Student Catalog 2025-2026

Mission Statement

Truck Driving Schools of America provides a life-changing experience through quality, competency-based CDL training. With small class sizes (4:1 student-instructor ratio) on both range and road, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the trucking industry. Our staff follows the HIS method: Honesty, Integrity, and Sincerity. We train students to be safety-conscious professionals—not just to pass the CDL test, but to become the finest graduates in the industry.

Objective

Our objective is to produce the finest graduates and support the trucking community. By training students with safety in mind, our instructors teach the why and how of every maneuver—why we do it and how to do it safely.

Admission Requirements

• 21+ to drive interstate (pre-hire required if <21)
• Active AZ driver's license ≥ 1 year
• Read/speak English sufficiently to operate a CMV

Drug-Screen Policy

While marijuana is legal in Arizona, it remains illegal in the transportation field under federal law. The trucking industry falls under federal regulations, and any failed DOT drug test is recorded in the TPR (Training Provider Registry). If you have recently been a heavy user or have concerns, take an over-the-counter test and speak with our admissions staff—we're here to help, not judge.

Program Schedule

Attendance & Holidays

Refund Policy

Full refund if canceled within 3 days of signing and before class. After start and up to 60% completion, tuition is prorated + $200 admin fee. No refund after 60% completion.

Grading System

We use a five-point proficiency scale to assess student progress:

• 5 – Fully Proficient (100%): Student performs with minimal mistakes
• 4 – Proficient (90%): Student can perform exercise with no help
• 3 – Minimal Proficiency (80%): Student performs with minimal help
• 2 – Partial Proficiency (70%): Student is starting to perform exercise
• 1 – Not Proficient (60%): Student needs constant guidance

All scores must be 3 or higher to take the test and graduate.

Graduation Requirements

• ≥ 80% score in theory & BTW
• ≥ 80% attendance
• Pass CDL test + committed pre-hire
• All financial responsibilities satisfied

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students must maintain minimum cumulative grade point averages at key intervals: 60% at the first 25% of the program, 70% at mid-point, and 80% upon graduation. Students must complete the program within 1.5 times the normal timeframe (e.g., full-time students have a maximum of 6 weeks for a 4-week program).

Student Conduct & Grievance

Professional behavior is expected at all times. Students are subject to dismissal for destruction of school property, illegal activities, unethical conduct, or threats (including cyber stalking). Contact your instructor or lead instructor first; if unresolved, submit grievances to the School Director for thorough investigation. All parties involved will be notified and allowed to respond.

FAQs

Additional Policies

• Tardiness: Students more than 15 minutes late or leaving early more than 3 times will be placed on attendance probation.
• Make-up Tests: Students who miss tests for medical or family emergencies may reschedule within allotted time. Each student is allowed 2 tests; additional requests require written approval.
• Leave of Absence: Granted for up to 30 days for emergencies outside student control. Medical and military leave may extend up to 180 days.
• Re-instatement: Students dropped for any reason may submit a written request explaining circumstances and changes. Reviewed weekly with responses sent by the following week.
• Tutoring: Available upon request with the lead instructor for students needing extra time.

Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment

TDSA is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law. All employees and students must abide by this policy, and retaliation for reporting violations is strictly prohibited.