Mountain Driving Course
Who Should Attend   CDL drivers with limited experience or the need to improve
What training Method:   Classroom
Road
Major Training Components:   Behind-the-Wheel
Simulator
Length of Time   10 hours
When:   call for times

Many times employees in the oil field who move from the southwest to the oil-producing regions of the west have never driven in the Colorado Rockies. In fact, many experienced professional drivers can spend large parts of their careers and never experience mountain driving. In response to these needs, the Center for Transportation

Safety has developed a 10-hour course that allows drivers to experience mountain driving from both the simulator and behind-the-wheel. In addition, classroom training by experienced multi-million mile professional drivers give the student the background and reasoning behind the safe driving skills.


The course includes:
  • Classroom background on proper pre-trip
    inspection, mountain techniques, and braking
  • Behind-the-wheel training on mountain
    interstate and two lane passes
  • Dos and don’ts of mountain driving
  • Proper gear selections
  • Shifting
  • Progressive shifting
  • Proper use of the clutch
  • Engine performance
  • Improving fuel economy
  • Braking
  • Use of engine brakes and transmission retarders
  • Use of signals
  • Traffic management
  • Proper selection of lanes
  • Proper use of lanes
  • Passing procedures
  • Emergency response techniques
  • Mountain grades
  • Brake failure
  • Run-away ramps