Toledo High School Seniors Earn Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Set to Begin Careers with Salaries Over $50,000

Toledo, Ohio – In a unique opportunity provided by Toledo Public Schools (TPS), a group of high school seniors have earned their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) before even graduating. This hands-on program allows students to enter the workforce with skills that can lead to lucrative careers, often with starting salaries exceeding $50,000.

The course, offered to seniors, focuses on training students to handle and operate semi-trucks, preparing them for the rigorous CDL exam. While it requires dedication and focus, students like Shamar Merriweather have already shown their ability to excel. Merriweather, the first student in the class to pass the test, expressed his pride in the accomplishment.

“I’m really happy and proud of myself. I was the first one to do it, the first one to pass,” Merriweather said.

The students spent hours practicing in a designated parking lot at TPS, where they learned the crucial skill of maneuvering large vehicles. For many, this was no easy feat, but the rewards are evident. Students in the program not only earn their CDL certification but also gain valuable driving experience, making them highly employable as soon as they graduate.

The course is open to students who are 18 years old during the semester, a requirement for obtaining a Commercial Operating Permit (COP), a prerequisite for the CDL test. According to one of the instructors, the program is currently limited to five students due to staffing constraints, with only one instructor available. However, the demand is strong, and students are eager to seize this opportunity.

“I called my dad, I was like, ‘Ah man, guess what happened?’ And he tried to play it off. When I told him I passed, he was as excited as I don’t know what. As soon as I got home, I gave him a big hug,” shared Bishop, another student in the class who was inspired by his father, a truck driver.

For Bishop and other students, the CDL program is not just about earning a license but about starting a career with a high-paying job right out of high school. The trucking industry, which is in high demand for drivers, offers a stable career with competitive wages.

“It’s a lot of work. But, all you got to do is put your mind to it and you can do it,” Merriweather encouraged his peers.

While the program has only recently gained traction at TPS, it highlights a growing trend in education—providing students with skills that directly align with workforce needs. The hands-on nature of the CDL course ensures that students are well-prepared for the realities of driving commercial vehicles, giving them a head start in their careers.

As one of the few school districts offering such a program, TPS is setting a standard for how education can adapt to the evolving job market. With more students looking for alternatives to traditional college paths, programs like this provide clear pathways to success, helping high school graduates secure fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.

The success of the inaugural class has already garnered attention, with other students eager to follow in the footsteps of their peers. As the program expands, more Toledo high school students may soon be driving toward successful futures, one truck at a time.