Transportation · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a certified examiner or master technician in the trade or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Commercial Driving (CDL)
9 courses · 353 clock hours · 1–2 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
9courses
44lessons
353hours
31assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons44 of 44 lesson pages writtenPractice352 practice questionsResources112 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 44 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
TRN-CDL23-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Commercial Drivers
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips adult learners with the safety knowledge, trade mathematics, technical reading skills, digital literacy, and career-readiness behaviors required before operating any commercial motor vehicle. Lessons are aligned to FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory requirements and the CDL general knowledge knowledge-test domain. Students earn OSHA 10 certification and a hands-on first aid/CPR card as embedded credentials.
Outcomes- Demonstrate OSHA 10-level hazard recognition and apply hierarchy-of-controls thinking to commercial driving worksites, including docks, fuel islands, and roadside emergencies.
- Perform first aid and hands-only CPR to American Red Cross or American Heart Association standards and describe when and how to activate emergency medical services at a crash scene.
- Apply trade mathematics—unit conversion, weight and axle-load calculation, fuel economy, and pre-trip inspection measurements—accurately enough to pass CDL general knowledge and vehicle inspection knowledge tests.
- Read and interpret federal regulations, hours-of-service (HOS) forms, bills of lading, placards, and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) with sufficient comprehension to comply with FMCSA requirements.
- Use digital tools including electronic logging device (ELD) interfaces, mapping/routing software, and employer communication platforms to complete basic driver administrative tasks.
- Develop a professional career portfolio containing a resume, a cover letter targeting a CDL Class A or B employer, and a personal driving record review, and articulate CDL credential portability and career pathways in the transportation sector.
Course text
This foundational course equips adult learners with the safety knowledge, trade mathematics, technical reading skills, digital literacy, and career-readiness behaviors required before operating any commercial motor vehicle. Lessons are aligned to FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory requirements and the CDL general knowledge knowledge-test domain. Students earn OSHA 10 certification and a hands-on first aid/CPR card as embedded credentials.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: OSHA 10 for Commercial Transportation: Hazard Recognition and Controls; First Aid, CPR, and Crash-Scene Response for Professional Drivers; Trade Math for Commercial Drivers: Weights, Measures, Fuel, and Time; Reading Federal Regulations and Commercial Driver Documents; Digital Tools for Commercial Drivers: ELDs, Routing, and Workplace Communication; CDL General Knowledge: FMCSA Rules, Vehicle Systems, and Safe Driving Principles; Career Readiness: Professional Portfolio, Job Search, and CDL Career Pathways.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate OSHA 10-level hazard recognition and apply hierarchy-of-controls thinking to commercial driving worksites, including docks, fuel islands, and roadside emergencies. Perform first aid and hands-only CPR to American Red Cross or American Heart Association standards and describe when and how to activate emergency medical services at a crash scene. Apply trade mathematics—unit conversion, weight and axle-load calculation, fuel economy, and pre-trip inspection measurements—accurately enough to pass CDL general knowledge and vehicle inspection knowledge tests. Read and interpret federal regulations, hours-of-service (HOS) forms, bills of lading, placards, and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) with sufficient comprehension to comply with FMCSA requirements. Use digital tools including electronic logging device (ELD) interfaces, mapping/routing software, and employer communication platforms to complete basic driver administrative tasks. Develop a professional career portfolio containing a resume, a cover letter targeting a CDL Class A or B employer, and a personal driving record review, and articulate CDL credential portability and career pathways in the transportation sector.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OSHA 10 for Commercial Transportation: Hazard Recognition and Controls | 30 | theory | Students will identify common commercial driving hazards—including struck-by, caught-between, slip/trip/fall, traffic control zone, and fuel-handling risks—and select the appropriate control from the hierarchy of controls for each scenario. |
| OSHA 10 authorized trainer curriculum, OSHA 10 student workbooks, FMCSA accident register sample forms, PPE kit (hard hat, high-visibility vest, nitrile gloves, safety glasses), whiteboard, sticky notes | OSHA 10 final written assessment administered by authorized trainer; passing score per OSHA 10 program requirements (typically 70% or higher); students who do not pass retake within the course window. Instructor also scores the hazard-hunt debrief using a 15-item checklist; students must identify at least 12 of 15 tagged hazards correctly to advance. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and Crash-Scene Response for Professional Drivers | 16 | lab | Students will perform hands-only CPR and use an AED on a manikin to American Red Cross or AHA Heartsaver standards, and demonstrate a structured crash-scene response sequence including scene safety, calling 911, controlling bleeding, and positioning an unresponsive victim. |
| Adult CPR manikins (one per two students), AED trainers, bleeding-control kits (tourniquet, gauze, gloves), American Red Cross or AHA Heartsaver student manuals, skills checklist cards, parking lot or open indoor space | American Red Cross or AHA Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED skills check performed by certified instructor; all critical steps (rate, depth, recoil, AED operation) must be performed correctly to earn the card. Students who miss a critical step receive immediate remediation and one retest opportunity within the lesson block. |
| 3 | Trade Math for Commercial Drivers: Weights, Measures, Fuel, and Time | 24 | theory | Students will solve CDL-relevant math problems—including gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) calculations, axle weight distribution, fuel consumption and cost, unit conversion between US customary and metric, and hours-of-service time math—with at least 80% accuracy on a timed test. |
| Calculators, dry-erase boards and markers, printed truck spec sheets (from publicly available manufacturer literature), blank paper log grids, sample load manifests created by instructor, federal bridge formula reference card (FHWA public document), HOS summary reference card | 30-item timed math quiz (45 minutes) covering all four topic areas; minimum passing score is 80% (24/30). Partial credit is awarded for correct setup with arithmetic error. Students scoring below 80% complete a targeted remediation worksheet and retest once. |
| 4 | Reading Federal Regulations and Commercial Driver Documents | 22 | theory | Students will locate and interpret information from FMCSA regulations, the CDL driver's manual, bills of lading, driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), and hazardous materials shipping papers well enough to answer regulation-based knowledge-test questions and comply on the job. |
| State CDL driver's manual (print copies), 49 CFR Parts 383, 391, 392 excerpts (printed from eCFR.gov), sample DVIR forms, sample bill of lading, training hazmat shipping paper, federal medical examiner certificate sample, CDL knowledge-test question sets (AAMVA or state DMV practice banks) | 20-question open-document comprehension quiz; students may use their annotated manual and regulation excerpts. Passing score is 80% (16/20). Instructor observes that students locate answers in source documents rather than guessing; inability to locate any three answers triggers a document-navigation tutorial session. |
| 5 | Digital Tools for Commercial Drivers: ELDs, Routing, and Workplace Communication | 20 | demo | Students will complete a simulated ELD driver login, duty-status change, and pre-trip inspection certification entry; plan a multi-stop route using free mapping software; and compose a professional driver communication message meeting employer standards. |
| Tablets or classroom computers with internet access, ELD training simulator access (publicly available vendor training portals), mapping software, instructor-created scenario cards, professional communication rubric, sample dispatcher email (poorly written, instructor-created) | ELD simulation skill checklist: student must complete all five required steps (login, four duty-status changes, DVIR entry, log certification) without instructor prompting; any missed step requires one guided retry. Route planning is evaluated on whether the low-clearance bridge is avoided (pass/fail criterion). Communication draft is scored on the four-item rubric; a score of 3/4 or higher on each item is required. |
| 6 | CDL General Knowledge: FMCSA Rules, Vehicle Systems, and Safe Driving Principles | 24 | theory | Students will explain FMCSA rules governing driver qualifications, controlled substances and alcohol testing, hours of service, and basic vehicle systems (brakes, tires, coupling, lights) at a level sufficient to score at least 80% on a CDL general knowledge practice test. |
| FMCSA ELDT theory curriculum reference (FMCSA.dot.gov), state CDL driver's manual, printed Class A vehicle cross-section diagram, air brake system model or poster, two-column notes organizer handout, 50-question general knowledge practice test, personal gap chart template | 50-question general knowledge practice test scored immediately; minimum passing score is 80% (40/50), matching the typical CDL knowledge-test passing threshold used by most state DMVs. Students below 80% identify their two weakest topic areas on the gap chart and complete a targeted 10-question mini-quiz on each topic before the next lesson. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Professional Portfolio, Job Search, and CDL Career Pathways | 12 | practice | Students will produce a complete professional portfolio—including a polished resume, a targeted cover letter, a personal motor vehicle record (MVR) review, and a written career pathway plan—and demonstrate readiness to present themselves to a CDL employer. |
