CDL Classes, Courses, and Curriculum
When considering CDL training schools, you may wonder what to expect regarding your coursework. While each school will offer slightly different classes, the following are actual course examples from CDL training schools that will give you a good idea of the type of curriculum you will be following:
CDL General Knowledge
This course is a starting point for anyone interested in obtaining a CDL. It consists of general knowledge and safe driving information and is split into three modules that cover a variety of topics, including (but not limited to):
- Vehicle and speed control
- Shifting gears
- Driving at night and in different weather conditions
- Handling railroad crossings
- Driving and road emergencies
- Transporting hazards
Learn more - https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/course-search
Air Brakes
This training course provides an overview of the air brake systems found on many trucks and buses and certain trailers that you may pull in a truck. The class is split into two modules that cover things like:
- Air brake system parts
- Dual air brake systems
- Using air brakes properly
- Inspecting air brakes
Pre-Trip Inspection
This course is designed to cover the different facets of a pre-trip vehicle inspection. It focuses on different parts of the vehicle and is broken into two modules, which cover the following:
- Front of the vehicle
- Engine compartment
- Engine start and cab check
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes
- Wheels
- Sides and back of a vehicle
- Trailers
Class A Tractor Trailer
This curriculum focuses on Class A truck driver training and provides students with the knowledge to inspect and operate tractor-trailers. The course is split into three different classes and covers the following:
- Vehicle inspections
- Defensive driving
- Range maneuvers
- Safety regulations
- Trip planning
- Cargo handling
- Size/weight laws
- General maintenance procedures
- Accident prevention
Learn more - https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt
Class A License
This classroom course prepares the student for all Class A truck driving aspects. Topics covered include:
- General knowledge
- Air brakes
- Combination vehicles
- Tanker vehicles
- Double/triple trailers
- Hazardous materials
Role of Commercial Trucking in Supply Chain Management
This course focuses on the truck driving and transportation industry, emphasizing the role of trucking in supply chain management and the importance of the transportation industry. Other topics in this class include:
- Federal and state rules and regulations
- Trucking careers
- Performance expectations
- Professional communications
- Healthy lifestyles
- Money management
Safety Awareness in the Transportation Industry
This is an essential overview of commercial vehicle safety and is one of the most important courses you will take while preparing for your CDL. The range of topics covered in this course includes:
- Daily vehicle inspections and systems analysis
- Cargo securement
- Identifying driving hazards
- Safe driving techniques
- Emergency maneuvers
- Accident procedures
Hands-On CDL Training
Aside from classroom coursework, once you have your CDL learner's permit, you will need to complete hands-on, behind-the-wheel truck driver training. The hands-on portion of many CDL schools includes learning the following skills in an actual truck:
- Truck and trailer backing
- Parallel parking
- Alley docking
- Turning
- Shifting
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Road training
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