Novice 120-Hour
CDL Training Course
 

Who Should Attend   Novice drivers with CDL or CDL permit
What training Method:   behind-the-wheel, simulator, classroom, skills course and lab
Major Training Components:   defensive driving, pre-trip, backing, Basic Hours of service, 2004 hours of service, general knowledge, road-city, rural and mountain and Colorado CDL exam preparation
Length of Time   120 hours
When:   weekly, call for times

This course combines the modules around which the Center for Transportation Safety structures most of our training format. The course is comprehensive and includes all materials, training aids, and preparation to take the state regulated CDL test. Upon successful course completion, the driver will have over 60 hours of behind-the-wheel driving.

Simulation is used in certain segments of the course when it is too dangerous, expensive, or impossible to duplicate in a truck. It is the intent of this course to give  the new driver

 

as much actual behind-the-wheel driving experience as possible to ensure their success.

The content of this course has been designed for the oil service industry. Extensive on and off highway terrains are utilized. Late model tractors, loaded trailers, and tankers with high center point-of-gravity loads are used in training.

Classroom presentations are delivered by Certified Trainers utilizing the very latest techniques in adult education. Audio-visual equipment and student-paced self study bring the general skills knowledge of this course to a new level.

Course content will include (but is not limited to):

Classroom: 20 hours

  • General knowledge of state and federal requirements to drive a commercial vehicle
  • Hazardous materials knowledge and endorsements
  • Log books, federal regulations, and new Hours of Service
  • Rules of the road and how they apply
  • Handling cargo and cargo documentation
  • Accident reporting and documentation
  • Roadside emergencies
  • Driver impairment
  • Load securing
  • Map reading
  • Trip planning
  • Life as a driver
  • Defensive driver training

Drivers will be required to know and understand all aspects of the State Motor Vehicle Handbook.

Upon completion of the classroom section of this course, the student will have the knowledge necessary to successfully pass the State CDL permit exam with hazmat and tanker endorsements.

Students will be required to complete 8 hours of independent study

Each driver will be issued:

  • Bumper to Bumper -The Complete Guide to Tractor-trailer Operations
  • Trucking: Tractor Trailer Driver Handbook/workbook
  • Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations

Lab: 8 hour

  • Vehicle familiarization
  • Pre-trip inspections
  • Brake components
  • Air brakes
  • Brake adjustment certification
  • Basic vehicle maintenance
  • Air tank service
  • Post-trip inspections
  • Coupling and uncoupling
  • Mirror adjustments
  • Seat adjustments
  • Best visibility

Drivers will be required to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily throughout the Behind-the-Wheel training.


Drivers will be required to complete 4 hours of independent study


Skills course: 12 hours

Skills courses are designed to the specification of the State Motor Vehicle CDL Exam qualification standards.

  • Maneuvering tractor only vehicle in limited areas
  • Beginning backing
  • Straight line
  • Parking
  • Maneuvering tractor and trailer vehicle in limited areas
  • Measured turns
  • Advanced backing with combination tractor-trailer
  • Measured turns
  • Understanding vehicle placement
  • Use of spotters in backing
  • Proper use of hand signals
  • Coupling and uncoupling
  • Vehicle securing
  • Cargo containment

Drivers will be required to perform backing and confined space maneuvering
throughout the entire Behind-the-Wheel road driving exercises.

Drivers will be required to complete 2 hours of independent study




Road Behind-the-Wheel: 60 hours

Behind-the-Wheel training will be conducted under the direction of a Certified Trainer. Training will be specific and include some or all of the following topics:

  • Rural roadways driven in light traffic with tractor only
    Shifting
    Speed and space management
    Understanding rules of the road
    Braking
    Gear selection
  • Light industrial area with light traffic
  • Mountains
  • Rural roadways with tractor and loaded trailer
    Shifting
    Speed and Space management
    Shifting under load
    Gear selection under load
    Braking under load
  • Interstate driving
  • Mountain driving
  • Off road driving with tractor and loaded trailer
  • Night driving

Driver to instructor ratio: 3 to 1
 

 


Simulation: 8 hours

Through the use of our FAAC simulator, each driver will experience a series of training modules, which will lead to advanced driver awareness and accident avoidance. Simulation will include (but is not limited to):

  • Advanced shifting skills and progressive shifting
  • Fuel economy and power performance
  • Refined knowledge of braking in adverse conditions
  • High center points in extreme wind conditions
  • Accident prevention
  • Skid control
  • Hydroplaning
  • Brake failure
  • Engine brake failure
  • Equipment failure
  • Steering tire failure
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Advanced night driving
Students will complete 4 hours of independent study

CDL Testing: 2 hours

Upon completion of this course, drivers will have gained the knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the State CDL Skills exam. Students will be tested in Colorado using the State CDL criteria. In states other than Colorado , a home state CDL exam will be arranged.

Drivers will be awarded a certificate of completion in the course.

A complete "Driver Review" will be generated on each driver and posted on secured