CTDL 1020 Syllabus

Introduce Vehicle Instruments and Controls
   Order       Description
      1            Identify and state the function of engine controls
      2            Identify and state the function of controls related to vehicle movement
      3            Identify and state the function of controls not related to vehicle movement
      4            Identify the acceptable operating range of vehicle instruments and state the purpose of each
                    instrument
      5            Understand universally accepted signals
      6            Explain laws and regulations concerning traffic signals
      7            Understand relationships of signals to driver intent and that signals do not convey the "right" to
                    execute a maneuver
      8            Perform signals intending lane change, hazard and backing up
      9            Use horn and headlights appropriately
     10           Establish and use eye contact with drivers and pedestrians as a warning
     11           Explain and use procedures for handling complaints
     12           Understand how to respond to an on-board message
     13           Understand how to listen and respond effectively
     14           Define the space requirements for any length trailer
     15           Understand clearance requirements of a rig for all dimensions
     16           Explain the purpose, use and consequences of engine retarders
     17           Explain steering techniques to track vehicle in lane and drive a straight line
     18           Explain the purpose and use of the Power Divider Interlock (P.D.L.)
     19           Illustrate the proper position to begin a turn and how to set up, execute and recover from a
                    turn

 

Operating a Tractor Trailer Through Clearance Maneuvers
   Order       Description
      1            Demonstrate start up, warm up and shut down of the engine according to manufacturer's
                    specification
      2            Observe that air tanks have full pressure
      3            Judge all brake operation
      4            Apply the clutch
      5            Activate transmission into lowest forward gear
      6            Establish vehicle in motion
      7            Demonstrate slowing the vehicle using the engine brake
      8            Demonstrate stopping the vehicle using the brake
      9            Read instruments and controls necessary to shift gears
     10           Demonstrate shifting up and down through all gears of a conventional transmission
     11           Understand shifting procedures and patterns for different transmissions
     12           Select proper gear for speed and highway conditions
     13           Explain gears that will be the best choice under certain traffic, turns, highway and terrain
                    conditions
     14           Explain outcomes of proper shifting in terms of improved fuel mileage, reduced operating costs
                    and other benefits
     15           Understand the importance of matching RPM and MPH for down shifting
     16           Demonstrate shifting up and down through all gears of multi-speed and dual range
                    transmissions
     17           Demonstrate double clutching and timing shift for smooth and fuel efficient performance
     18           Understand how to avoid riding the clutch
     19           Demonstrate progressive shifting techniques
     20           Demonstrate and explain skip shifting
     21           Demonstrate proper gear recovery
     22           Recognize common shifting errors and their consequences
     23           Explain how to maintain directional control while operating over a slippery surface
     24           Explain how to bring a tractor trailer to a stop in the shortest possible distance while
                    maintaining directional control when operating on a slippery surface
     25           Explain how to recover from tractor or trailer skids induced by snow, ice, water, oil, sand, wet
                    leaves or other slippery surfaces
     26           Understand the best prevention for skidding is to control driving by reducing speed
     27           Understand the role of skid control in preventing accidents
     28           Understand skid dynamics including friction, wheel load and force
     29           Explain causes of skidding
     30           Explain the characteristics of a trailer jackknife, front wheels skid and all wheels skid
     31           Explain the procedures for handling brake failure and blow outs
     32           Understand that skids may occur at any speed and identify skid recovery procedure

 

Turning, Parking, Backing and Docking
   Order       Description
      1            Perform left turns
      2            Perform right turns
      3            Demonstrate parking vehicle in a parallel space
      4            Demonstrate parking vehicle in a diagonal parking space
      5            Explain proper mirror adjustment and use
      6            Assess dock area for obstructions, position and path
      7            Activate warning flashers prior to using reverse
      8            Use horn periodically if no back up alarm is available
      9            Judge path and clearances of trailer
     10           Understand rules and procedures for backing in and across traffic
     11           Explain for backing, jack and chase, parallel and jackknife parking
     12           Identify and explain hazards of backing and specific dangers and problems in various situations