Oct 12, 2024  
Academic Program Manuals 2023-2024 
    
Academic Program Manuals 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Commercial Driver Training Program Policies & Procedures


Students successfully completing the Commercial Driver Training program will have the practical driving and operational skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate commercial motor vehicles as entry-level drivers.

Non-Discrimination Statement

To view the full Non-Discrimination Statement, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook or the college website.

Disability Services/Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations for special services should contact the IHCC Disability Services office for assistance. Services are available to students who need classroom accommodations, interpreters and/or specialized equipment.

Students who are requesting accommodations must document their disability by providing a written statement signed by a school counselor, physician, psychologist or other health care professional. Statements must include: (a) a description of the disability, (b) a statement of how the disability prohibits one or more major life activities and is a barrier to the student’s full participation in the program, and (c) a description of the specific accommodations to be provided. (Requested accommodations must be related to the individual’s specific disability.)

All requests for accommodations should be made prior to enrollment.

Students should make their requests for accommodations to the Disability Services office at the time they are applying for admission and, preferably, no later than six weeks prior to the beginning of each academic term. All student requests are dealt with in a confidential manner. Students should contact Disability Services by calling (641) 683-5749 (Ottumwa) or (641) 856-2143, ext. 2214 (Centerville) or by email at [email protected].

Accreditation

Indian Hills Community College is a public post-secondary institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, and (800)621-7440.

Indian Hills Community College is also accredited by the State of Iowa, Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, (515)281-8260.

Program Learning Outcomes

The following list of program learning outcomes describes the knowledge and skills the student should be able to demonstrate upon completion of the program.

  1. Demonstrate competencies of basic maneuvers in operating a combination vehicle, including backing skills.
  2. Identify potential safety concerns or issues when performing a pre-trip inspection and citing safety hazards while performing the road trip.
  3. Demonstrate driving proficiency of basic skills in road training to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License Class A.

Preparing for the Commercial Driver Training Program

 To begin the IHCC Commercial Driver Training program you need to be informed about the process and the expectations of the program.

 You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. You must have been driving for a minimum of one year with a good driving record.

 Until you turn 21 years of age you will be considered an intrastate driver and cannot participate in interstate commerce.

Federal DOT requires (Part 391.11.b.2) that students can read and speak in the English language sufficiently. As a result, students will be subject to taking the ESL ACCUPLACER Exam at the start of the program and must score an Advanced Level to continue. Please contact us for more details on exact scores and on concurrent enrollment specifications.

Prior to the First Day of Class

  • Obtain a Commercial Class A driving permit from the DOT Driver License Station in your state.
    • A birth certificate and Social Security card is required to obtain a permit. If you do not have the actual SS card one can be obtained free of charge from the Social Security Office. Laminated cards are not accepted by the Iowa DOT.
  • Pass a DOT physical.
    • You must get a DOT physical from an FMCSA certified physician. Typical cost $75.00 to $150.00 and the clinics have the DOT physical forms on site. Certified clinics close to our location include:
      • Mercy Clinics Family Medicine Ottumwa & Urgent Care
        522 N Hancock St, Ottumwa
        (641) 683-0800
      • Pella Regional Health Center’s Medical Clinic
        920 N. Quincy Ave, Ottumwa
        (641) 455-5200
      • Ottumwa Chiropractic Clinic
        297 Richmond Ave, Ottumwa
        (641) 954-5173
  • Apply to the program using the following link: https://indianhills.formstack.com/forms/apply_for_cdl 
  • Attend a mandatory orientation session on scheduled Mondays 5:00 to 6:00 pm. If you are unable to attend you will need to make other arrangements by calling 641-683-5214.     
  • Secure your funding. Funding must be completed before starting class. This process may take several weeks. For information call, 641-683-5214 or 641-683-5285.

Professionalism

Through your IHCC Driver Training Program, you will experience an environment of professionalism. Proper conduct and safety awareness are emphasized.

Any conduct that is unprofessional and compromising to safety is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program!

Inclement Weather

Indian Hills Alert is the emergency notification system of Indian Hills Community College. Indian Hills Alert allows the college to communicate timely emergency information quickly to students, faculty, staff and interested members of the community.  To sign up to receive alerts, go to https://ihccalert.bbcportal.com/ and create an account to receive information via phone, email, and/or text message about college–related emergencies, college closings or delayed openings due to inclement weather, or other urgent campus communications.  Indian Hills Alert will only be used to send you messages related to college emergencies or safety issues, never to send you advertisements.

Program Do’s and Don’ts

For the safety and convenience of all occupants, the following rules will apply to the use of the North Campus college facilities:

Parking

Commercial Driver Training students should park on the east side of the building.

Student Communication

It is not the college’s responsibility to take personal messages or telephone calls. All attempts for EMERGENCY messages will be forwarded as soon as possible to the individual.

Personal Appearance

Students are asked to maintain a personal appearance that reflects professionalism. Students should wear clothing as directed by the course instructor that ensures personal safety. Sandals are not permitted. No hats or caps are to be worn in the classroom.

Cell Phone Policy

All cell phones will be turned to vibrate or turned off. Cell phone use is forbidden in the class room and in the trucks as well, as the truck is an extension of the classroom.

First Aid Kits/AED

First Aid kits are located throughout the building. All accidents regardless of severity must be reported to the instructor immediately. The instructor will determine whether further medical treatment is required. An Automatic External defibrillator (AED) is located near reception center of the building. Check the general IHCC Student Handbook available online for more information about emergency and communication procedures.

Weapons

Weapons such as hand guns or guns used for hunting are not allowed on school property. Knifes with a blade longer than 3 inches are also prohibited. 

Use of Tobacco Products Policy

To view the full Use of Tobacco Products Policy, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.