Tractor Trailer Driver Program
Following are the five (5) sections/courses of the Transport Tech Tractor Trailer Driver Program. The program is normally completed in six (6) weeks - 240 Clock Hours.
Tractor Trailer Driver Course/s
Section/s-Course/s can be taken individually or be grouped, designed specifically to an individual's needs. Course/s designs can range in length from one (1) day to thirty (30) days.
Each section has different objectives:
Section 1 - Basic Operation-This section covers the interaction between students and the vehicle. It is intended to teach students to control the motion of the vehicle, ensure it is in proper operating condition, and correctly coupled to trailers.
Section 2 - Safe Operating Practices-This section covers the interaction between the student/vehicle combination and the highway traffic environment. It is intended to teach students to apply their basic operating skills in a way that ensures their own safety and that of other road users.
Section 3 – Advanced Operating Practices-This section covers the higher-level skills needed to cope with the hazards of the roadway- traffic environment. Its purpose is to develop perceptual skills needed to recognize the potential hazard as well as the manipulative skills needed to handle the vehicle in an emergency.
Section 4 - Vehicle Maintenance-This section covers the manner in which the various components of the vehicle work so students can recognize a malfunction or safety hazard before it causes serious damage or an accident. Its purpose is to teach students to perform routine service functions and simple maintenance tasks, and to recognize when the vehicle needs repairs.
Section 5 - Nonvehicle Activities-This section covers activities not directly related to the vehicle. Its purpose is to teach students to carry out these activities in a way that protects their safety and the safety of the vehicle, cargo and other motorists.
Units and Lessons
A unit is a set of instructional activities, with the same instructional objectives, and is divided into lessons. A course outline follows which contains an overview of the 29 units and 72 lessons. Lessons are divided into the following categories by the type of activity used to instruct students:
Classroom Lessons-Classroom instruction occurs indoors, accomplished by instructional aids that allow large numbers of students to be taught effectively at one time.
Lab Lessons-Laboratory instruction refers to any instruction occurring outside of a classroom that does not involve actual operation of the vehicle or its components. It may take place in a parking lot, garage, or facility owned by a dealer or fleet operator.
Range Lessons-Range instruction is instruction that occurs on a protected off-street "Driving Range," where students may make use of tractor-trailers without hazard from cars or other road users. Those schools that lack access to off-street facilities may conduct range instruction on public property provided adequate control of other traffic is available to avoid danger to students, instructors, or other road users.
Street Lessons-Street instruction refers to behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction that occurs in roadway configurations and traffic conditions needed to satisfy the objectives of the lessons for which the instruction is required.
NOTE: No lesson involves more than a single mode.
Section 1--Basic Operation
Purpose
To introduce students to curriculum components of the tractor- trailer and basic maneuvers. At end of section, students will have acquired the skill and knowledge to operate a tractor-trailer combination well enough to begin on-street driving lessons
Unit 1.1 Orientation
Introduces student to course content and vehicle through Instructor points out key components of tractor-trailer in demonstration
Lesson 1 - Orientation to Tractor-Trailer Driver Training (Classroom)
Unit 1.2 Control Systems
Introduces students to function, operation and meaning of instruments and controls, e.g., gear shift, tachometer, etc. Instructor points out controls, instruments and their operation during demonstration
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Vehicle Instruments and Controls (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Instrument and Control Familiarization (Lab)
Unit 1.3 Vehicle Inspections
Detailed classroom instruction on how to inspect tractor- trailer before operating, while in operation, and at the end of a trip
Instructor will demonstrate pre-trip inspection. Students will practice and continue practicing throughout course.
Lesson 1 - Vehicle Inspections: Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Vehicle Inspections: Practice (Lab)
Unit 1.4 Basic Control
Students introduced to basic vehicle operation and concepts in class. Instructor demonstrates starting, stopping, backing with students. Students take turns at controls of a tractor-trailer. Students gain initial practice in basic control on range.
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Basic Control Maneuvers (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Starting and Turning Off the Engine (Range)
Lesson 3 - Putting the Vehicle in Motion (Range)
Lesson 4 - Turning the Tractor-Trailer (Range)
Unit 1.5 Shifting
Students introduced to basic gear shifting procedures and shift patterns for most common tractor transmissions
Instructor demonstrates shifting on range Students practice shifting up through the first three gears
Lesson 1 - Shifting Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Development of Shifting Skills (Range)
Unit 1.6 Backing
Students introduced in classroom to methods and concepts of backing a tractor-trailer. Instructor demonstrates and students practice variety of backing exercises on range
Lesson 1 - Backing Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Development of Backing Skills (Range)
Unit 1.7 Coupling and Uncoupling
Students introduced to procedures for safely coupling and uncoupling a tractor-trailer. Instructor demonstrates coupling and uncoupling procedures and students begin practice under supervised conditions. Students develop proficiency throughout course by performing activity before and after street session
Lesson 1 - Coupling and Uncoupling Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Coupling and Uncoupling Skills (Range)
Unit 1.8 Proficiency Development: Basic Control
All skills learned in units 1.2 - 1.6 practiced. A series of basic exercises are practiced on the range until students develop sufficient proficiency to drive on street. Initial on-street practice occurs after sufficient proficiency is developed on range.
