Commercial Driver Training Program

This program includes a variety of required and recommended courses for professionals working in the Commercial Transportation Industry.

Upon successful completion of each course, you will be provided with a certificate of completion for that course.

Below is a listing of the courses within the program, and the topics covered by each course.

• The history of Federal Hours of Service legislation
• The human body clock and fatigue
• When driving is prohibited
• Which vehicles the regulations apply to and which are exempt
• Logbooks and daily duty status categories
• On-duty limits and off-duty requirements
• Sleeper berth requirements
• Cycles, cycle limits, cycle resets, and cycle switching
• Special permits for various vehicles
• Exemptions for emergencies or adverse driving conditions
• Out-of-service declarations
• Inspections

• Why cargo securement is important
• What federal regulations mean to drivers and carriers
• How cargo securement affects CSA scores
• Working load limits
• Direct and indirect tie-downs
• Proper cargo loading and securement techniques
• Performing pre-trip and en route flatbed and cargo inspections
• Best practices for securing common commodities

 

• Module 1: Preparing for the Pre-Trip Inspection
• Module 2: Inspecting the Air Brake System
• Module 3: Defects and Major Defects
• Module 4: Performing the Inspection

• Factors that influence commercial vehicle weight allowances
• The legal load limit, required safety measures, and related exemptions
• Factors that determine the maximum allowable length for a vehicle and load
• The difference between primary highways and local roadways
• Road bans and their impact on you
• Conditions under which an over-dimensional permit must be obtained and used

 

• Pet Peeves
  • Explores situations and the actions of other drivers that may cause irritation or changes in decision making as well as an increase in risk-taking behaviour
  • Encourages a more tolerant outlook toward other drivers
• Stress
  • How stress affects drivers mentally, emotionally, and physically to promote risk taking behaviour
  • What drivers can do to reduce or manage stress and their reaction to it
• Anger
  • Anger is the most dangerous emotion when mixed with driving
  • Understand two kinds of anger that can result in reactionary or risk taking driving actions
  • Simple and effective anger management tools that can be used while driving
  • How to avoid personal confrontations and road rage incidents
• Aggressive Driving
  • Understanding the nature of aggressive driving
  • How anyone can turn into an aggressive driver if stressed or provoked
  • How to reduce risky driving actions which could cause incidents
  • Reducing vehicle abuse, fuel, and repair costs
• Emotional IQ
  • How willingness to take responsibility for resolving even bad situations in a positive way can reduce stress and empower drivers
  • How unrealistic expectations of others leads to disappointment, stress, and escalated risk tolerance

• Introduction – It’s Your Job, What You’ll Learn, What is Distracted Driving?
• Recognizing Driving Distractions – Distractions Happen, Technology Distractions, Texting, Types of Distractions, Inattention Blindness
• Managing Driving Distractions – Why Drivers Get Distracted, Dealing with Distracted Drivers
• Avoiding a Distraction Disaster – Steps to Avoid a Disaster, Stay Focused, Recognize Signs of Distraction, Manage Distracted Drivers
• Conclusion – Time to Review

 

Section One: Air Brake Curriculum Part 1

1. Introduction
   1. Program Outline
2. Air Brake Pretrip
   1. Reservoirs Full
   2. Reservoirs Empty
3. Airbrake System Overview
4. Supply System
5. Service System
6. Park Brakes
7. Tractor / Trailer
8. System Failures

Section Two: Air Brake Curriculum Part 2

1. Foundation Brakes and Adjustment
2. Air Operated Disc Brakes
3. Driving Tips
   1. Braking
   2. Retarders
   3. Icy Roads
   4. Downgrades
      1. On Highways
      2. Pre-hill Inspections
      3. In Town
      4. Runaway Lanes
4. Anti-Lock Braking Systems
5. Automatic Traction Control

• Understanding how fires burn
• The fire triangle
• The fire tetrahedron
• Physical states of fuel
• Types of heat
• The role of oxygen in fires
• Fire classifications
• Fire extinguisher ratings and classifications
• Fire extinguishing agents
• Types of fire extinguishers
• Fire extinguisher inspections
• Basic firefighting procedures
• Controlling fires

After completing this course, drivers will understand:

• The dangers of backing
• Basic guidelines for reducing the risks of backing
• How to survey the area before backing
• Tips and techniques for successful backing
• Jack and Chase maneuvers
• Techniques for straight-line backing
• Techniques for alley dock backing
• Techniques for jack-knife backing
• Techniques for blind-side backing
• Techniques for parallel parking

• What WHMIS is
• Key components of WHMIS regulations
• WHMIS classes and hazard symbols
• WHMIS label types and requirements
• MSDSs
• WHMIS exemptions
• Emergency response
• Personal protective equipment

 

• The requirements for TDG training and certification
• Dangerous goods classification
• Packing groups
• Shipping name
• Compatibility groups
• Placards and UN numbers
• Label requirements
• Safety marks
• Packaging and vessel requirements
• Requirements for documentation
• Exemptions
• The ERAP (Emergency Response Assistance Plans)
• Reporting requirements
• Containers
• TDG schedules