Program Curriculum
Our Program
We have contracted with J.J. Keller Transportation Safety and DOT training. This way, we can ensure that the safety and compliance needs of our students are being met. These are the chapter breakdowns of their theory instruction. We will be utilizing print, videos, and PowerPoint presentations.
This course is broken down into two areas: classroom and range. The classroom is approximately 50 hours. Range and BTW (behind the wheel) are 110 hours, for a total of 160 hours over a four-week period. The program is designed to prepare an individual to enter the job market as a professional truck driver.
During this course, students will learn all Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier rules and regulations as they pertain to a professional driver. They will also learn all the necessary functions as it relates to the safe operation of a tractor/trailer combination. This will include actual driving as well as all other procedures a driver needs to know, such as pre-trip inspection, logbooks, paperwork, and accident procedures.
Along with this, the course also teaches driving techniques such as defensive driving and driving in inclement weather. Each chapter takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
Learn about the trucking industry and the different qualifications. Learn about the dashboard and controls. Learn about the importance of pre, post, and on-the-road inspections. Learn the basic operation of a semi. Learn the elements of shifting. Learn basic backing maneuvers. Learn the components of trailers and how they attach.Chapter 1 - Orientation
Chapter 2 - Control Systems/Dashboard
Chapter 3 - Pre and Post-Trip Inspections
Chapter 4 - Basic Control
Chapter 5 - Shifting/Operating Transmissions
Chapter 6 - Backing and Docking
Chapter 7 - Coupling and Uncoupling
Learn about your surroundings and how to use your mirrors. Understand communicating your intent while driving. Learning how to spot a distracted driver and what to do. Distracted driving quiz answer key Learn what the safe speed is. Learn how much time and space you need. Learn to drive at night. Learn what to do in harsh conditions.Chapter 8 - Visual Search
Chapter 9 - Communication
Chapter 10 - Distracted Driving
Chapter 11 - Speed Management
Chapter 12 - Space Management
Chapter 13 - Night Operation
Chapter 14 - Extreme Driving Conditions
Learn to recognize hazards and what to do. What to do if you are in a skid or mechanical failure. Learn how to safely cross a railroad. Learn how to identify and diagnose malfunctions. Learn roadside inspections. Learn the importance of maintenance. Learn how to secure cargo and procedures for pickup and delivery.Chapter 15 - Hazard Perception
Chapter 16 - Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
Chapter 17 - Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
Chapter 18 - Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
Chapter 19 - Roadside Inspections
Chapter 20 - Maintenance
Chapter 21 - Handling and Documenting Cargo
Learn environmental issues. Environmental compliance issues quiz answer key Why do you have to track your time? Knowing your mind and body for safe driving. What to do if you are in an accident. External communicating. Learn about whistleblowers. Learn how to plan a trip.Chapter 22 - Environmental Compliance Issues
Chapter 23 - Hours of Service Requirements
Chapter 24 - Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
Chapter 25 - Post-Crash Procedures
Chapter 26 - External Communications
Chapter 27 - Whistleblower/Coercion
Chapter 28 - Trip Planning
What happens if drugs or alcohol are involved. Learn the medical qualifications. Learn to look for signs of human traffickers. Learn what CSA is. Learn about special vehicles. What you need to know when crossing the border. Learn the basics of being an owner-operator.Chapter 29 - Drugs/Alcohol
Chapter 30 - Medical Requirements
Chapter 31 - Human Trafficking
Chapter 32 - CSA
Chapter 33 - Special Rigs
Chapter 34 - Crossing the Canadian Border
Chapter 35 - Basic Business Practices