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Proficiency Development Exercises (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Proficiency Development Exercises (Range)
Lesson 3 - Proficiency Development: Practice in Basic Control (Street)
Unit 1.9 Special Rigs
Handling and operational characteristics of vehicles on which students are not trained are discussed in class, e.g., tankers, refrigerated vehicles. Field trip taken to observe special rigs and special rigs observed during all on-street practice
Lesson 1 - Characteristics of Special Rigs (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Observation of Special Rigs (Lab)*
Section 2--Safe Operating Practices
Purpose
To allow students to learn and practice safe operation - techniques in highway traffic
Unit 2.1 Visual Search
Classroom instruction on the principles of visual search Range instruction on the use of mirrors. On-street practice in use of visual search techniques.
Lesson 1 - Visual Search Principles (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Use of Mirrors (Lab)
Lesson 3 - Application of Visual Search (Street)
Unit 2.2 Communication
Classroom instruction on communication, e.g., signaling, use of horn, etc. On-street practice in communication techniques in variety of settings
Lesson 1 - Principles of Communication (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Application of Communication (Street)
Unit 2.3 Speed Management
Classroom instruction on speed management principles, (e.g., maintaining safe speed in variety of situations, operating on hills, curves, etc.).
Lesson 1 - Speed Management Principles (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Speed Management Demonstration (Range)
Unit 2.4 Space Management
Classroom instruction on principles of managing space in traffic (e.g., following distances, space to the sides and rear, passing, etc.) On-street driving practice in space management techniques
Lesson 1 - Space Management Principles (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Application of Space Management (Street)
Unit 2.5 Night Operation
Classroom instruction on inspection at night, preparation for night operation, hazards of night driving, and actual operations at night. Range practice inspecting vehicle at night On-street lessons requiring application of night driving principles
Lesson 1 - Night Operation (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Night Operation: Basic Maneuvers (Range)
Lesson 3 - Night Operation: On-street (Street)
Unit 2.6 Extreme Driving Conditions
Classroom instruction on driving in cold and hot weather, stormy conditions, mountainous terrains. Practice in putting on chains and towing a stuck vehicle.
Lesson 1 - Operation During Extreme Driving Conditions (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Techniques Used During Extreme Conditions (Range)
Unit 2.7 Proficiency Development: Safe Operating Procedures
All safe driving practices from units 2.1 through 2.5 (and unit 2.6 if applicable) practiced as students develop proficiency
Lesson 1 - Procedures for Safe Operation (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Practice in Safe Operation (Street)
Section 3–Advanced Operating Practices
Purpose
To enable students to acquire the advanced skills needed to handle hazards and emergencies
Unit 3.1 Hazard Perception
Classroom instruction and exercises in recognizing hazards early enough to prevent them from becoming emergencies.
On-street driving sessions involving application of hazard recognition principles
Lesson 1 - Recognizing Hazards (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Application of Hazard Recognition (Street)
Unit 3.2 Emergency Maneuvers
Classroom discussion of emergency braking techniques, evasive actions and responses to other emergencies. Emergency stopping and evasive actions practiced on range.
Lesson 1 - Emergency Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Emergency Skills (Range)
Unit 3.3 Skid Control and Recovery
Classroom instruction on causes of skidding and jackknifing and techniques for avoiding and recovering from skids, jackknifes
Lesson 1 - Techniques of Skid Control and Recovery (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Skid Control and Recovery Exercises (Range)*
Section 4--Vehicle Maintenance
Purpose
To prepare students to recognize causes of vehicle malfunctions and to perform simple maintenance and simple emergency repairs
Unit 4.1 Vehicle Systems
Classroom instruction on function and operation of all key vehicle systems, e.g., engine, engine auxiliary systems, brakes, drive train, coupling systems, suspension, etc. Instructor gives detailed description of each system, its importance to safe and efficient operation and what is needed to keep system in good operating condition.
Lesson 1 - Vehicle Systems (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Vehicle Systems Demonstration (Lab)
Unit 4.2 Preventive Maintenance and Servicing
Supervised student practice in vehicle servicing, including checking engine fluids, changing fuses, checking tire inflation, changing tires, draining air tanks and adjusting brakes, performing emergency repairs.
Lesson 1 - Nature and Importance of Preventive Maintenance (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Engine Fluids, Filters, Lights and Fuses (Lab)
Lesson 3 - Changing Tires and Checking Tire Air Pressure (Lab)
Lesson 4 - Reservoir Drainage and Brake Adjustment (Lab)
Unit 4.3 Diagnosing and Reporting Malfunctions
Classroom instruction on identification of vehicle malfunctions. Students given a series of exercises in which they troubleshoot
Problems. Students practice emergency starting procedures.
