The Truck Driving certificate at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona is a high-quality program focused on connecting skilled, safe drivers with employers.
Career Area: Transportation
Program: Truck Driving
Campus(es): Winona
Please Note: Fall 2026 applications are closed. There may still be opportunities to get started with your program, however. Schedule a visit with Admissions or contact us at enrollmentservices@southeastmn.edu to discuss your options.
Upcoming Start Dates for the Truck Driving Certificate Program
Fall 2026 Semester Start Dates
Monday, August 24
Monday, October 19
Spring 2027 Semester Start Dates
Monday, January 11 : Registration Opens Nov. 10, 2026
Monday, March 15 : Registration Opens Nov. 10, 2026
Please Note: Truck Driving courses fill quickly! Please contact the Admissions Office to start the process of enrolling and registration. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Chris Cook, Winona Campus Admissions Representative, at 507-453-2410, or email Christopher.Cook@southeastmn.edu
Special Information About the Truck Driving Program
Apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast. (For step-by-step directions on the application process, visit our Admissions section.)
Note: For this program, you are NOT required to take the Accuplacer placement test.
Complete New Student Orientation online. Be sure to complete the required form at the end of the orientation.
In order to register for Truck Driving class, you will need to complete the following:
Valid Class A CDL permit.
Complete a DOT physical exam. You are responsible for the cost of the DOT physical.
To help you complete the above steps, download the Truck Driving Program Prerequisites PDF.
Once you have your Class A CDL Permit and DOT Physical complete, you will be able to register for Truck Driving classes (during open registration window.)
Your instructors will schedule a drug screening exam during the first week of class; the cost is included in your tuition.
Major Details
Minnesota State College Southeast's 20-credit Truck Driving certificate in Winona is renowned for top-notch instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and best of all, 100% job placement. As a student, you will enjoy a low student-to-instructor ratio to give you the attention you need.
Many trucking companies pre-hire qualified students once they are enrolled at Southeast. After training is completed, our graduates are ready to get behind the wheel and earn a desirable income. Because highly skilled truckers are in demand, many companies offer tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses.
Truck driver training begins with 8 weeks of classroom and behind-the-wheel training, preparing students for the situations they may face on the road. During this 8-week sequence of training, the students will also prepare for the Class "A" commercial driver's license (CDL) road test.
Finally, to complete the program, students must register for and complete an 8-week paid internship. Because the program is so intense, attendance and attitude are crucial, just as they are once you are on the job.
Our motto
"We have an obligation to our students, our community, and to other highway users to train the safest, most courteous drivers on the highway today. This is not an obligation we take lightly."
Apply now for admission to Southeast
Cluster/Pathway
Cluster: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Courses
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Total Credits Required for this Major: 20
Cost
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $6,809 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
| Books/Supplies: | $56 |
| Estimated Total: | $6,865 |
Career Opportunities
Over-the-road driver
Local driver
Safety Department
Dispatch
Yard spotters
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
Shift various transmissions proficiently.
Successfully back vehicle into specified maneuvers.
Be aware of utilizing space management in different situations.
Properly complete required daily paperwork.
Recognize changing road characteristics and properly adjust.
Highlights
Prehire program: Companies are eager to hire you once you're enrolled
Affordability: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement
Learn in a state-of-the-art facility
Instructors
Thomas Gierok
Tom Gierok dreamed of being a truck driver his entire life. His dream came true. Tom drove truck for ten years before becoming an instructor at Minnesota State College Southeast. He continues to be active in industry and drives over-the-road from time to time.