the last three years.
• No felony convictions within the last seven years, from the time restitution was completed.
• No controlled substance incidents in the past seven years.
• No DWI, DUI, BAC, or open container convictions in the last three years. No multiple convictions for these offenses.

Note: DCS School of Driving may require students who fall into any of these categories to secure confirmation of employment from a hiring company before enrolling in the course.