Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

TDT 118 - Basic Vehicle Operations and Commercial Driver’s License Req

5 Credits, 5 Contact Hours
5 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Basic methods of safely operating a combination vehicle. Includes the operation of the air brake system, coupling and uncoupling a tractor and trailer, cargo handling including hazardous materials, proper method of conducting a pre-trip inspection, completion of braking maneuvers, and trip planning. Also includes familiarization of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations, hours of driver service, and all Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, managing a professional driver life, managing speed effectively, and road and weather condition response.

Information: Admission to the Truck Driver Training Program is required prior to registration.


Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the proper operation of an air brake system used on commercial vehicles.
  2. Explain the method of completing a proper pre-trip inspection.
  3. Identify and describe the proper method used to couple and uncouple a combination vehicle.
  4. Summarize the proper method of cargo handling to ensure the safe operation of the delivery vehicle.
  5. Describe the successful methods for managing the life of a professional over the road driver.
  6. Pass the commercial driver license test and obtain a class A permit with any or all of the following endorsements that are desired: hazardous materials, doubles and triples, and tanker.

Outline:
  1. Air Brake System
    1. Operation of the air brake system
    2. Braking maneuvers
  2. Pre-trip Inspection Procedures
    1. Commercial vehicles and safety
    2. Trip planning
    3. Cab and trailer
  3. Coupling and Uncoupling Procedures
    1. Safety and combination vehicles
    2. Coupling and uncoupling method
  4. Handling Cargo
    1. Safety and cargo handling methods
    2. Tractor and trailer
  5. On The Road (OTR) Management
    1. Backing maneuvers
    2. Trip planning update
    3. Managing speed effectively
    4. Responding to road and weather conditions
    5. Hazardous materials trip requirements
  6. Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations and Licensing
    1. United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations
    2. Hours of service
    3. Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL) requirements
    4. Class A permit  
    5. Hazardous materials endorsement
    6. Doubles and triples endorsement
    7. Tanker endorsement


Effective Term:
Fall 2013