WNC CDL prep class starts Oct. 25 on Fallon campus

Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

Need help in passing your Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test so you can proceed with your goal of driving on the open road for a living?

Western Nevada College has just the class to make that happen: CDL Skills Test Preparation sponsored by Hert Trucking on Mondays from Oct. 25 through Nov. 29 on the Fallon campus.

The class meets weekly from noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays, except for Nov. 22. An additional 5 hours per week will be devoted to hands-on operation of a truck and trailer under the supervision of instructor Sam Yesuratnam. The driving part of the class will include intensive training in backing the truck and trailer in a controlled backing concourse.

“We are thrilled to not only be bringing this program back but to be expanding it to reach more students,” said WNC Community Education Coordinator Lauren Slemenda. “We are lucky to have a talented instructor who cares deeply about the success of our students, and at one of the lowest prices in our region, this class is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is interested in obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License.”

Yesuratnam developed a passion for big rigs when he watched the Smokey And The Bandit movie in 1977.

“It spawned a love for big rigs and trucking that I’d never been able to shake,” said Yesuratnam, who worked for several top companies as both a local and OTR driver, including FedEx Ground, JC’s XPress, Packer Transportation and Sherwin-Williams. “I walked away from a long career in internetworking engineering and decided it was time to make what had been a passion my whole life into a reality. I do love the feeling of being out on the open road, and the sense of freedom and adventure it brings.”

Now, Yesuratnam cherishes the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people who are planning to make a career behind the wheel.

“My hope is that my students will not only gain the knowledge and skills to be proficient, professional drivers — but also learn how to be safe and successful in the long term, with a career that is both personally and financially rewarding,” Yesuratnam said. “This is an opportunity to have a real impact on so many lives in a positive, lasting way.”

The class has a limited capacity so individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Register and learn more at https://www.campusce.net/wnc/Course/Course.aspx?c=714. William N. Pennington Foundation has provided scholarship funding to cover tuition costs for students enrolled in the Oct. 25 section of this class. Apply at wnc.edu/scholarship.

Before registering for the class, it’s recommended that you contact the WNC Continuing Education office at 775-445-4210 to ensure that you fully understand the requirements of the program. Course fees are nonrefundable. Individuals must provide WNC with a copy of their DMV CDL Class A Permit, 10-year driving history printout from DMV, and DOT physical and drug screen results before class starts. Failure to complete these tasks will disqualify individuals from participating in the course and forfeiture of their class fee.