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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Good Shepherd Truck Driving Facility is set to have its first CDL class in January.

The business is owned by Jennifer and Tim Gilliland. The Gillilands have been working toward the opening for the past several months.

“It just seemed like a good opportunity to provide … to give someone the chance to start a career,” Jennifer Gilliland said.

Applications for the January six-week course are being accepted now.

“We do the training and then we send you to get tested for the CDL,” Jennifer Gilliland said, commenting that the nearest testing facilities are in Selma and Montgomery.

The facility is certified through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

In order to qualify for the class, individuals must have passed the written test at the driver’s license office and have acquired their CDL permit. A DOT physical and drug screen as a well as a clean motor vehicle report is also required.

The class includes classroom work and “behind-the-wheel” training provided by someone who already has a CDL. Gilliland said this will include everything they will be tested on to get the full CDL license. Cost is $4,500. Financing is available. Scores for the training are reported to the FMCSA, so it can be accessed when the individual goes to take their test for the full CDL.

The course will be offered as a morning class or an afternoon class with five spots available in each. Class will meet Monday through Thursday.

More information and the course application are available at goodshepherddrivingfacility.com.

The business is located at 7450 U.S. Highway 31 in Verbena.