| CDL-specific resume template (instructor-created), cover letter template, sample MVR (instructor-created), 49 CFR Part 391 driver qualification file checklist (FMCSA public document), list of common CDL employer interview questions, four-item resume rubric, computers or tablets for job posting search | Portfolio completeness checklist: resume, cover letter, MVR self-assessment memo, and career pathway plan (one-page, listing at least three progression roles such as local delivery → regional OTR → owner-operator) must all be present and meet the four-item rubric standard (score of 3 or higher on each item) to pass. Mock interview is evaluated by peer using a provided three-item checklist (professional demeanor, accurate regulatory knowledge, clear communication); instructor validates at least one interview per student. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 and Safety Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher on the OSHA 10 program assessment (per authorized trainer requirements); 80% or higher on the supplemental crash-scene and PPE written quiz (20 questions) | The OSHA 10 written assessment is administered by the authorized OSHA trainer and covers all ten program modules as applied to transportation hazards. A separate 20-question instructor-created quiz tests crash-scene response procedures, PPE selection, and first aid decision-making; both must be passed to earn the OSHA 10 card and course safety credit. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math and Document Literacy Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher on each of the two component sections (math: 24/30; document literacy: 16/20); students must pass both sections independently | A two-section closed-book exam covering CDL trade mathematics (GVWR, axle weights, fuel cost, HOS time calculations) and open-document regulation reading (CDL manual and 49 CFR excerpts provided); the math section is timed at 45 minutes and the document section at 30 minutes. This assessment maps directly to the FMCSA ELDT theory requirement areas and the CDL general knowledge knowledge-test domain. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Professional Portfolio Project | Project | 25% | All four portfolio components present; each component scores 3 or higher on the four-item rubric; MVR self-assessment demonstrates accurate understanding of at least three Part 391 driver qualification criteria | Students submit their complete career portfolio—resume, targeted cover letter, MVR self-assessment memo, and career pathway plan—for instructor evaluation using the published rubric. The portfolio is treated as a capstone artifact for this course and will be updated and included in the program-level Capstone Project in Course 7. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career Readiness Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | Student must answer at least four of five employer-style questions with accurate regulatory content and professional delivery, as scored on the three-item oral rubric (accuracy, clarity, professionalism) with a minimum of 2/3 on each item | In a five-to-seven-minute structured oral session with the instructor playing the role of a CDL employer, each student responds to five questions drawn from a published bank covering safety practices, FMCSA regulations, HOS rules, and professional conduct. Responses are scored live on a three-item rubric; students who do not pass receive targeted coaching and one retest opportunity within the course. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
TRN-CDL23-02 Trade course
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection (CDL)
20 hr · $460 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the systematic 7-step pre-trip inspection procedure required by FMCSA regulations, applying it to Class A and Class B commercial motor vehicles with and without trailers. The course covers every component category tested on the CDL Skills Examination—engine compartment, coupling systems, brake systems, lights, tires, and cargo securement—alongside post-trip inspection reporting duties. Emphasis is placed on identifying out-of-service conditions, completing Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), and performing inspections safely around live traffic and running equipment.
Outcomes- Perform a complete, unaided pre-trip inspection on a Class A combination vehicle and a Class B straight truck in the sequence and within the time frame required by the state CDL skills test, correctly identifying all major component categories.
- Identify and verbally explain at least ten common out-of-service defects—including brake adjustment violations, tire conditions, lighting failures, and coupling defects—citing why each condition makes a vehicle unsafe to operate.
- Complete a legible, accurate Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for both a defect-free vehicle and a vehicle with noted defects, meeting the documentation standard required under FMCSA regulations.
- Demonstrate safe personal protective practices during vehicle inspection, including maintaining awareness of pinch points, hot surfaces, pressurized systems, and traffic hazards.
- Apply the FMCSA inspection criteria to air brake systems—checking slack adjuster travel, air pressure build-up rate, and low-pressure warning devices—without assistance.
- Correctly inspect and describe all coupling components on a fifth-wheel combination, including the kingpin connection, safety chains or cables, and glad hands, to the standard required on the CDL skills examination.
Course text
Students learn the systematic 7-step pre-trip inspection procedure required by FMCSA regulations, applying it to Class A and Class B commercial motor vehicles with and without trailers. The course covers every component category tested on the CDL Skills Examination—engine compartment, coupling systems, brake systems, lights, tires, and cargo securement—alongside post-trip inspection reporting duties. Emphasis is placed on identifying out-of-service conditions, completing Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), and performing inspections safely around live traffic and running equipment.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Inspection Fundamentals: Regulations, Safety, and the DVIR; Engine Compartment and Under-Hood Inspection; Brake Systems, Tires, Wheels, and Lighting Walk-Around; Coupling Systems and Trailer Inspection; Full Timed Inspection Practice and Post-Trip Reporting.
What competent looks like. Perform a complete, unaided pre-trip inspection on a Class A combination vehicle and a Class B straight truck in the sequence and within the time frame required by the state CDL skills test, correctly identifying all major component categories. Identify and verbally explain at least ten common out-of-service defects—including brake adjustment violations, tire conditions, lighting failures, and coupling defects—citing why each condition makes a vehicle unsafe to operate. Complete a legible, accurate Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for both a defect-free vehicle and a vehicle with noted defects, meeting the documentation standard required under FMCSA regulations. Demonstrate safe personal protective practices during vehicle inspection, including maintaining awareness of pinch points, hot surfaces, pressurized systems, and traffic hazards. Apply the FMCSA inspection criteria to air brake systems—checking slack adjuster travel, air pressure build-up rate, and low-pressure warning devices—without assistance. Correctly inspect and describe all coupling components on a fifth-wheel combination, including the kingpin connection, safety chains or cables, and glad hands, to the standard required on the CDL skills examination.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inspection Fundamentals: Regulations, Safety, and the DVIR | 3 | theory | Students will explain the FMCSA regulatory basis for pre-trip and post-trip inspections, identify the seven inspection steps by name and order, and correctly fill out a DVIR for a scenario-based vehicle condition. |
| FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Standards (49 CFR Part 383 and Part 396 summaries in student-friendly language), blank DVIR forms, state CDL skills test inspection scoring rubric, whiteboard, projector | Students score 80% or higher on a 20-question matching and short-answer quiz covering inspection steps, regulatory requirements, and DVIR completion; instructor reviews each completed DVIR form for required fields. |
| 2 | Engine Compartment and Under-Hood Inspection | 4 | demo | Students will demonstrate a correct engine compartment inspection—checking engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, battery, belts, hoses, and leaks—on a training vehicle while naming each item and its acceptable condition standard. |
| Class A tractor (training vehicle), Class B straight truck (training vehicle), laminated engine compartment checklist, safety glasses, nitrile gloves, fault-finding worksheet, instructor-prepared defect props | Each student completes the engine compartment inspection unaided while instructor scores against the state CDL rubric; student must correctly identify and name all fluid check points and both staged defects to pass (no critical misses allowed; critical miss = missing a fluid level or a belt defect). |
| 3 | Brake Systems, Tires, Wheels, and Lighting Walk-Around | 5 | lab | Students will perform the exterior walk-around inspection steps covering air brake components, brake drums and linings, tires, wheels, lug nuts, and all required lights and reflectors, verbally explaining each check and correctly identifying introduced defects. |
| Class A tractor-trailer (training vehicle), tread depth gauges, air pressure gauges, laminated brake and tire checklist, CDL skills test scoring rubric, data recording sheets, safety cones to mark work zone around vehicle | Students must correctly identify all three instructor-staged defects (one brake-related, one tire/wheel-related, one lighting-related) on a scored practice run and score at least 80% on the walk-around section of the CDL rubric; any missed out-of-service condition requires immediate repeat of that station. |
| 4 | Coupling Systems and Trailer Inspection | 4 | practice | Students will inspect all fifth-wheel coupling components—locking jaws, kingpin connection, safety chains, air lines, electrical connector, and landing gear—and complete the trailer portion of the walk-around inspection, correctly identifying the condition of each component. |
| Class A tractor-trailer with detachable trailer (training vehicle), fifth-wheel coupling diagram worksheets, laminated coupling inspection checklist, glad hands with and without O-rings for comparison, CDL scoring rubric, DVIRs | Each student performs the coupling and trailer inspection unaided; instructor scores against the CDL rubric and requires identification of all three staged defects; missing any out-of-service defect or performing an unsafe act (e.g., walking under an unsupported trailer) is an automatic remediation before re-attempt. |
| 5 | Full Timed Inspection Practice and Post-Trip Reporting | 4 | field | Students will complete a full, timed, unaided pre-trip inspection on a Class A combination vehicle from engine compartment through trailer rear, verbally narrating each check, then complete a post-trip DVIR accurately reflecting vehicle condition. |
