Novice 30-Hour
CDL Skill Refresher
Course
Who Should Attend   Novice drivers with CDL and more than 1 year experience
What training Method:   behind-the-wheel, simulator, classroom, skills course and lab
Major Training Components:   defensive driving, pre-trip, general knowledge, backing, Basic Hours of service, road-city, rural and mountain roads
Length of Time   30 hours
When:   weekly, call for times

It is the intent of this course to evaluate a driver’s ability, measure their skills, and test their attitudes in certain driving situations. Special attention to the oil service industry fleet drivers is included.

Shown below are the topics covered in the course in the order they are presented.

This course is designed for a variety of Drivers to include:
  • New Hires who have not yet been evaluated but will require a refresher course
  • Drivers who have completed the Driver Evaluation where skill enhancements have been recommended
  • A driver that has been involved in an accident

Drivers who have not completed a Driver Evaluation within the prior 3 months will be required to complete the CDL Driver Evaluation at the start of this course.

Those drivers who have completed a CDL Driver Evaluation within the prior 3 months will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of this course to assure that the recommended training has been effective.

The instructor will evaluate each driver and adapt the content to match the needs of the students. The instructor will concentrate on weak areas as appropriate.

Prerequisite: All drivers will be required to have a minimum of a CDL Permit prior to class start from their respective state and  current DOT physical


The course content is as follows, but not limited to:

 Mountain training

This course, when possible, will include driving in a combination vehicle
over some of the nation’s most aggressive mountain terrain
where instructors will work on:
    Gearing - selecting the proper gear for the grade
    Braking – stab versus snub, when and where to use
    Engine brakes – the purpose and limitations
    Tractor brakes – preventing brake overheating
    Trailer brakes – when to use and how to apply
    Escape ramps – how to use them and when
    Engine performance – getting the most power
               and best fuel economy
    Winter – chains, road closures, parking safely


 Pre-trip vehicle inspection

Using the State CDL Exam criteria students will become
proficient in the knowledge and skills of a proper “pre-trip”
inspection.
 Backing
Drivers will spend the necessary time in the backing course working on skills and techniques for maneuvering a combination vehicle in limited areas.
 Shifting
Drivers will spend the necessary time working in the Simulator
refining progressive shifting techniques.
 Road
Drivers will spend the necessary time on the road with a certified
instructor in a combination vehicle to work on the following.
    Proper gear selection
    Shifting techniques
    Progressive shifting
    Use of mirrors
    Proper use of clutch brake
    Proper use of engine brakes
    Braking and control
    Speed and space management
    Turning and selecting lanes
    Aggressive traffic
    Heavy traffic in congested areas
    Narrow two lane mountain roads (when possible)
    Off road conditions, mountain areas, etc.
    Port of entry and permits and documentation
    Log books and related placards

4-Hour Defensive Driver Training
Drivers who have not attended the 4-hour DDC course will be required to complete this course during this session. Those drivers who have completed this course will spend additional time in other sections, as determined by the instructor.

Upon completion of this 30 hour, 3 day course each driver will participate in the CDL Driver Evaluation as outlined within this document. Skills and techniques that were deficient at the start of this course will be closely monitored to assure retention

The course provides accurate, up to date knowledge, skills, techniques and real world tools that every driver can take with them. Dynamic PowerPoint style presentations bring high definition digital graphics to the course.

Certified trainers with years of driving experience conduct the courses. Handout material, self-evaluations, and final written exam will be used.  Active student participation assures that the classes are interactive and engaging.

Upon completion of the course, an Evaluation will be completed by each student and the information gathered used to improve the course. Each driver will spend time with their trainer to review their skills, critique their techniques and discuss their attitudes towards their profession. Questions will be answered and recommendations posed.

A “Certificate of Completion” will be presented to students satisfactorily completing the course. Grades, performance charts, and recommendations on all participants will be promptly posted on our secure web reporting site at www.ushighwaysafety.com.

Any students who appear to pose a safety risk will be reported immediately to their direct supervisor. Recommendations for assisting the driver will be provided.