CTDL 1010 Syllabus
Subject Code
CTDL
Course Number
1010
Course Title
Fundamentals of Commercial Driving
Prerequisites
Program admission
Corequisites
CTDL 1020
Terms Offered
Offered every semester
Credit Hours
(3-0-3)
Course Description
This course introduces students to the transportation industry, federal and state regulations, records and forms, industrial relations, and other non-driving activities. This course provides an emphasis on safety that will continue throughout the program.
Course Outcomes
Introduce Fundamentals of Commercial Driving
Order Description
1 Explain the importance of the industry to the nation's economy
2 Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Pocketbook
3 Identify the federal agencies which regulate the industry and its drivers
4 Explain how the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act impacts the individual driver
5 Identify key areas of state regulation of the industry
6 Explain systematic procedure to assure quick and complete pre-trip inspection
7 Explain the effect of undiscovered malfunctions upon safety, effectiveness and economy
8 Explain Federal, State and other regulations governing inspection, including special regulations
for hazardous cargo
9 Describe procedures for post trip inspection
10 Explain out-of-service criteria for drivers and vehicles
11 Explain how driver responsibilities include ensuring vehicle is in safe operating condition before
taking it on the road
12 Explain how to report malfunctions and problems
13 Explain location and tolerances for all components and systems
14 Explain consequences of vehicle out-of-service orders at roadside inspections and recognize
negative impact on driver, company, shipper and entire industry
15 Perform post trip inspections by making accurate notes of actual and suspected component
abnormalities or malfunctions that occurred during the trip
16 Write Vehicle Condition Report (VCR)
17 Identify the location, function, operation and common failures of the various vehicle
components
18 Explain the procedure for performing inspections and authorized maintenance repairs
19 Identify repairs for which drivers are unqualified to complete
20 Explain the importance of periodic inspections and repairs to prevent en route breakdowns and
promote longevity of parts, safety and economy of operation
21 Explain the inspection, repair and maintenance regulations for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSR)
22 Identify vehicle systems or components that are functioning properly, improperly or are in
imminent danger of failing
23 Describe symptoms of improper operation completely and accurately to maintenance personnel
24 Report breakdowns occurring en route properly
25 Identify, locate , and explain the function of each of the primary controls including those
required for steering, accelerating, shifting, braking and parking
26 Identify, locate , and explain the function of each of the secondary controls including those
required for control of lights, signals, windshield wipers and washers, interior climate, engine
starting and shut down, and suspension and coupling
27 Identify, locate , explain, and indicate the acceptable reading range of the various instruments
required to monitor vehicle and engine speed as well as the status of fuel, oil, air, cooling,
