CDL Course Topics & Training Equipment
What You'll Learn in our Program
You will, of course, learn everything you need to pass your CDL exam:
- How to Pre-Trip your vehicle
- How to perform the basic control skills:
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- Straight-line backing
- Offset backing
- Alley dock or 90-degree backing
- All the skills to safety operate a tractor and trailer on the roadways:
- Shifting a 10-speed transmission
- Overall Defensive Driving, including:
- Scanning intersections
- Speed and Space management
- Turns in a big rig
- Railroad crossings
- etc...
But we train you to drive a truck, not pass a test, so you will also learn:
- Control Systems/Dashboard
- Pre and Post-Trip Inspections
- Basic Control
- Shifting/Operating
- Transmissions
- Backing and Docking
- Coupling and Uncoupling
- Visual Searches
- Communication
- Distracted Driving
- Speed and Space Management
- Night Operation
- Extreme Driving Conditions
- Hazard Perception
- Skid Control / Recovery, Jackknifing, Emergencies
- Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
- Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
- Roadside Inspections
- Maintenance
- Handling and Documenting Cargo
- Environmental Compliance Issues
- Hours of Service Requirements
- Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
- Post-Crash Procedures
- External Communications
- Whistleblower/Coercion
- Trip Planning
- Drugs/Alcohol
- Medical Requirements
- Special Rigs
- Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
- Crossing the Canadian Border
- Map Reading and Understanding a Trucker's Atlas
- Trip Planning
- Runaway Ramps
- Truckers against Trafficking
- Harassment in the Workplace Training
- Professionalism Training (includes resume writing and interviewing skills)
- Wyoming Highway Patrol - Port of Entry Visit (includes mock CVSA Vehicle Inspection)
- Wyoming Highway Patrol - Disqualification Lecture
- Cargo Securement
- Air Brakes (how they work, how-to inspect, how-to adjust)
- Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Training categories consist of:
- Unsafe driving
- Crash Indicators
- Hours of Service Compliance
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol
- Hazardous Materials
- Driver Fitness
HAZMAT endorsements training per the new FMCSA regulations is also available. See more on the types of training we offer.
Simulator Training
Students will spend time in our Genesis Navistar Series simulator preparing them to operate a vehicle. Simulation prepares a driver physically, mentally and behaviorally for the challenges of operating a vehicle under various conditions, without risk of costly incidents.
Students will progress from simple basic controls to more complex skills development through execution, feedback, learner control and replication. This includes gaining initial understanding of turning, backing, double-clutching and the operation of a 10-speed transmission.
We have the ability to simulate large pickup trucks, day cab and over the road tractors, buses and fire trucks; as well as various trailers, including gooseneck, tanker, 28鈥�, 40鈥�, 45鈥�, 48鈥� and 53鈥�.
We can also simulate driving in urban, suburban, highway and mountain scenarios, modifying weather and traction.
Our simulator also provides the opportunity to simulate and train tire blowouts - something students would hopefully never experience during standard behind-the-wheel training.
Training Equipment
The CDL program utilizes Kenworth Over the Road (OTR) tractors, with air-brakes and 10-speed manual transmissions, allowing students to receive an unrestricted license, upon graduation.
Students will also have the opprtunity to train with multiple trailer types, including belly-dump, bulk hauler, flatbed and tanker.
On average, our students log nearly 450 miles behind the wheel during our program. This driving experience includes a balanced mix of highway and city routes, with a strong emphasis on city driving to better prepare them for real-world scenarios.