Hours

8 - 40 Hours

Description

This class is intended to train the student in the safe operation of driving a Class A combination vehicle (semi-truck and trailer). The classroom portion of the course is 8 hours. The practical portion of the course is one-on-one hands on training with each student and can be anywhere from 8 hours to 40 hours per student. The class size should be limited to ten students to minimize the time between classroom and one-on-one training.

Topics

• California driver's license test
• State laws and rules
• Vehicle pre-trip inspection
• Basic control of vehicle (shifting and controlling speed)
• Synchronization of transmission and engine
• Managed space
• Mountain driving
• Railroad crossing
• Defensive Driving
• Skid control and recovery
• Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations
• Hazardous materials endorsements
• Inspection of cargo, including weight and balance
• Securing loads
• Driver’s logs

Practical Portion

• Proper shifting of gears, double clutching, downshifting, completing tractor and trailer pre-trip inspection, various driving situations on freeways, highways and grades, stop and go traffic, defensive driving, coupling and uncoupling of combination vehicles, vehicle trouble reports, and driver's log.