| Class A tractor-trailer (training vehicle), official CDL skills test inspection scoring rubric, stopwatch, DVIRs, DVIR review checklist, pens, clipboard | Students must score a passing grade on the CDL skills test inspection rubric (no automatic failure items triggered, and no more than the allowable number of point deductions per state rubric standards) and submit a complete, legible DVIR with all required fields filled and defects described specifically enough for a mechanic to locate them; any automatic failure item requires a full remediation session before the skills demonstration assessment. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Inspection Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (32 of 40 questions); any question tied to an out-of-service condition must be answered correctly or the student receives targeted remediation on that topic before re-sitting. | A 40-question written exam covering FMCSA inspection requirements, the seven inspection steps, component identification, out-of-service criteria, air brake system checks, coupling system components, and DVIR requirements. Questions mirror the format and content areas of the CDL General Knowledge and Air Brakes written knowledge tests administered by the state driver licensing agency. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | No automatic failure items (e.g., unsafe act, missing an out-of-service defect); total point deductions must not exceed the threshold defined in the state CDL skills test rubric; student must complete the inspection within the time limit set by the state. | Each student performs a complete, unaided, verbally narrated pre-trip inspection on a Class A combination vehicle—or a Class B straight truck where applicable—scored in real time by the instructor using the official state CDL skills test inspection rubric. The vehicle contains at least two instructor-staged defects that must be identified and reported. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Inspection Lab Log | Log | 15% | All five required lab entries submitted; each entry must include date, vehicle type, defects found or noted-none, completed DVIR, and a reflection sentence explaining one thing learned or one error corrected; entries with missing DVIRs or blank defect fields receive a resubmit before credit is granted. | Students maintain a running lab log across the four hands-on lessons, submitting one entry per lesson that includes a completed DVIR, a list of any defects found or a confirmed defect-free notation, and a brief written reflection. The log is collected at the end of the course and reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and evidence of improving inspection technique across entries. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Inspection Safety Behavior Checklist | Safety audit | 15% | All six critical safety behaviors observed and marked as performed correctly on every observed inspection; a single unobserved or incorrectly performed critical safety behavior results in immediate correction and a re-observation before the course grade is finalized. | The instructor uses a six-item safety behavior checklist—covering PPE use, working position relative to pinch points and hot surfaces, traffic awareness while inspecting on the vehicle pad, safe tire-check technique, correct procedure for testing air brakes, and proper positioning during coupling inspection—to evaluate each student during the skills demonstration and at least one unannounced lab session. The checklist is scored pass/fail on each item with no partial credit. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-CDL23-03 Trade course
Backing Maneuvers for Commercial Vehicles
20 hr · $460 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops the foundational backing skills required for safe operation of Class A and Class B commercial motor vehicles, covering straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley-dock and parallel-park maneuvers performed to FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training standards. Students learn proper mirror use, reference points, spotter communication, and hazard recognition before and during all backing operations. Competency is assessed through scored range exercises that mirror the backing components of the state CDL skills examination.
Outcomes- Perform a pre-backing safety scan — checking mirrors, blind spots, and the path of travel — before initiating any backing maneuver on a Class A or Class B commercial vehicle.
- Execute straight-line backing, 45-degree alley-dock, offset backing, and parallel parking maneuvers within the tolerance limits established by the state CDL skills test.
- Communicate clearly with a ground guide using standard hand signals and verbal cues, and correctly apply the Get Out And Look (GOAL) principle when sight lines are lost.
- Identify and describe the major blind-spot zones around a tractor-trailer and box truck and explain how vehicle length, trailer type, and coupling affect backing behavior.
- Adjust mirrors to the correct backing position and use both mirrors continuously to track trailer drift and maintain alignment throughout each maneuver.
- Recognize and respond to common backing hazards — overhead obstructions, pedestrians, dock equipment, and uneven surfaces — applying appropriate speed control and stopping procedures.
Course text
This course develops the foundational backing skills required for safe operation of Class A and Class B commercial motor vehicles, covering straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley-dock and parallel-park maneuvers performed to FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training standards. Students learn proper mirror use, reference points, spotter communication, and hazard recognition before and during all backing operations. Competency is assessed through scored range exercises that mirror the backing components of the state CDL skills examination.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Backing Safety Fundamentals and Blind-Spot Awareness; Ground Guide Communication and Spotter Protocols; Straight-Line Backing and Reference Point Development; Offset Backing and Alley-Dock Maneuvers; Integrated Backing Scenarios and CDL Skills-Test Simulation.
What competent looks like. Perform a pre-backing safety scan — checking mirrors, blind spots, and the path of travel — before initiating any backing maneuver on a Class A or Class B commercial vehicle. Execute straight-line backing, 45-degree alley-dock, offset backing, and parallel parking maneuvers within the tolerance limits established by the state CDL skills test. Communicate clearly with a ground guide using standard hand signals and verbal cues, and correctly apply the Get Out And Look (GOAL) principle when sight lines are lost. Identify and describe the major blind-spot zones around a tractor-trailer and box truck and explain how vehicle length, trailer type, and coupling affect backing behavior. Adjust mirrors to the correct backing position and use both mirrors continuously to track trailer drift and maintain alignment throughout each maneuver. Recognize and respond to common backing hazards — overhead obstructions, pedestrians, dock equipment, and uneven surfaces — applying appropriate speed control and stopping procedures.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Backing Safety Fundamentals and Blind-Spot Awareness | 4 | theory | Students will identify the full blind-spot envelope around a Class A tractor-trailer and a Class B straight truck and explain the GOAL principle and mirror-adjustment procedure before any backing operation. |
| Overhead blind-spot diagram handouts, stationary Class A tractor-trailer or Class B box truck, FMCSA ELDT backing curriculum reference, whiteboard, incident video clips (dash-cam footage), structured observation worksheet, mirror-adjustment procedure card | Students score 80% or higher on a 10-question oral or written quiz identifying blind-spot zones on an unlabeled vehicle diagram and sequencing the pre-backing safety scan; instructor verifies correct mirror position on the stationary vehicle for each student. |
| 2 | Ground Guide Communication and Spotter Protocols | 3 | demo | Students will demonstrate the standard hand-signal vocabulary used between a driver and ground guide and correctly apply stop signals during a simulated yard backing scenario. |
| Class A or Class B training vehicle, open training yard, orange safety vests for spotters, cones, instructor scenario cards, FMCSA ELDT student workbook | Each student correctly demonstrates all six standard hand signals without prompting and successfully completes two spotter-assisted straight-line backing runs in which the vehicle stops within 2 feet of a cone target; instructor marks a pass/fail checklist — all six signals correct and both runs completed safely required to pass. |
| 3 | Straight-Line Backing and Reference Point Development | 5 | practice | Students will back a Class A tractor-trailer in a straight line for a minimum of 100 feet while maintaining lane alignment using mirror reference points without exceeding two pull-ups. |
| Class A tractor-trailer, coned straight-line course (minimum 100-foot lane), tape measure, score sheets, personal reference-point cards, FMCSA CDL skills test scoring criteria | Student completes a scored straight-line run with no more than two pull-ups and keeps the trailer within the lane boundaries as defined by state CDL test standards; instructor uses the official state skills-test scoring criteria — any disqualifying error results in immediate re-instruction before a second attempt. |
| 4 | Offset Backing and Alley-Dock Maneuvers | 5 | lab | Students will successfully complete a 45-degree alley-dock and a 90-degree offset backing maneuver on a marked range course within CDL skills-test dimensional tolerances on at least two of three attempts. |
| Class A tractor-trailer, range course coned to state CDL test specifications, state CDL skills-test observation sheets, reference-point cards, measuring tape, instructor scoring rubric | Student passes at least two of three attempts for both the offset and the alley-dock using the official state skills-test criteria (no pull-up limit exceeded, no cone strikes, vehicle positioned within final-stop tolerances); instructor records each attempt on the skills-test observation sheet. |
| 5 | Integrated Backing Scenarios and CDL Skills-Test Simulation | 3 | field | Students will complete a full simulated CDL backing skills-test sequence — pre-trip scan, straight-line, offset, and alley-dock — under test-like conditions scored against official state criteria with no examiner coaching. |
| Class A tractor-trailer, full CDL range course, official state CDL skills-test observation sheets, personal backing log, stopwatch, safety cones, high-visibility safety vests for evaluators | Student passes the simulated test with no disqualifying errors and meets all dimensional tolerances as defined by the official state CDL skills-test criteria; a minimum score equivalent to the state passing standard is required; any student who does not pass the simulation receives documented remediation and a second scored attempt within the session. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backing Theory Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (28 of 40 questions) | A 40-question written exam covering blind-spot zones, mirror adjustment procedures, GOAL principle, ground-guide hand signals, and the regulatory basis for backing safety under FMCSA rules. Questions are formatted as multiple-choice and true/false, matching the style used in state CDL general knowledge testing. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Backing Maneuvers Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | No disqualifying errors on any scored maneuver; all final vehicle positions within state CDL skills-test dimensional tolerances | Each student performs a straight-line backing run, a 90-degree offset backing, and a 45-degree alley-dock on the range course under examiner-style conditions scored with the official state CDL skills-test observation sheet. The evaluating instructor provides no coaching during the demonstration; a single disqualifying error on any maneuver requires documented remediation and one re-attempt. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Personal Backing Lab Log | Log | 15% | All entries present and complete; reflection entries must include at least two specific, corrective self-observations per session | Students maintain a backing log throughout all five lessons, recording reference points identified, pull-up counts, errors observed, instructor feedback, and self-correction strategies for each practice session. The completed log is submitted at the end of the course and reviewed for completeness, specificity, and evidence of progressive improvement. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Pre-Backing Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% of critical safety items correct with no prompted steps; any missed critical item is an automatic fail requiring full re-demonstration | Using the vehicle in its parked configuration, the student performs the complete pre-backing safety routine without prompting: mirror adjustment to backing position, 360-degree walk-around identifying hazards, blind-spot zones verbally stated, and spotter positioning confirmed. The instructor evaluates against a binary pass/fail checklist of critical safety behaviors drawn from FMCSA ELDT requirements. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-CDL23-04 Trade course
