This program is designed to provide professional tractor trailer driver training and to students with or without prior truck driving experience. Students are prepared to pass the Class A Commercial Driver”s License (CDL/A) written and road test required for entry-level tractor-trailer driving positions.
Washington State requires a total of 160 hours of instruction and practical driving to take the Class A CDL test. The instruction is broken down as follows: Classroom: 40 hours Range/Road: 120 hours
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
The following instruction will be provided to each student, and all hours are to be logged in the student driver’s logbook.
Introduction to Trucking, Control Systems, Hours of Service, Vehicle Inspection, Vehicle Systems, Basic Control, Shifting, Backing, Coupling and Uncoupling, Visual Search, Communication, Space Management, Speed Management, Night Driving, Extreme Driving Conditions, Hazard Awareness, Emergency Maneuvers, Skid Control, Accident Procedures, Fifth Wheel, Special Rigs Maintenance, Recognizing and Report Malfunctions, Handling Cargo, Personal Health, Trip Planning, Public Relations, and CDL.
The above subject matters will be covered in the following manner: tapes, lectures, demonstrations and bookwork. During this week, you will also be tested on all subjects covered. Once you have completed the first week of classroom, you will have received a broad theory in the above subjects. These theories will be applied during your field training. You will also be prepared to take your DMV permit and endorsements tests.
In the first week of field training and lab, the following will be completed by the student.
Vehicle Inspection, vehicle systems, fifth wheel, preventative maintenance, recognizing and reporting malfunctions, pre-trip, log books, trip planning, emergency maneuvers, tire chains and load securement.
Straight line backing, 90′ backing, shifting up and down, parallel parking, throttle and clutch control, and cornering techniques. Once you have completed the above training, you should be able to complete vehicle inspection, describe engine controls, recognize malfunctions, complete a log book, perform emergency maneuvers, chain up a vehicle and secure a load, shifting up and down, and locking and unlocking fifth wheel. You will also start to master the following skills: straight line backing, 90 backing, parallel backing, and cornering techniques.
Objective: For students to become proficient in the above skills and pass the State CDL test.
EVALUATION AND GRADING Student performance will be evaluated on the following: * CDL permit with optional endorsements (taken at Driver’s License Center) * Classroom exams with at least 80% average
Termination: Any student may be terminated for violation of school rules, insufficient performance progress and/or repeated class or driving absences