LA PLATA, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) will host a free virtual orientation session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. to introduce prospective students to its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs at the Center for Transportation Training in La Plata.
The event targets individuals interested in entering the high-demand trucking and commercial driving field, where Southern Maryland employers and national transportation companies seek qualified drivers. Registration requires uploading a recent driving record of good standing (less than 90 days old) for those pursuing Class A certification.
Located at 5825 Radio Station Drive in La Plata, the Center for Transportation Training offers CDL Class A (for combination vehicles like tractor-trailers) and Class B (for single-unit vehicles such as buses, plows, and garbage trucks, often with passenger endorsements) certifications. Programs last 10–12 weeks for Class A and four–five weeks for Class B. Curriculum emphasizes professional driving practices, safety protocols, vehicle inspections, basic controls, DOT compliance, and accident reporting.
A key training tool is the advanced driving simulator, featuring a truck seat, steering wheel, pedals, and an immersive monitor wall. Instructors simulate real-world challenges including rain, snow, heavy traffic, or tight urban navigation to build skills safely.
“It’s a great introduction to what they’ll really be doing,” said CDL Instructor Rhonda Croxton. “That machine is very unforgiving. It’s like a video game. You feel every movement, and the students can really learn and understand the truck.”
CSM employs two full-time CDL instructors, both certified examiners through a 2022 agreement with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). This partnership allows on-site skills testing, streamlining the licensing process.
“This agreement with the MVA eliminates some of the logistical hurdles of scheduling driving tests and securing vehicle availability,” said Mike Adams, Transportation Program Director. “Students can receive their license within 72 hours of finishing the course and passing the exam. When it’s time to take the exam, students are much more at ease. They know what to expect and drive with confidence.”
The program has achieved a 98 percent first-attempt pass rate since the agreement, with 100 percent success on second attempts. In 2025, it graduated about 50 drivers, many pursuing additional credentials to enhance employability.
Adams noted strong community interest and employer partnerships. “There’s a great deal of interest in the community to obtain licenses,” he said. “We work with employers and recruiters who come to us looking for drivers. Students are motivated to succeed and fill that industry need.”
The driver shortage remains acute nationally. The American Trucking Associations reported a gap of around 78,800 drivers in 2022, with ongoing demand growth in e-commerce and freight. Industry forecasts indicate persistent shortages, though exact 2025–2026 figures vary by source amid economic factors. School transportation faces similar pressures, with 81 percent of administrators citing bus driver shortages as a district issue.
Efforts to recruit women form a key strategy, as women comprised only 7 percent of truck drivers in 2024 per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Croxton, who has driven trucks since childhood, highlights growing female participation.
“I love helping people realize they can do something they’ve never done before,” Croxton said. “I see women doubt themselves sometimes, and next thing you know they’re saying, I can’t believe I did this. It gives women confidence in themselves.”
Recent graduate Carla Wade earned her Class A CDL and encourages others. “I would tell women not to be scared of the new opportunities and the doors that may open for them,” Wade said. “Having this license means I’m able to provide for my family financially and to be able to enjoy life.” Wade aims to become an owner-operator.
To boost access, CSM offers a required CDL learner’s permit preparation course before full enrollment. The February 11 virtual orientation provides program details, requirements, and enrollment steps. Interested participants can register through CSM’s continuing education portal.
The orientation aligns with CSM’s workforce development focus in Southern Maryland, equipping residents for stable careers amid regional and national transportation needs.