Course Description
This one-year course is designed to cover all aspects of Class A tractor and trailer commercial vehicle safety, maintenance and operation. The course will include air brake training and state of Maine requirements are adhered to throughout the course. Relevant Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (FMCSR) and Maine Motor Vehicle Statutes (title 29-A) are covered. Additional instruction is provided in the areas of Cargo Handling, Double and Triple Combinations, Tankers and Trip Planning.The course consists of classroom, lab-work, behind the wheel, Range and road driving. Successful completion will enable each student to obtain an entry level position in operating a commercial motor vehicle in Maine. Federal regulations require each student to submit to drug testing prior to training with vehicles.
Scope: Topic Hours
Classroom: 78
Lab 25.5
Behind the wheel: 44
Total 147.5
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Inspect Vehicles for complying with the federal and state statutes.
Understand the Control Systems of tractor trailer trucks or Class A/B Trucks.
Understand the Basic Vehicle systems and how they work to make vehicle inspections more easily understood.
Understand the Basic Control of Class A CDL Vehicle Backing Driving ahead, right and left turns, starting and stopping.
Fundamentals of Visual Search Methods.
Practice Speed and Space Managment while driving on the road, both in cities and on the road.
Effectively execute Emergency Maneuvers needed to assist driving skills in severe weather, or difficult traffic conditions.
Accident Procedures, how to facilitate the authorities and to attend to injured, and how to deal with minor infractions.
Properly document Hours of service and Log book.
Certificates/Licensing Opportunities:
1. Class A CDL
2. Endorsements include Doubles and Triples, Tanker. (Hazardous materials, Bus, School bus requirements are age 21, but can be learned at 18)
Dual Enrollment Opportunities:
1. Kennebec Valley Technical College Linesman Program
2. EMCC Diesel Engine Rebuilding Program
Materials/Text
Professional Truck Drivers Institute of America
Trucking Tractor Trailer Handbook/Workbook, Thompson Delmar publishing- Third edition- 2006
State of Maine Commercial Drivers Manual, Dept Sec of State of Maine 2009 edition
Federal Motor Carriers Safety Manual, 7-0RS-A J.J. Keller 2007 edition
Materials:
Highlighter
Notebook
Pen
Ruler
Workboots
Proper Winter Attire
Student objectives
Students Successfully completing the course work will be able to:
A. Define and demonstrate safety practices and procedures with relations to all aspects of CDL Driving
B. Successfully complete the State of Maine CDL Testing.
Policies
Students will be graded on Understanding, Skill, Attitude, and Participation.
Attendance is critical. Tardiness and/or lost time will result in failure to complete the program for a student.
Students must pass the following for state testing:
- Written examination of an 80% or better score.
- Range maneuvering testing including, Straight line backing, Forward off set, Reverse offset, Alley Dock
- Walk around pre-trip
- On road Driving test
Course outline
Part I: Basic Operation
- Orientation
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Combinations
- Control Systems
- Vehicle Systems
- Vehicle Inspections
- Basic Controls
- Shifting
- Backing
- Coupling, Uncoupling
Part II: Safe Operating Practices
- Visual search
- Communication
- Speed management
- Space management
- Night driving
- Extreme driving conditions
- Hazard perception
- Railroad crossing
Part III: Advanced Operating Practices
- Emergency maneuvers
- Skid control
Part IV: Vehicle Maintenance
- Preventative maintenance & servicing
- Diagnosing & reporting malfunctions
Part V: Non Vehicle Activities
- Special rigs
- Handling Cargo & Securing
- Cargo documentation
- Hours of Service
- Trip planning/map reading
- Accident procedures
- Personal Health & Safety
- Public Employer Relations
- CSA
Details
Location
This course is held at Lincoln Facility .