What to Expect When Enrolling at Southwest Truck Driver Training
Southwest Truck Driver Training has helped thousands of Arizonans start trucking careers. For most of those students, the admissions process was the first time they felt like a person instead of a number.
Our team will walk you through what eligibility looks like, what the enrollment process involves, and what students can expect once they are in.
Who Is Eligible to Enroll
Most of the eligibility requirements below come from state and federal law. They apply to anyone seeking a commercial driver’s license in Arizona, regardless of which school they attend.
To be eligible for a CDL program at SWTDT, applicants must:
Southwest Truck Driver Training reviews each application individually. If an applicant is not sure whether something in their background disqualifies them, the admissions team will work through it with them directly.
The Enrollment Process, Step by Step
Southwest keeps the admissions process straightforward. There are no surprise steps.
- Fill out the contact form or call. An admissions representative will follow up promptly to set up an appointment.
- Visit campus for an interview and tour. Southwest schedules in-person interviews and full tours at the campus of the applicant’s choosing, whether it’s Phoenix or Tucson. This is a two-way conversation. The admissions rep covers program options, schedules, and tuition. Prospective students also get to see the training range, meet the instructors, and see the environment where people are genuinely enjoying their experience. Applicants are encouraged to ask questions
- Talk about scheduling and financing. Students choose a class schedule: days, evenings, or weekends. They’ll also discuss how to pay for training. The admissions team can walk through tuition assistance options on the spot.
- Complete the enrollment form. Once both sides agree it is the right fit, students complete an enrollment form in person or via follow-up email.
- Submit two final documents. Before the first day of class, students provide a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from every state they have been licensed in, and pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
A Note on Family
Southwest Truck Driver Training welcomes family members at admissions appointments. Spouses, parents, and other family members often have their own questions about the programs, the schedules, and what a trucking career actually looks like. The admissions team is glad to talk through all of it.
What Happens After Enrollment
Once a student is enrolled, Southwest handles the rest of the preparation. Students are confirmed into their class, assigned an instructor, and receive information about their first day.
Southwest Truck Driver Training is a registered FMCSA Training Provider. All Class A and Class B CDL programs meet federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. Both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses are state-certified CDL skills exam testing sites, so students test where they trained.
From day one, students are supported by instructors who know them by name. That is not a claim — it is how the school has operated since the doors opened.
Talk to Our Team
The admissions team at Southwest Truck Driver Training is the best first call a prospective student can make. They know the programs, the schedules, and the eligibility requirements inside and out — and they will give a straight answer to every question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest Truck Driver Training require prior trucking experience to enroll?
No. Most students who enroll have no commercial driving experience. A valid driver’s license and the motivation to do the work are the starting points.
What class schedules are available?
Southwest offers day, evening, and weekend classes at both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses. Students choose the schedule that fits their life.
How long does the admissions process take?
The timeline varies, but most students complete the interview and enrollment form in one or two visits. Tuition assistance processing may take a few weeks if WIOA funding is involved.
Can a student with a felony on their record still apply?
It depends on the offense. Some convictions disqualify applicants under federal or state law, while others do not. Southwest reviews applications individually and will not turn someone away without a conversation first.
What does the drug test screen for?
The DOT-standard test screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and PCP. Federal law prohibits CDL holders from using marijuana even with a prescription. Applicants with a prescription amphetamine should speak with their doctor before enrolling.
How does Southwest handle tuition assistance?
The admissions team walks every prospective student through tuition assistance options, including options like in-house financing and government programs like WIOA.
What is a DOT physical and when is it required?
A DOT physical is a medical exam required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for all commercial drivers. It is a standard physical, much like an annual checkup, and students must pass one before their first day of class.