Advanced Tractor Trailer

This course introduces students to the U.S. Trucking Industry and how it operates. It presents information about the various types of carriers and how they operate within the Department of Transportation regulations. The course will allow the students to gain basic knowledge regarding the control systems of commercial vehicles and know what gauges they should read for safe operation. Also covered is the basic operation of the vehicle, sliding fifth wheel and tandems, coupling and uncoupling, specialized rigs, shifting and the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA). Students will also explore “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis placed on personal health while driving on the road.

This course introduces students to the components of a commercial vehicle in order to complete a proper pre-trip inspection and vehicle inspection report. Also covered is the importance of preventative maintenance and reporting malfunctions in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations Part 392.7 through 392.9 Students will also explore “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on driver stress management and the role it plays in driver safety.

This course will provide the student with information related to their profession, driving and specifically, defensive driving. The goal of this course is to present and review information on how to improve defensive driving skills – skills that may save lives and help avoid collisions and violations. The importance of avoiding skids and jackknives and theory on best ways of driving in the mountains are taught. Students will understand the best way to leave the road and return, how to avoid a head on collision and why driving through an emergency may be better than trying to stop. Accidents do happen. When they happen, the driver must know what to do and what not to do. This course will teach the student what to do at the scene of an accident, how to fill out an accident report, how to protect the scene of an accident and how to conduct himself/herself professionally.

This course presents material needed for the students to successfully pass the CDL permit exam, which includes: General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes. In addition, an overview of the skills needed to safely operate commercial vehicles is reviewed. The students will prepare to take the CDL learners permit exam in their individual state of residence. Topics such as extreme driving (mountains, snow, ice, etc.) will also be discussed. Students will also explore a “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on employee public relations.

The student will be taught how to plan trips, read an atlas, and recognize different types of computer systems. The course also covers the regulations related to Driver Hours of Service, how to properly fill out a driver’s log book and how to avoid Hours of Service violations, allowing the driver to stay on the road, benefiting both driver and employer. Students will also continue exploration of “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on providing the highest quality customer service and the importance of time management.

This course will introduce students to the rules of the driving range, basic movements of the vehicle, and how to properly enter and exit the truck. The students will be able to identify and properly operate the various controls of the vehicle, as well as complete a 142-point vehicle inspection of the vehicle. Students will also explore “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on workplace strategies for a successful career. In addition, students will begin “Transportation Industry Awareness Lessons” with a focus on the airbrake system of a tractor trailer.

This course will introduce students to straight line backing. After properly adjusting their mirrors, students will move the truck back and forth in a straight 100 ft. line, complete controlled stops, and recover if the vehicle drifts to the left/right. Students will also be introduced to pull-ups which will allow the student to realign the vehicle as needed. Students will also explore “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on job search skills and interviewing techniques. In addition, students will continue “Transportation Industry Awareness Lessons” with a focus on the procedures to drive a tractor trailer down a road with a steep downgrade.

This course will introduce students to the sight side parallel parking maneuver. Using three basic steps, the students will intentionally maneuver the tractor and trailer in reverse from a parked position into the 100 x 12 box on the left side (driver’s side or sight side) of the vehicle. The students will further enhance mirror usage skills and develop a professional level of competency in the various set-up positions and maneuvering techniques (pull ups & steering adjustments). Students will also explore “Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on stress and organizational management. In addition, students will continue “Transportation Industry Awareness Lessons” with a focus on the procedures to drive a tractor trailer with hazardous materials over a railroad crossing.

This course will introduce the student to the conventional parallel parking maneuver. Using the four steps to backing, in reverse, the student will learn to intentionally move the tractor and trailer into an area the length of the unit plus 15 feet, from the right (passenger’s side) and the left side (sight side) of the truck. The students will be able to choose backing targets to successfully complete this maneuver to further enhance mirror usage skills, develop a professional level of competency in the various set up positions and maneuvering techniques (pull ups & steering adjustments). Students will also explore “Life Skills Lessons” with an emphasis on career and life evolutions, such as promotions and/or becoming an owner operator. In addition, students will continue “Transportation Industry Awareness Lessons” with a focus on the Simulated Emergency Pull-over and placement of warning devices.