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Course Description

This course prepares students for the Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL), and includes Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) training. Instruction includes theory, and practical hands-on behind-the-wheel operation of tractor trailers preparing students to safely operate tractor trailer vehicles on the road to and from pickup and delivery points. Emphasis is placed on defensive driving, Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, trip planning, cargo handling, vehicle systems, hours of service, vehicle inspection, and accident prevention. Successful course completers should be able to demonstrate the skills required to obtain a Class A commercial driver license by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and gain employment.

Students must pass DOT physical and drug screens, which are scheduled post-registration. Students not having a valid “Class A” Commercial Learner Permit by the beginning of the third week will be dropped from the course.

Learner Outcomes

Students will learn to:

  • Communicate effectively with co-workers, enforcement and safety personnel, employers, customers, and family through listening, speaking, and writing.
  • Read, interpret, diagnose and take appropriate action upon information provided by vehicle control systems and instruments.
  • Perform pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspections, accurately document findings, and forward timely reports to appropriate personnel or offices.
  • Shift all gears of multi-speed, dual-range transmissions in varying speed, terrain and highway conditions to achieve and maintain fuel and equipment efficiency.
  • Back and dock, couple and uncouple tractor-trailer units safely and efficiently.
  • Execute safe driving practices using visual observations; managing and adjusting vehicle speed, distances, and separation in various terrain and highway conditions; identifying potential driving hazards; and performing defensive and evasive actions.
  • Assess accident scenes, provide needed assistance, notify proper safety, rescue, and environmental authorities, obtain needed information, and protect injured persons, and cargo.                                                                           
  • Safely receive, secure, handle, care for and accurately document cargo.
  • Identify and safely adjust to difficult and/or extreme driving conditions involving night operations, weather and terrain.
  • Plan trips using maps and federal and state regulations; make decisions concerning optimal routes, permits, fuel use, time, costs, layovers, record keeping, and needed information and documents.
  • Make choices and follow practices that contribute to personal health and safety.
  • Manage the day-to-day responsibilities of an entry-level truck driver by managing time effectively, working effectively with others, demonstrating dependability, and completing assignments satisfactorily.

Notes

Registration Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old with a valid NC driver license.
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English as CDL tests are administered in English. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 49 Section 391.11[b][2]) states "Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records."
  • Must have a NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) driving record by the course start date, but not more than three months. An uncertified complete history is acceptable, and may be obtained in person at 4121 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC, via mail, or online. Learn more here. Also, any of the following violations within two years of the course start date will prohibit registration:

o Driving while impaired (DWI)
o Careless and reckless driving
o Hit and run
o Refusal to take chemical test

Student Requirements

  • Students must pass DOT physical and drug screens, which are scheduled post-registration. Random drug tests may occur during course.
  • Students not having a valid “Class A” Commercial Learner Permit by the beginning of the third week will be dropped from the course.

Credential Information

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