Road Operations: Driving Skills and Traffic Law
20 hr · $460 COMPLIMENTARY
Students develop the behind-the-wheel competencies required for safe commercial vehicle operation on public roads, covering pre-drive procedures, basic vehicle control, turns and intersections, highway driving, adverse conditions, and FMCSA-regulated driving rules. Instruction directly maps to the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory and behind-the-wheel curricula for Class A and Class B vehicles. Lessons progress from controlled low-speed maneuvers to multi-lane highway driving under varied conditions.
Outcomes- Execute smooth, controlled acceleration, braking, and steering on urban and highway roads while maintaining safe following distance and lane position for a loaded commercial vehicle.
- Correctly apply federal and state traffic laws governing large commercial vehicles, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, weight restrictions, and low-clearance routing.
- Identify and respond appropriately to hazardous driving conditions including rain, reduced visibility, construction zones, and railroad crossings.
- Perform proper mirror scanning, blind-spot management, and space management techniques to prevent collisions in city, suburban, and freeway environments.
- Demonstrate safe railroad-grade crossing procedures, bridge/overpass height and weight awareness, and night-driving adjustments as required by FMCSA ELDT standards.
- Complete all required ELDT behind-the-wheel range and public-road driving hours with a documented skills checklist meeting state licensing agency standards.
Course text
Students develop the behind-the-wheel competencies required for safe commercial vehicle operation on public roads, covering pre-drive procedures, basic vehicle control, turns and intersections, highway driving, adverse conditions, and FMCSA-regulated driving rules. Instruction directly maps to the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory and behind-the-wheel curricula for Class A and Class B vehicles. Lessons progress from controlled low-speed maneuvers to multi-lane highway driving under varied conditions.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Vehicle Control Fundamentals and City Driving; Highway and Expressway Driving; Hazardous Conditions: Adverse Weather, Night Driving, and Work Zones; Special Situations: Railroad Crossings, Low Clearances, and Weight Restrictions; Integrated Road Skills Assessment and Debrief.
What competent looks like. Execute smooth, controlled acceleration, braking, and steering on urban and highway roads while maintaining safe following distance and lane position for a loaded commercial vehicle. Correctly apply federal and state traffic laws governing large commercial vehicles, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, weight restrictions, and low-clearance routing. Identify and respond appropriately to hazardous driving conditions including rain, reduced visibility, construction zones, and railroad crossings. Perform proper mirror scanning, blind-spot management, and space management techniques to prevent collisions in city, suburban, and freeway environments. Demonstrate safe railroad-grade crossing procedures, bridge/overpass height and weight awareness, and night-driving adjustments as required by FMCSA ELDT standards. Complete all required ELDT behind-the-wheel range and public-road driving hours with a documented skills checklist meeting state licensing agency standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicle Control Fundamentals and City Driving | 4 | practice | The student will demonstrate smooth acceleration, braking, downshifting, lane changes, and turns within a city driving environment while maintaining a safe following distance and proper mirror scanning cycle. |
| Class A or Class B training vehicle with dual controls, instructor scoring checklist aligned to FMCSA ELDT behind-the-wheel curriculum, student driving log, high-visibility vest (PPE for any pre-drive outside the cab), city route map with designated turn points | Student completes the city route with zero critical errors (mounting a curb, failing to yield, unsafe lane change) and scores 80% or higher on the mirror-use and turning sub-sections of the ELDT skills checklist; instructor signs off each scored run. |
| 2 | Highway and Expressway Driving | 4 | practice | The student will safely merge onto, drive at posted highway speeds, and exit a multi-lane expressway, managing space cushions, mirror usage, and grade/curve adjustments appropriate for a loaded commercial vehicle. |
| Training CMV, ELDT behind-the-wheel skills checklist, student driving log, GPS-enabled dash display or instructor tablet with route overlay, FMCSA Hours-of-Service quick-reference card (for speed/distance awareness context) | Student completes the highway segment with zero critical errors (unsafe merge, following too close at less than the 4-second rule threshold at highway speed) and scores 80% or higher on the highway sub-section of the ELDT checklist; instructor signature required. |
| 3 | Hazardous Conditions: Adverse Weather, Night Driving, and Work Zones | 4 | lab | The student will identify and apply specific driving adjustments required for reduced-visibility conditions, wet or slippery surfaces, night driving, and active highway work zones as defined by FMCSA ELDT theory standards. |
| Classroom with projector, printed scenario worksheets, adverse-conditions decision-tree handout, FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (current edition) Sections on adverse conditions and night driving, training CMV or simulator, student driving log, high-visibility vests and safety cones (PPE/safety equipment for any outdoor exercise) | Student scores 80% or higher on the four scenario answer sheets combined and correctly identifies all five errors on the video observation form; instructor reviews driving log entry from the practical exercise before signing off. |
| 4 | Special Situations: Railroad Crossings, Low Clearances, and Weight Restrictions | 4 | theory | The student will correctly describe and apply FMCSA-mandated procedures for railroad-grade crossings, identify posted bridge and overpass height/weight limit signs, and plan a route that avoids prohibited structures for a given vehicle configuration. |
| Current state CDL Manual (railroad crossing and bridge/weight sections), printed regional road map with annotations, vehicle specification sheet handout, blank procedure-card template, projector for scenario display | Student's railroad crossing procedure card matches every mandatory step in the CDL Manual (no omissions allowed on safety-critical steps); routing exercise earns 80% or higher; instructor reviews written scenario responses before the lesson is marked complete. |
| 5 | Integrated Road Skills Assessment and Debrief | 4 | field | The student will complete a comprehensive evaluated road drive covering city, highway, and special-situation segments, demonstrating all skills from Lessons 1–4 at a passing standard on the full ELDT skills checklist. |
| Training CMV, full ELDT behind-the-wheel skills checklist (official state/FMCSA-aligned version), student self-evaluation form, completed student driving log, instructor sign-off sheet, high-visibility vest (PPE) | Student receives zero critical errors on the evaluation drive and scores 80% or higher on the ELDT skills checklist overall, with no individual safety-critical item rated unsatisfactory; completed and instructor-signed driving log is required for course credit. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Law and Hazard Recognition Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (24 of 30 questions); any question covering a safety-critical rule (railroad crossing, low clearance, adverse conditions stop procedure) must be answered correctly or the exam is failed regardless of total score. | A 30-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam drawn from FMCSA ELDT theory topics and the current CDL Manual, covering traffic law for CMVs, adverse-condition adjustments, work-zone rules, railroad crossing procedure, bridge and weight restrictions, and night-driving requirements. This assessment maps directly to the ELDT theory curriculum areas that underpin the Class A/B knowledge exam administered by the state driver licensing agency. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Evaluated Road Drive Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Zero critical errors on the full route; 80% or higher overall score on the FMCSA ELDT behind-the-wheel skills checklist; all safety-critical sub-items (mirror scanning, following distance, intersection procedure, railroad crossing) must be rated satisfactory. | The student drives the full integrated evaluation route from Lesson 5 under uncoached examiner observation, with performance scored on the official ELDT skills checklist across city, highway, and special-situation segments. Results are documented in the student's official behind-the-wheel training record submitted to the state driver licensing agency as required by FMCSA ELDT regulations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Student Driving Log | Log | 15% | Log is complete with an entry for every behind-the-wheel session, correct vehicle type and hours recorded, and instructor signature on each entry; any unsigned or missing session entry requires makeup before credit is awarded. | The cumulative, session-by-session driving log documents all Road course behind-the-wheel time, vehicle configuration, route types, skills practiced, and instructor sign-offs, serving as the official ELDT training record required for the state CDL application. Entries are reviewed at the end of each lesson for accuracy and completeness, and the finalized log is submitted at course conclusion. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Hazardous Conditions Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | All safety-critical decision items answered correctly (100% on railroad crossing steps, low-clearance routing, and adverse-condition stop procedures); 80% overall on the full checklist. | A structured oral and written safety check in which the instructor presents three scenario prompts—an active railroad crossing, a route with a bridge clearance conflict, and a sudden-onset heavy rain—and the student must verbally state and write the correct FMCSA-aligned response for each step. This check confirms that the student can make safe, rule-compliant decisions in high-stakes situations before progressing in the program. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-CDL23-05 Trade course
