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)*