Truck Driving

This course is designed to provide classroom work, yard driving, and road driving experiences designed to meet the needs of the trucking industry. Students are taught to drive defensively and to have the knowledge necessary to operate the vehicle as well as abiding by all local, state and federal regulations. Information is presented which will prepare the student for both the written and skills portions of the commercial drivers license (CDL) examination.

Mission

The mission of the program is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to become employed as a commercial truck driver.

Nature of the Work

The trucking industry employs more people than any other private industry in the United States. About two million of these workers are drivers, and more truck drivers are needed every year. Types of drivers in the industry include line haul drivers, pick up and delivery drivers and yard hostlers. Line haul drivers handle heavy duty long haul loads typically driving long trips across the country. Pick up and delivery drivers typically drive anything from a straight truck to a tractor trailer unit and usually drive short stop and go trips. Yard hostlers move trailers in and out from loading docks at large freight terminals. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to have certain knowledge and skill and to receive a commercial driver's license (CDL). Employers are required to check employment records and prior driving records. Persons must not have committed a felony, had an unsatisfactory driving record, or had a conviction using drugs or alcohol for the past three years.

Broad Units of Study

  • Public, Customer, and Employer/Employee Relations
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
  • Commercial Drivers License Regulations
  • Traffic Law-Local, State, Federal
  • Use of Emergency Equipment
  • Road Atlas and Highway Routes
  • Instruments and Cab Controls
  • Engine System
  • Air Brakes System
  • Industry Related Paperwork
  • Adverse Weather Conditions
  • Hazard Perception and Emergency Maneuvers
  • Use of Clutch, Transmission and Gear Patterns
  • Coupling and Uncoupling Trailers
  • Obstacle Course and Backing Procedures
  • Defensive Driving Procedures
  • On The Road Driving

Truck Driving Book List

Programs Awards and Length

  • Truck Driver - 216 hours or 7 1/2 weeks

Notes for enrollment:

  • Official information may be obtained from the Student Services Office
  • Fees will be assessed at orientation for a drug test and Moving Violation Report
  • Fees will be assessed upon enrollment for tuition and insurance
  • Student must purchase texts, workbooks, and miscellaneous supplies
  • Provide proof of a least 10th grade education
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Pass the medical exam required by the Department of Transportation
  • Have a valid driver's license
  • Have a good driving record (You must obtain a copy of your State Department of Safety Moving Violation Report prior to beginning the program.) This must indicate no more than 3 speeding tickets and/or at-fault accidents in the last three years and no DUI convictions in the last 5 years.
  • Have a drug test and be certified drug free. A fee will be charged and the student will be referred to a test site by the Technology Center during enrollment orientation.
  • Student will be subject to random drug tests while enrolled

 

Instructors

Location

  • Jackson Campus
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