exhaust, and electrical systems
28 Read and use gauge information in making on-going decisions
29 Read gauges and instruments correctly indicating use and acceptable range
30 Demonstrate seat adjustment and safety belt use
Filling Out Record Forms
Order Description
1 Prepare a driver's record of duty status (daily log)
2 Understand how to comply with the Hours of Service regulations
3 Demonstrate all the requirements and rules of Part 395 of the FMCSR covering hours of
service
4 Understand the procedures for using log book recap
5 Explain the consequences of failure to comply with hours of service regulations
6 Understand all the requirements and rules of Part 395 of the FMCSR regarding hours of service
7 Understand en route inspections requirements
8 Identify and recognize the potential pressures in the industry to exceed hours-of- service units
and know strategies for coping with them
9 Maintain a legal log book while in school
10 Identify key reports a driver must maintain for a trip
11 Explain how to use log books in planning a trip and meeting schedules
12 Record information on the trip report
13 Record information on cargo discrepancy report (loss or damage report)
14 Record information on the vehicle inspection report
15 Prepare and interpret a bill of lading
16 Collect all information needed for accident reports to the state, employer and insurance
company
Planning the Trip
Order Description
1 Collect and review trip documentation
2 Describe methods for good record keeping
3 Explain how to use the Truckers Atlas and interpret maps
4 Identify common map symbols
5 Estimate travel time and plan rest stops and layovers
6 Compute miles traveled, fuel use and expenses
7 Plan a route from point to point that is optimal in terms of travel time, fuel cost and potential
hazards while adhering to Federal, State and local travel regulations
8 Select a secure place for vehicle on layovers, especially when transporting hazardous materials
9 Estimate needed expenses and obtain funds and/or credit cards
10 Explain methods for good record keeping
11 Explain how permit system operates
12 Understand the types of vehicles, cargoes and routes requiring special permits
13 Understand and use State regulations and the procedures for obtaining special permits
14 Explain State and local law restrictions on vehicle size and weight
15 Identify permits required by the nature of the vehicle, its cargo, and route to be traveled
16 Determine required vehicle licenses and permits
17 Explain how failure to obtain necessary permits can result in extensive delay and fines
18 Determine size and weight limitations
19 Compute and verify weights
Performing Related Non-Driving Activities
Order Description
1 Explain State law and company requirements dealing with stopping and rendering assistance at
the scene of an accident
2 Explain procedures for protecting the scene of an accident and Federal and State requirements
3 Identify Federal, State, insurance company and employer requirements regarding accident
reporting
4 Distinguish types of fire extinguishers appropriate to each class of fire
5 Describe procedures for extinguishing cargo, engine, electrical and tire fires
6 Explain where to stop a vehicle in the event of fire
7 Explain how to gather information at the scene of an accident
8 Explain how to complete an Accident Reporting Kit
9 Understand the importance of carrying a camera
10 Understand how to use the Emergency Response Guide (E.R.G.)
11 Explain environmental regulations that affect spills
12 Recognize symptoms of problems
13 Understand how to contain a spill
14 Explain how to report and document problems
15 Explain state and federal regulations about fuel spills
16 Describe what actions need to be taken at the scene of a spill or problem by referring to the
E.R.G.
17 Explain rules about various categories of cargo
18 Explain procedures for loading and unloading
19 Explain the procedures for proper completion of freight bill, cargo manifest, bill of lading and
other required forms
20 Understand it is the driver's responsibility for ensuring paperwork is properly filled out
21 Understand what "driver count" means
22 Explain the possible consequences and penalties of improperly completed documentation
23 Explain proper lifting techniques
24 Explain procedures for securing cargo including methods of blocking, bracing, packing,
stacking and use of straps, rope, cable, chains and chain binders for tie down to prevent
damage and accidents
25 Explain the nature, function and operation of common cargo handling equipment including
pallets, jacks, dollies, hand trucks, forklift trucks, nets, slings, rug poles, Johnson bars and
other equipment
26 Understand how to install various types of seals and record the seal number on the paperwork
27 Explain Federal and State regulations on loading, weight limits and distribution of cargo, bridge
law and special concerns of a 53 foot trailer
28 Explain rules and regulations of shipping hazardous materials
29 Recognize warning labels and placards for hazardous materials
30 Identify hazardous materials
31 Display emergency warning devices
32 Identify the requirements for maintaining necessary driving qualifications according to Federal
and State regulations
33 Change worn/faulty elements or fuses in the lighting system
34 Identify over dimensional loads
35 Follow port of entry and exit procedures
36 Follow inspection station procedures
Maintaining Public and Employer Relations and Providing Customer Service
Order Description
1 Demonstrate tact in dealing with a customer
2 List attributes of a positive attitude in working with a customer
3 Discuss ways to show empathy with a customer's situation
4 Understand the dynamics of the trucking industry and the role and importance of the driver
5 Show dependability
6 Demonstrate punctuality
7 Recognize signs of fatigue
8 Understand the elements of a good diet
9 Understand the pay process
10 Identify a good exercise program for life on the road
11 Understand personal sleep requirements and individual biorhythms or patterns
12 Identify safe and quiet truck stops
13 Understand the effects of drugs and alcohol
14 Discuss the importance of following rules and regulations of a company
15 Understand the stress caused by life on the road and being away from home
16 Attend class; arrive and leave on time; notify instructor in advance of planned absences
17 Display loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-discipline and
self-responsibility
18 Respect the rights of others; confidentiality; and be cooperative in attitude and behavior
19 Display appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene and etiquette
20 Demonstrate a positive attitude; appear self-confident; and have realistic expectations of self
21 Follow safety practices; conserve materials; keep work area neat and clean; follow directions
and procedures; make up assignments punctually, participate
22 Display skills in prioritizing and management of time and stress; demonstrate flexibility in
handling change
23 Display appropriate nonverbal(eye contact, body language) and oral (listening, telephone
etiquette, grammar) skills
24 Display leadership skills; appropriately handle criticism, conflicts and complaints; demonstrate
problem solving capabilities; maintain appropriate relationships with supervisors and peers;
follow chain of command
25 Accept cultural-racial diversity and do not engage in harassment of any kind
Successfully Completing the Commercial Driver's License Written Exam
Order Description
1 Produce a passing score on the CDL written exam