Hazardous Materials Transportation (HazMat)
20 hr · $460 COMPLIMENTARY
This course prepares students to legally and safely transport hazardous materials as a commercial driver, covering federal HazMat regulations under 49 CFR Parts 171–180, proper placarding, shipping paper requirements, emergency response procedures, and the knowledge domains tested on the CDL HazMat endorsement knowledge exam. Students apply FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) HazMat theory to hands-on identification, placard placement, and emergency response scenario exercises. Successful completion positions students to sit the state-administered HazMat endorsement knowledge test and satisfy the ELDT HazMat theory curriculum requirement.
Outcomes- Identify the nine DOT hazard classes and associated placards, labels, and markings required for HazMat shipments using the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101).
- Interpret shipping papers, emergency response information, and material safety data to confirm legal compliance before accepting a HazMat load.
- Select and place correct placards on all four sides of a vehicle in accordance with 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart F quantity and class thresholds.
- Demonstrate proper response procedures for HazMat incidents including isolation, notification of emergency services, and use of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).
- Apply federal rules governing HazMat driver requirements, segregation and compatibility, loading/unloading prohibitions, and en-route stops.
- Pass a timed written practice test covering all HazMat CDL endorsement knowledge domains at 80 percent or higher.
Course text
This course prepares students to legally and safely transport hazardous materials as a commercial driver, covering federal HazMat regulations under 49 CFR Parts 171–180, proper placarding, shipping paper requirements, emergency response procedures, and the knowledge domains tested on the CDL HazMat endorsement knowledge exam. Students apply FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) HazMat theory to hands-on identification, placard placement, and emergency response scenario exercises. Successful completion positions students to sit the state-administered HazMat endorsement knowledge test and satisfy the ELDT HazMat theory curriculum requirement.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: HazMat Regulatory Framework and Hazard Classes; Shipping Papers, Markings, Labels, and Placards; HazMat Driver Rules: Loading, Unloading, En-Route, and Segregation; Emergency Response Procedures and Incident Reporting; CDL HazMat Endorsement Exam Readiness and Full Practice Test.
What competent looks like. Identify the nine DOT hazard classes and associated placards, labels, and markings required for HazMat shipments using the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). Interpret shipping papers, emergency response information, and material safety data to confirm legal compliance before accepting a HazMat load. Select and place correct placards on all four sides of a vehicle in accordance with 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart F quantity and class thresholds. Demonstrate proper response procedures for HazMat incidents including isolation, notification of emergency services, and use of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Apply federal rules governing HazMat driver requirements, segregation and compatibility, loading/unloading prohibitions, and en-route stops. Pass a timed written practice test covering all HazMat CDL endorsement knowledge domains at 80 percent or higher.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HazMat Regulatory Framework and Hazard Classes | 4 | theory | Students will correctly identify all nine DOT hazard classes, their divisions, and the federal regulatory sources that govern HazMat transportation by commercial vehicle. |
| 49 CFR Parts 171–173 (printed excerpts or ECFR digital access), DOT hazard class placard chart poster, hazard-class card sort deck, student course journals, whiteboard/projector | Exit ticket: 18-question matching quiz (2 questions per hazard class) requiring students to match class number, division, placard color/symbol, and example commodity; pass mark is 80 percent (15 of 18 correct). |
| 2 | Shipping Papers, Markings, Labels, and Placards | 5 | demo | Students will read a HazMat shipping paper, verify required entries (proper shipping name, hazard class, ID number, packing group, quantity, and emergency contact), and correctly apply labels and placards to a mock vehicle for a given load. |
| Sample HazMat shipping papers (instructor-created, multiple commodity types), bill of lading forms, 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table (printed), DOT label and placard laminate kit, four placard frame boards or trailer mockup, placard kit (full set of standard placards), student checklists | Instructor observes placard drill; student must select the correct placard(s), mount all four sides with correct orientation, and identify any required subsidiary hazard placards with zero critical errors (wrong placard or missing required placard = fail); shipping paper review scored on a 10-point rubric with pass at 8 of 10. |
| 3 | HazMat Driver Rules: Loading, Unloading, En-Route, and Segregation | 4 | theory | Students will apply federal rules governing HazMat driver qualifications, loading/unloading prohibitions, cargo compatibility and segregation, attendance requirements, and en-route parking and routing restrictions. |
| 49 CFR Parts 177 and 397 excerpts, DOT segregation and separation chart, scenario worksheets, role-play scoring rubric, student course journals | Scored role-play rubric (10 criteria: correct identification of violation, citation of regulation, appropriate driver action, communication clarity, etc.) with pass at 8 of 10; segregation matrix scored for accuracy with 80 percent pass (8 of 10 situations correct). |
| 4 | Emergency Response Procedures and Incident Reporting | 4 | lab | Students will demonstrate the correct initial response sequence for a HazMat highway incident—including isolation, notification, and ERG use—and complete a DOT incident report form accurately. |
| 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook (one per student or pair), ERG navigation worksheets, tabletop scenario script, DOT Form F 5800.1 (or facsimile), PPE for lab area (safety glasses, nitrile gloves for any hands-on props), scenario incident cards with UN/NA numbers | ERG drill scored on a 12-point rubric (2 points per scenario: correct guide page AND correct isolation/evacuation action); pass is 10 of 12. Incident report form reviewed for completeness and accuracy against an answer key; all required fields must be correctly completed to pass. |
| 5 | CDL HazMat Endorsement Exam Readiness and Full Practice Test | 3 | practice | Students will complete a full-length timed HazMat endorsement practice knowledge test and identify personal weak areas to target before sitting the state exam. |
| HazMat endorsement practice test (30 questions, printed or LMS-delivered), answer key with rationales, mini-whiteboards or response cards, self-assessment grid handout, CDL driver manual (state-specific HazMat section), 49 CFR Parts 171–177 reference excerpts, ERG | Practice test scored immediately; students scoring below 80 percent (24 of 30) must complete a mandatory targeted review assignment—answering 10 additional questions on their weakest domain—before the course knowledge exam. Study plan reviewed by instructor for specificity and completeness; accepted or returned for revision. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HazMat Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80 percent or higher (24 of 30 questions correct) | A 30-question closed-book, timed written exam covering all five HazMat endorsement knowledge domains: hazard classes and divisions, shipping papers and marking/labeling/placarding, driver rules and restrictions, loading/unloading and compatibility, and emergency response. Questions are formatted to match the state CDL knowledge test style in accordance with FMCSA ELDT HazMat theory requirements. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Placard and Shipping Paper Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Zero critical errors; 8 of 10 on shipping paper review rubric | Given a load scenario sheet and a full placard kit, the student selects and mounts correct placards on all four sides of the vehicle mockup in correct orientation within 10 minutes, then reviews a shipping paper for completeness and compliance. A critical error is defined as using the wrong placard, omitting a required placard, or failing to identify a materially non-compliant shipping paper entry. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| HazMat Lab Log | Log | 15% | All five lesson journal entries and activity worksheets submitted; average score of 80 percent across scored worksheets | Students maintain a course journal throughout all five lessons, completing structured activity worksheets for the ERG navigation drill, segregation matrix, shipping paper review, DOT incident report form, and role-play self-reflection. The compiled log is reviewed by the instructor at course end for completeness, accuracy, and evidence of regulatory reasoning. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety and Compliance Behavior Check | Safety audit | 15% | No unsatisfactory ratings on any critical safety item; overall satisfactory on all six observation categories | The instructor uses a structured observation checklist during the lab and placard demo lessons to verify that each student consistently demonstrates required safety behaviors: never handling placard or load without referencing shipping papers first, correct use of ERG before approaching a simulated incident, correct PPE use during lab activities, and accurate communication of hazard information in role-play scenarios. Any critical safety violation (approaching a simulated scene without ERG consultation, selecting an incorrect placard for a poison inhalation hazard) requires immediate remediation and a repeat observation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-CDL23-06 Trade course
Hours of Service Compliance and Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
20 hr · $460 COMPLIMENTARY
Students master federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, manual paper log construction, and the operation of Electronic Logging Devices as required under FMCSA rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Emphasis is placed on accurate recordkeeping, identifying and correcting violations, and understanding exemptions and exceptions that apply to real-world driving situations. Competency in this area is directly tested on the CDL general knowledge exam and is a core compliance skill verified by enforcement officers during roadside inspections.
Outcomes- Accurately construct a manual paper driver's daily log for a multi-day trip scenario, applying all current FMCSA Hours of Service rules with zero violation errors.
- Operate a representative ELD device to record duty status changes, certify logs, and transfer data to an authorized safety official as required by the ELD mandate.
- Identify and explain all HOS duty-status categories, limits, and restart provisions applicable to property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers under FMCSA regulations.
- Recognize common log violations, reconstruct a corrected log, and describe the driver and carrier consequences of non-compliance including out-of-service criteria.
- Apply applicable HOS exemptions and short-haul provisions to determine when alternative recordkeeping is permitted, and document accordingly.
- Demonstrate proper retention, presentation, and electronic transfer of logs and supporting documents during a simulated roadside inspection.
Course text
Students master federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, manual paper log construction, and the operation of Electronic Logging Devices as required under FMCSA rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Emphasis is placed on accurate recordkeeping, identifying and correcting violations, and understanding exemptions and exceptions that apply to real-world driving situations. Competency in this area is directly tested on the CDL general knowledge exam and is a core compliance skill verified by enforcement officers during roadside inspections.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: HOS Regulatory Framework and Duty-Status Categories; Manual Paper Log Construction and Multi-Day Calculations; ELD Operation, Mandate Requirements, and Data Transfer; Violations, Exemptions, and Enforcement Consequences; Integrated Compliance Simulation: Roadside Inspection Readiness.
What competent looks like. Accurately construct a manual paper driver's daily log for a multi-day trip scenario, applying all current FMCSA Hours of Service rules with zero violation errors. Operate a representative ELD device to record duty status changes, certify logs, and transfer data to an authorized safety official as required by the ELD mandate. Identify and explain all HOS duty-status categories, limits, and restart provisions applicable to property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers under FMCSA regulations. Recognize common log violations, reconstruct a corrected log, and describe the driver and carrier consequences of non-compliance including out-of-service criteria. Apply applicable HOS exemptions and short-haul provisions to determine when alternative recordkeeping is permitted, and document accordingly. Demonstrate proper retention, presentation, and electronic transfer of logs and supporting documents during a simulated roadside inspection.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOS Regulatory Framework and Duty-Status Categories | 4 | theory | Students will correctly identify all four duty-status categories, the driving and on-duty time limits for property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers, and the 60/70-hour weekly limits by stating them aloud and labeling a blank log grid with 100% accuracy. |
| FMCSA Hours of Service Summary (current edition, fmcsa.dot.gov), blank paper log forms (FMCSA-compliant grid format), duty-status scenario card deck, whiteboard, markers | Students complete a 20-question written quiz covering duty-status definitions, hour limits, and sleeper-berth rules; pass mark is 80% (16/20 correct). |
| 2 | Manual Paper Log Construction and Multi-Day Calculations | 5 | lab | Students will manually construct a complete, violation-free three-day paper log for a realistic long-haul trip scenario, including all required header fields, graph-line entries, remarks, and cumulative hour calculations, with no more than one minor administrative error. |
| Blank FMCSA-compliant paper log forms (minimum 10 per student), trip scenario packets (unique per student), violation-detection checklist, calculator, FMCSA Hours of Service Summary, pencils and straight-edge rulers | Instructor evaluates each student's three-day log packet against an answer key; pass standard is a violation-free log with no more than one minor administrative error (e.g., a missing header field corrected on request); any HOS violation or miscalculated total is a fail requiring remediation and resubmission. |
| 3 | ELD Operation, Mandate Requirements, and Data Transfer | 5 | demo | Students will operate a training ELD unit or certified simulator to log in, record duty-status changes for a complete driving day, certify the log, and demonstrate a roadside data transfer to a simulated enforcement officer, completing all steps correctly without instructor prompting. |
| Training ELD unit(s) or tablet-based FMCSA-registered ELD simulator software, ELD operation checklist, FMCSA ELD Rule Summary (fmcsa.dot.gov), FMCSA ELD instruction card template, sample ELD malfunction and diagnostic reporting forms | Instructor observes each student's complete ELD session using a scored competency checklist (login, status changes, certification, data transfer); students must complete all critical steps without prompting to pass; any missed data transfer step or uncertified log is a fail requiring a second observed attempt. |
| 4 | Violations, Exemptions, and Enforcement Consequences | 4 | theory | Students will analyze a set of completed paper logs and ELD printouts, correctly identify all HOS violations present, explain the applicable short-haul and agricultural exemptions, and state the out-of-service thresholds and driver/carrier penalties associated with each violation type. |
| Printed flawed log examples and ELD printout samples, CVSA Out-of-Service Criteria (current edition, relevant HOS section), FMCSA exemption summary handout, enforcement case-study packets, exemption mapping worksheet | Students complete a violation-identification worksheet using two unseen flawed logs; they must correctly identify every HOS violation (zero missed violations to pass) and correctly classify at least four of five exemption scenarios; scores below this threshold require targeted review and re-assessment before progressing. |
| 5 | Integrated Compliance Simulation: Roadside Inspection Readiness | 2 | practice | Students will role-play a complete Level III roadside document inspection by presenting a week's worth of logs (paper or ELD), supporting documents, and responding to officer questions accurately and professionally, demonstrating full HOS compliance with no unresolved violations. |
| Complete driver document packets (assembled by students), inspection script and officer checklist, FMCSA roadside inspection reference guide, blank paper log forms (for ELD malfunction scenario), sample bill of lading forms | Instructor evaluates each student's driver role using the officer checklist; to pass, the student must present a complete, compliant document packet, correctly answer at least four of five officer questions about their log entries, and demonstrate knowledge of the ELD malfunction procedure; any unresolved HOS violation in the presented logs requires remediation. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOS and ELD Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question written exam covering all FMCSA Hours of Service regulations, duty-status definitions, hour limits, restart provisions, exemptions, ELD mandate requirements, malfunction procedures, and enforcement consequences; questions are formatted in CDL general knowledge exam style (multiple choice and true/false) to directly prepare students for that credential exam area. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| ELD Operation Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical steps completed correctly without instructor prompting; no more than one minor procedural error on non-critical steps | Each student individually operates the training ELD unit through a complete duty-day scenario assigned by the instructor: login, recording all status changes, certifying the log, and performing both a display-based and wireless data transfer to the instructor acting as an enforcement officer, evaluated on a scored competency checklist. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Three-Day Manual Log Lab Portfolio | Log | 15% | Zero HOS violations across all three log sheets; no more than one corrected minor administrative error per sheet | Students submit their individually completed three-day paper log packet from Lesson 2, including the completed cumulative hour summary sheet and the self-audit violation checklist; the portfolio demonstrates the ability to construct accurate, regulation-compliant logs for a multi-day long-haul scenario. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Roadside Inspection Document Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Complete, compliant document packet presented; all four mandatory safety/compliance elements verified present; no unresolved HOS violations identified by the evaluator | Instructor conducts a final document safety check by reviewing each student's assembled driver document packet against a four-point compliance checklist (current logs present for required retention period, supporting documents match log entries, ELD transfer record or malfunction log included, exemption documentation accurate where claimed); any missing mandatory element or unresolved violation requires remediation before the student may advance to the Capstone course. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-CDL23-07 Capstone
Capstone Project: Integrated Commercial Driving Simulation and Defense
36 hr · $360 COMPLIMENTARY
Students demonstrate mastery of the full CDL skill set by completing a structured, multi-day integrated simulation that replicates real-world commercial driving scenarios, including pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, road driving, hazmat handling protocols, and hours-of-service logging. Each student compiles a professional driver portfolio documenting their competencies and defends their work in an oral examination before an instructor panel. This capstone bridges classroom and externship by requiring students to apply every major program area under realistic conditions with scored, documented results.