Lesson 1 - Diagnosing and Reporting Malfunctions (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Emergency Starting Procedures (Lab)
Section 5--Nonvehicle Activities
Purpose
To enable students to carry out those activities not directly related to the vehicle that professional drivers must perform.
Unit 5.1 Handling Cargo
Basic principles of loading and unloading cargo, including weight distribution and techniques for securing and covering cargo
Students practice loading a vehicle under instructor's supervision. Students visit local freight handling company to observe operations.
Lesson 1 - Basic Cargo Handling Procedures and Requirements (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Techniques for Loading, Securing, and Unloading Cargo (Classroom)
Lesson 3 - Demonstration of Cargo Securement (Lab)
Lesson 4 - Observation of Cargo Handling Operations (Lab)*
Unit 5.2 Cargo Documentation
Discussion of basic forms and procedures required when driver handles cargo, e.g., bills of lading and other freight documentation. Basic procedures and responsibilities for placarding vehicles that carry hazardous materials.
Lesson 1 - Cargo Documentation: Basic Forms and Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Cargo Documentation Problems (Classroom)
Unit 5.3 Hours of Service Requirements
Classroom instruction in permissible hours of duty, rest periods, etc. Introduction to and practice using driver log to record time. Use of log to record time for remainder of course.
Lesson 1 - Basic Requirements of Hours of Service Regulations (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Complying with the Hours of Service Regulations (Classroom)
Lesson 3 - Log Keeping Exercise (Classroom)
Unit 5.4 Accident Procedures
Basic instructions for handling the scene of an accident, reporting accidents, rules and regulations related to accidents. Introduction to basic first aid practices* Introduction to use of fire extinguishers and basic fire-fighting techniques, especially those related to truckers,
Lesson 1 - Accidents and Accident Reporting (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Principles of First Aid (Classroom)*
Lesson 3 - Fires and Firefighting (Classroom)
Lesson 4 - Firefighting Demonstration (Classroom or Lab)
Unit 5.5 Personal Health and Safety
Physical requirements for driving an interstate vehicle, medical examination and certification. Discussion of basic health maintenance requirement, diet, exercise, use of alcohol, drugs and avoidance of fatigue. Discussion of common non-driving safety hazards and use of special equipment (e.g., gloves, hard hats, goggles, equipment used with hazardous material).
Lesson 1 - Personal Health and Driving (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Safety Equipment and Practices (Classroom)
Lesson 3 - The Truck Driver's Environment (Classroom)
Unit 5.6 Trip Planning
Class discussion of importance of and requirements for planning trips. Federal and State requirements, including need for permits, vehicle size and weight limitations, etc. Classroom exercise in which students plan an overnight trip with school vehicle, including identification of permits, estimating time of arrival, fuel stops, etc.
Lesson 1 - Trip Analysis and Trip Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Trip Planning Exercise (Classroom)
Unit 5.7 Public and Employer Relations
Classroom instruction and discussion on maintaining a good image, public relations problems of trucking industry, dealing with public and customers. Classroom instruction and discussion of relationship to employer, including how to look for a job, get a job and keep a job. Student practices interviewing for a job.
Lesson 1 - The Driver's Role in Public Relations (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Employer Relations (Classroom)**
* indicates an optional lesson. ** indicates portion of lesson is optional.
Please refer to the appropriate Curriculum Unit Standards for details on optional lessons.
MINIMUM CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The units in this course outline are mandatory under these Standards. The lessons are not required if all of the instructional objectives for each Curriculum Unit Standard are satisfied fully.
Instructional Sequence
The units may be taught in any sequence that leads to efficient learning. The first three sections form a natural learning sequence beginning with basic control of the vehicle's motion (section 1), then the needs of the highway traffic environment (section 2), and, finally, introducing the advanced skills (section 3), that can be acquired only after mastery of the more fundamental skills.
Units of sections 4 and 5 are independent and can be taught in any sequence. Because they involve classroom and laboratory instruction for the most part, they may be scheduled concurrently with the behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction of sections 1-3 to make the best use of school equipment and facilities.
Instructional Objectives
Objectives of instruction are provided at the beginning of each Curriculum Unit Standard. They are not divided among individual lessons as the various classroom, lab, range, and street lessons are all applied toward attaining the same objectives.
Purpose of Objectives
The purpose of the objectives is to make instructional goals for each unit explicit. The objectives describe the performances that students are expected to be capable of performing after completing the unit, as well as the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they must possess to attain performance objectives. Making the objectives explicit is intended to enable the user of these Standards to:
Gain a clear understanding of instructional goals necessary to fulfill training standards.
Be able to communicate to instructors what is expected of the instructors.
Be in a position to modify training to meet local needs and changing times and remain in compliance with these Standards.
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