Drivers attending this course should have prior driving experience and a current driver's license. Those drivers who hold a CDL license can elect to take the written and drive test to add a P1 (passenger) endorsement to their State CDL license.

Emphasis is placed on specific situations, control, and dynamics of 15 passenger vans. Situational driving, simulated exercises, and the dynamics of high profile, top heavy passenger vans are utilized.

The course will include (but is not limited to):

• 4 Hour Defensive Driver Course
• 4 Hour Vehicle Dynamic Course
• 2 Hour Vehicle Familiarization, Pre-Trip Course
• 8 Hour Commentary Drive Course
• 4 Hour Hazard Awareness Course Simulation
• 4 Hour Skid Control Course on hazard course
• 24 Hour total course time
   

4-Hour Defensive Driver Course
Specific to 15 Passenger Vans

This course has been designed by the Center for Transportation Safety and industry safety leaders to address everyday driving in a wide range of conditions. The objective of the course is to help familiarize the driver of the many hazards of the roadways.

The following topics will be covered in the course:

• Trip planning - understanding that the well planned trip will result in the safest journey.
• Proper seat and mirror adjustments - lead to reduced fatigue, fewer blind spots and a safer journey.
• Understanding your vehicle, its characteristics, limitations, and ability to perform, stop and corner.
• Vehicle inspection, as important as a preflight in an aircraft, is the first step in any trip, regardless of the length, time of day, or conditions.
• Familiarization with the roadways - understanding terrain, road pitch, angles, and the many factors of "reading the road."
• Understanding fatigue factors - how to recognize them in yourself and others, and when and what is the limit.
• Understanding the role of time of day, weather conditions, cabin temperature, and personal health plays in fatigue factors.
• Road rage - affects 84.3% of all drivers today. How to avoid the situation, how to understand the symptoms, and how to defuse the situation.
• Understanding how new DOT Hours of Service rules will affect drivers and the part they pertain in a safer highway system (if applicable).
• Reading the road - understanding the importance of stopping distance, power braking, ABS and slick roads, skid control, hydroplaning, loose gravel, and much more.
• Inclement weather and the tools to handle almost any situation: wind, rain, snow, ice, standing water, and all the related factors of driving.
• Soft shoulders and recovery procedures.
• Animals, from the pet in a neighborhood to a deer, elk, or other animal encountered on the roads. Tools to avoid being in the wrong place, techniques to steer or brake to control.
• Mountains - the dangers they hold, the weather, the conditions, the tools each driver will need to safely handle a mountain pass in any vehicle.
• Construction Zones - the dangers that result in 14.3% of highway fatalities.
• Railroad crossings - how to, when to, and what not to do in and around railroad tracks.
• Braking, vehicle control in downhill situations, and related control factors.
• Reverse - learn the techniques of backing and handling a vehicle and using a spotter. Setting your vehicle up in the proper position prior to backing and the dangers of improper mirror adjustments.
• Distractions - cell phones, radios, and the part they play in a safe drive.
• Driver impairment - stress, emotion, diet, fatigue, self-wellness, drugs and alcohol all play a vital part in arriving alive.

The 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.
 

4-Hour Vehicle Dynamics Course
 

This course is patterned on the National Highway Safety's 15 passenger van training model. Attention is given to the driver who will be required to safely drive a high cube, high center point of gravity, heavily suspended passenger van over a variety of road conditions, possibly including off-road terrains.

The following topics will be covered
in the course:

• Vehicle suspensions
• Turning radius
• Center points of gravity matrix based on
  passenger and cargo loads
• Vehicle conditions
• Tires, side loads, breaking points
• Steering components
• Braking components
• Weight load ratios
• Seating for optimized balance
• Weight distribution
• Tracking
• Positive track versus not
• Systems controls, maximizing safety
• Wind and the over-steer factors
• Hydroplaning and the effects on vehicle control
• Engine performance, staying in control
• Gearing, use of overdrives, pros and cons

The course will provide 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.

2-Hour Vehicle Familiarization /
Pre-Trip Course

Every safe trip starts with a safe vehicle. By understanding the importance of each vehicle component, the driver develops a respect for the role it plays in a safe trip. This course will train the driver in each vehicle system: its purpose, function, and usable limits.

The course covers:

• Tires - conditions, limits, and signs of wear
• Lights - switches, components, lenses, functions, and uses
• Brakes - conditions, systems, warnings, and limits
• Suspension - components' functions, limits and signs of wear
• Exhaust systems - conditions and limits
• Safety devices and their proper use
• Warning systems - when and how to read them
• Engine components - functions, limits and wear signs
• Steering components and their complex role in safety
• Wheels, lugs, rims, and related components
• Seating - securement and placement for maximum safety
• Seat adjustments and the role they play in fatigue
• Mirror adjustments and the role in safety
• Seat belts - adjustments and placement

Overall condition of the vehicle and how the driver pre-trip assures the safest drive.
 

8-Hour Commentary Drive Course

This course is specific to the 15 passenger van driver who will be required to operate the vehicle in various terrains, conditions, and situations.

The driver in this course will accompany a certified commentary driver trainer as they maneuver their vehicle over city streets, 2 lane and 4 lane streets, interstates, and mountain passes (if possible).  Drivers will be required to perform these duties while explaining what they see and hear.

Both day and night driving will be incorporated in this exercise.

City streets

Pedestrians
School zones
Construction zones
Heavy traffic situations
Tight turns, managing obstacles

2 lane and 4 lane roads

Rural roadways
Construction zones
Dirt roads, intersections, and related conditions
Passing
Speed and space management

Interstates

Speed and space management
Lane control
Bridges overpasses
Underpasses
Sharing the road

Mountain passes

Proper gearing
Proper braking
Speed and space management
Use of emergency devises