Hours: 8-40 Hours
Description:
This class is intended to train the student in the safe operation of driving a Class A combination vehicle (semi-truck and trailer). The classroom portion of the course is 8 hours. The practical portion of the course is one-on-one hands on training with each student and can be anywhere from 8 hours to 40 hours per student. The class size should be limited to ten students to minimize the time between classroom and one-on-one training.
Topics:
- California driver’s license test
- State laws and rules
- Vehicle pre-trip inspection
- Basic control of vehicle (shifting and controlling speed)
- Synchronization of transmission and engine
- Managed space
- Mountain driving
- Railroad crossing
- Defensive Driving
- Skid control and recovery
- Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations
- Hazardous materials endorsements
- Inspection of cargo, including weight and balance
- Securing loads
- Driver’s logs
Practical Portion:
- Proper shifting of gears, double clutching, downshifting, completing tractor and trailer pre-trip inspection, various driving situations on freeways, highways and grades, stop and go traffic, defensive driving, coupling and uncoupling of combination vehicles, vehicle trouble reports, and driver’s log.