What is Involved in CDL Training?

Passing the CDL Exam is just one of the many subjects you'll prepare for throughout your truck driver training.

Other subjects a good trucking school should cover include:
 
1. Defensive Driving
2. Log Books
3. Job Placement
4. DOT Rules
5. Pre-Trip Inspection
6. Coupling and Uncoupling
7. Straight Line Backing
8. Angle Backing
9. Shifting and Maneuvering
10. Road Driving

Trucking Driver Training Details are Below:

1. Defensive Driving- Driving to avoid accidents in spite of mistakes of others or bad driving conditions. Knowing clearance of trailer or load, heights of approaching overhead or tunnel.
2. Log Books- Making proper entries on DOT daily log according to DOT hours of service rules.
3. Job Placement- Job considerations and approaches. How to properly complete a job application. Proper interview techniques.
4. DOT Rules- Reviewing Federal and State laws pertaining to operation of a tractor-trailer.
5. Pre-Trip Inspection- Types of vehicle inspections, their importance. Primary vehicle controls and purpose and function of vehicle instruments. Handling emergency situations and filing accident reports.
6. Coupling and Uncoupling- Safe, correct methods of hooking and unhooking tractor-trailer.
7. Straight Line Backing- Correct positioning of vehicle to back in a straight line or serpentine backing. Develop use of left-hand/ right-hand mirrors to position of vehicle
8. Angle Backing- Backing from a variety of angles to straight line backing. Alley dock 45- and 90-degree angle to straight-line backing.
9. Shifting and Maneuvering- Familiarize and use of the various transmissions used in today’s trucks. The use of the tachometer, RPMs, and truck speed to correctly select and change gears. Use of the turn signals, speed control for turns, and safe procedures and approaching intersections.
10. Road Driving- Procedures for braking; proper stopping time and distance; managing space around the vehicle; starting stopping, controlling vehicle on up, and downgrades. Maneuvering vehicle when entering or exiting traffic. Proper use of seatbelts, fire extinguishers, flares, reflector triangle warning devises. Speed according to road and weather conditions. Maintaining speed control, maneuvering, use of signals when approaching railroad crossing. Accumulation of on-off road observation.
 
________________________________________________________________________________
 
Find the following CDL Handbook from your state for reference: