Novice 60-Hour
CDL Training Course
 
Who Should Attend   Novice or newer drivers with CDL and more than 6 months 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, rural, and mountain roads
Length of Time   60 hours
When:   weekly, call for times

This comprehensive course includes materials, content, and preparation for a driver with a CDL lacking the skills or experience to progress to a safer driver.

This course is designed for a variety of drivers, including:

  • New hires requiring a refresher course who have not yet been evaluated
  • Drivers who have completed the Driver Evaluation where skill enhancements have been recommended
A driver who has been involved in an accident

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 from their respective states and  current DOT physical prior to class start


The course content includes (but is 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 .
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
    Winter - chains, road closures, parking safely

 

Pre-trip vehicle inspection

Using the State CDL Exam criteria, drivers 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, permits and documentation
    Log books and related placards


4-Hour Defensive Driver Training

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

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

Certified Trainers with years of driving experience conduct the courses using handout materials, self-evaluations, and a final written exam. Student participation assures that the classes are interactive and engaging.

Upon completion of the course, an Evaluation is completed by each driver, and the information gathered is 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 driving. 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 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 supervisors. Recommendations for assisting the driver will be provided.