Outcomes- Execute a complete, regulation-compliant pre-trip vehicle inspection on a Class A combination vehicle and correctly identify at least 90% of pre-planted defects within the allotted time.
- Perform a minimum of four FMCSA skills-test backing maneuvers—including straight-line, offset, and parallel park—meeting state CDL examiner pass criteria on at least three of four attempts.
- Complete a simulated road drive of no less than 30 minutes that incorporates urban, highway, and intersection scenarios while maintaining safe following distance, correct lane management, and speed compliance throughout.
- Produce a fully compliant 24-hour electronic logging device (ELD) record and supporting driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) that contain no Hours-of-Service violations and are free of data-entry errors.
- Assemble a professional driver portfolio containing credentialed inspection checklists, backing score sheets, road evaluation forms, a completed DVIR, a sample hazmat shipping paper review, and a career-ready resume.
- Defend portfolio evidence and respond to scenario-based examiner questions on safety, regulations, and decision-making, earning a satisfactory rating on all five oral-defense rubric categories.
Course text
Students demonstrate mastery of the full CDL skill set by completing a structured, multi-day integrated simulation that replicates real-world commercial driving scenarios, including pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, road driving, hazmat handling protocols, and hours-of-service logging. Each student compiles a professional driver portfolio documenting their competencies and defends their work in an oral examination before an instructor panel. This capstone bridges classroom and externship by requiring students to apply every major program area under realistic conditions with scored, documented results.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Integrated Pre-Trip and Systems Review Simulation; Backing and Coupling Skills Capstone Drill; Integrated Road and Regulatory Compliance Simulation; Portfolio Assembly and Oral Defense Preparation.
What competent looks like. Execute a complete, regulation-compliant pre-trip vehicle inspection on a Class A combination vehicle and correctly identify at least 90% of pre-planted defects within the allotted time. Perform a minimum of four FMCSA skills-test backing maneuvers—including straight-line, offset, and parallel park—meeting state CDL examiner pass criteria on at least three of four attempts. Complete a simulated road drive of no less than 30 minutes that incorporates urban, highway, and intersection scenarios while maintaining safe following distance, correct lane management, and speed compliance throughout. Produce a fully compliant 24-hour electronic logging device (ELD) record and supporting driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) that contain no Hours-of-Service violations and are free of data-entry errors. Assemble a professional driver portfolio containing credentialed inspection checklists, backing score sheets, road evaluation forms, a completed DVIR, a sample hazmat shipping paper review, and a career-ready resume. Defend portfolio evidence and respond to scenario-based examiner questions on safety, regulations, and decision-making, earning a satisfactory rating on all five oral-defense rubric categories.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Integrated Pre-Trip and Systems Review Simulation | 8 | lab | Given a Class A tractor-trailer with pre-planted defects, the student will conduct a complete walkaround pre-trip inspection using the FMCSA seven-step method, correctly identifying and documenting all defects and completing a DVIR within 50 minutes. |
| Class A tractor-trailer(s) with pre-planted defects, FMCSA CDL Skills Test scoring sheet, blank DVIR forms, ELD training tablets, PPE (safety vest, gloves), FMCSA CDL Driver's Manual | Instructor scores each inspection against the state CDL examiner rubric; student must identify at least 90% of planted defects and produce an error-free DVIR to pass this lesson checkpoint. |
| 2 | Backing and Coupling Skills Capstone Drill | 10 | practice | The student will execute four required backing maneuvers—straight-line, alley dock (offset), parallel park, and sight-side backing—meeting CDL skills-test pull-up and boundary-encroachment standards on at least three of four maneuvers. |
| Class A tractor-trailer, cone sets for all four maneuver layouts, CDL skills-test examiner scorecard, coupling checklist, personal protective equipment (high-visibility vest) | Instructor scores each maneuver run on the state CDL examiner rubric; passing requires meeting scoring criteria (no automatic failures) on at least three of four maneuvers and a fully correct coupling sequence with zero safety-critical errors. |
| 3 | Integrated Road and Regulatory Compliance Simulation | 10 | field | The student will complete a structured on-road driving session of at least 30 minutes incorporating urban, highway, and intersection segments while demonstrating safe speed management, proper lane changes, correct stop-line positioning, and compliant hours-of-service logging with zero critical errors. |
| Class A tractor-trailer, pre-mapped route sheet, state CDL road-test scoring rubric, ELD training tablet, printed log graph forms, placard kit, sample hazmat shipping paper, instructor evaluation clipboard, PPE | Instructor scores the drive on the state CDL road-test examiner rubric; no automatic-failure maneuvers and a score meeting state passing threshold are required, plus an error-free log segment and correct placard placement to pass this checkpoint. |
| 4 | Portfolio Assembly and Oral Defense Preparation | 8 | theory | The student will compile a complete professional driver portfolio from all capstone artifacts and rehearse an oral defense by responding to examiner scenario questions with accurate, regulation-based answers on all five rubric categories. |
| Portfolio binder with tabbed dividers, all scored capstone artifacts from Lessons 1–3, scenario question card deck, oral defense rubric, FMCSA CDL Driver's Manual, peer listener rubric sheets, computer or tablet for resume editing | Instructor reviews the assembled portfolio for completeness against the seven-tab checklist (all tabs present and artifacts present = pass) and scores the mock defense on the five-category rubric; students must receive 'satisfactory' or above on at least four of five categories to advance to the formal oral defense assessment. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Capstone Simulation Project | Project | 60% | 90% or higher on the pre-trip defect identification checklist; CDL-examiner-standard pass on at least three of four backing maneuvers with no automatic failures; no critical errors on the road evaluation; and an error-free ELD log and correct hazmat placard placement—all four components must meet their individual thresholds for the project to be scored as passing. | The scored simulation project spans Lessons 1 through 3 and requires the student to perform, in sequence, a complete pre-trip inspection, four backing maneuvers, a 30-minute integrated road drive, and an ELD log entry with hazmat documentation. Each component is evaluated by the instructor on the same rubric used by state CDL examiners, giving students direct, transferable feedback on their readiness for the official skills test. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Professional Driver Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | All seven portfolio tabs present and populated with correctly scored or completed artifacts; resume meets the career-readiness checklist from Course 1 with no missing contact information, objective statement, or relevant experience section; any mock-defense correction paragraphs are factually accurate as verified against FMCSA CDL Driver's Manual—portfolio is rated 'complete and accurate' by the instructor to pass. | The portfolio is a physical or digital binder containing every scored artifact produced during the capstone—inspection sheets, backing scorecards, road evaluation, ELD log printout, hazmat shipping paper review, and an updated resume—organized in the required tabbed format. It serves as the student's portable evidence of competency for employers, pre-apprenticeship programs, and licensing agencies. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Capstone Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Satisfactory rating (defined as a correct, regulation-based answer with no unsafe guidance) on at least four of five oral-defense rubric categories: vehicle systems knowledge, hours-of-service compliance, backing and space management decision-making, hazmat placard and shipping paper requirements, and accident/breakdown response protocol—any category rated 'unsatisfactory' must be retaken with a different scenario card within the same session, with one retake permitted per category. | The student presents their completed portfolio to a two-person instructor panel and responds to five scenario-based questions drawn randomly from the full program content, demonstrating the ability to integrate safety knowledge, federal regulations, and practical decision-making in spoken, professional language. The defense mirrors the kind of direct questioning students will encounter from dispatch supervisors, DOT inspectors, and CDL examiners, building verbal confidence alongside technical accuracy. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
TRN-CDL23-08 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement – Commercial Driving (CDL)
54 hr · $215 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 54 supervised hours at an approved trucking, freight, transit, or logistics employer, applying all classroom and range skills in live commercial operations under the direct oversight of a qualified industry mentor. Each student maintains a daily field log documenting pre-trip inspections, driving tasks, cargo handling, hours-of-service entries, and safety observations. Employer and instructor evaluations confirm professional readiness for entry-level CDL employment.
