This section is to prepare students with theory for the more rigorous training in the Range Skills Training and the Over-the-Road Instruction sections. Each student will be taught the history and future of trucking, vehicle familiarization and brake usage. In addition, the student will learn the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, types of tractor-trailers in the industry, how to maintain a Driver’s Daily Log, how to secure loads and how to read a road map. All students’ training will be measured through written examination.

This section is designed to ensure that the student, upon graduation, will be able to safely maneuver a tractor-trailer, regardless of size, into a parked position. The parked position may be in a dock or loading area where the driver is required to back from the left side. In addition, the graduate will be able to properly maneuver a corner without touching a stationary object. The student will also learn hand/foot coordination dealing with shifting the transmission on a trip, couple, uncouple and circle of safety will also be practiced using mirrors for forward and backing a tractor-trailer in a straight line or into a dock.

This section will prepare you, upon graduation, to be able to safely drive a tractor-trailer on our nation’s highways. You will be taught to handle all types of traffic situations over various terrains and with varied vehicle lengths and widths. You will have an opportunity to maneuver the vehicle through urban and city venous to ensure that you become familiar with all types of traffic. You will be tested on pre-trip, coupling and uncoupling procedures and circle of safety. Each student will be required to maintain a Truck Driver’s Daily Log.