Outcomes- Perform complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections on a commercial motor vehicle at the worksite, meeting FMCSA inspection standards without prompting.
- Execute basic and advanced backing maneuvers, coupling/uncoupling, and city and highway driving tasks in live traffic under mentor supervision with no critical errors.
- Complete accurate electronic logging device (ELD) entries and paper backup logs for all worksite driving shifts, remaining compliant with Hours-of-Service regulations.
- Follow worksite safety protocols including PPE use, dock safety, load securement, and hazard communication, with zero recordable safety violations during the placement.
- Demonstrate professional conduct — punctuality, communication with dispatch and mentor, and adherence to company policy — as rated satisfactory or above on the employer evaluation form.
- Compile a complete externship field log with daily entries, mentor sign-offs, and a written self-reflection that connects worksite experience to CDL exam knowledge areas.
Course text
Students complete 54 supervised hours at an approved trucking, freight, transit, or logistics employer, applying all classroom and range skills in live commercial operations under the direct oversight of a qualified industry mentor. Each student maintains a daily field log documenting pre-trip inspections, driving tasks, cargo handling, hours-of-service entries, and safety observations. Employer and instructor evaluations confirm professional readiness for entry-level CDL employment.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Worksite Orientation and Safety Onboarding; Supervised Yard Operations and Pre/Post-Trip Inspections; On-Road Driving and Hours-of-Service Compliance; Capstone Field Reflection and Employer Evaluation.
What competent looks like. Perform complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections on a commercial motor vehicle at the worksite, meeting FMCSA inspection standards without prompting. Execute basic and advanced backing maneuvers, coupling/uncoupling, and city and highway driving tasks in live traffic under mentor supervision with no critical errors. Complete accurate electronic logging device (ELD) entries and paper backup logs for all worksite driving shifts, remaining compliant with Hours-of-Service regulations. Follow worksite safety protocols including PPE use, dock safety, load securement, and hazard communication, with zero recordable safety violations during the placement. Demonstrate professional conduct — punctuality, communication with dispatch and mentor, and adherence to company policy — as rated satisfactory or above on the employer evaluation form. Compile a complete externship field log with daily entries, mentor sign-offs, and a written self-reflection that connects worksite experience to CDL exam knowledge areas.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worksite Orientation and Safety Onboarding | 8 | field | Students complete the employer's site-specific safety orientation and identify all worksite hazards, emergency procedures, and PPE requirements applicable to commercial vehicle operations at that location. |
| Employer safety orientation packet, site-specific emergency action plan, company DVIR forms, employer-provided ELD device or tablet, PPE (high-visibility vest, steel-toed boots, gloves as required by site), student field log workbook, pen. | Mentor signs the orientation acknowledgment page in the student field log confirming the student can name emergency procedures, required PPE, and ELD login steps without assistance; student earns a pass (all three items confirmed correct) before any on-road or yard driving is authorized. |
| 2 | Supervised Yard Operations and Pre/Post-Trip Inspections | 16 | practice | Students independently perform FMCSA-standard pre-trip and post-trip inspections and execute yard maneuvers — including straight-line backing, offset backing, and coupling/uncoupling — on employer equipment under direct mentor observation. |
| Employer tractor-trailer or straight truck, employer DVIR forms, Pre-Trip Inspection Rubric (school form), student field log workbook, PPE (gloves, high-visibility vest), shop rags, flashlight, tire thumper. | Mentor scores the Pre-Trip Inspection Rubric for at least two separate inspections; student must earn 80% or higher on each rubric (no safety-critical items missed on either attempt) and must demonstrate coupling/uncoupling or equivalent Class B procedure with no critical errors; results recorded in field log with mentor signature. |
| 3 | On-Road Driving and Hours-of-Service Compliance | 22 | field | Students perform city, highway, and backing-to-dock driving tasks on actual employer routes, maintaining legal hours-of-service records on the ELD for every shift. |
| Employer commercial motor vehicle (Class A tractor-trailer or Class B straight truck or bus), employer ELD device, paper HOS log as backup, student field log workbook, route manifest or dispatch sheet (employer-provided), PPE, cell phone with fleet communication app if issued by employer. | Mentor completes the On-Road Driving Observation Checklist (school form) for a minimum of three observed driving sessions; student must score satisfactory (no critical errors, defined as actions requiring mentor intervention to prevent a collision or violation) on all three sessions, and ELD entries must match the paper field log with no uncorrected errors; all checklists signed by mentor and filed in field log. |
| 4 | Capstone Field Reflection and Employer Evaluation | 8 | field | Students compile and present a complete externship field log to the school supervisor and receive the employer's formal written evaluation, then compose a structured self-reflection connecting worksite experiences to CDL exam knowledge areas. |
| Complete student field log workbook with all prior entries, Employer Evaluation Form (school form), FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training final rule reference sheet, word processor or paper for self-reflection, school supervisor contact for review meeting. | School instructor reviews the final field log for completeness (100% of shifts documented with mentor signatures), scores the Employer Evaluation Form (student must receive satisfactory or above in all six categories, with no unsatisfactory ratings on safety or reliability), and grades the self-reflection on a pass/fail rubric requiring correct identification of at least three CDL knowledge areas and evidence of genuine critical analysis; all three components must pass for the externship to be credited. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worksite Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 70% | Satisfactory rating (no critical errors) on all three On-Road Driving Observation Checklists and 80% or higher on both Pre-Trip Inspection Rubrics, with all forms signed by the employer mentor. | Over the course of the placement, the employer mentor directly observes and scores the student performing pre-trip inspections and on-road driving tasks using school-provided rubrics; this continuous performance assessment documents that the student can safely operate a commercial motor vehicle in a live work environment, which directly corresponds to the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training behind-the-wheel proficiency requirements. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Externship Field Log | Log | 30% | 100% of scheduled shifts documented with dated entries and mentor signatures, employer evaluation rated satisfactory or above in all categories, and self-reflection earns a pass on the school rubric. | The student submits the complete field log portfolio — including daily task entries, DVIR copies, ELD recap records, all scored observation checklists, and the employer's formal written evaluation — together with the written self-reflection; this document set serves as the official record of supervised worksite hours and professional readiness, and the self-reflection demonstrates the student's ability to connect real-world driving situations to the knowledge domains tested on the CDL credential exam. Complete · Verified |
TRN-CDL23-09 Exam prep
CDL Certification Exam Preparation
15 hr · $150 COMPLIMENTARY
This course provides a structured, comprehensive review of every knowledge and skills area tested on the state CDL written knowledge tests and the FMCSA-mandated Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory curriculum, culminating in timed full-length mock exams that mirror the actual state licensing agency test format. Students identify personal weak areas across general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, pre-trip inspection, and endorsement-specific content, then practice targeted remediation before sitting two complete mock exams under test conditions. Passing the mock exams at or above state minimum scoring thresholds builds the confidence and test-taking strategy needed to succeed on the official CDL knowledge tests administered by the state driver licensing agency.
Outcomes- Correctly answer at least 80% of questions on a full-length general knowledge practice test covering FMCSA Part 383 knowledge areas including vehicle systems, shifting, braking, and space management.
- Correctly answer at least 80% of questions on air brakes and combination vehicles practice tests, demonstrating understanding of dual air brake systems, coupling/uncoupling procedures, and trailer dynamics.
- Correctly answer at least 80% of questions on a hazardous materials endorsement practice test covering HM communication standards, placard requirements, and emergency response procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pre-trip inspection sequence and hours-of-service/ELD rules by scoring at least 80% on targeted practice question sets for those topic areas.
- Apply test-taking strategies — including question elimination, time management, and flagging difficult items — during two timed full-length mock exams that replicate state CDL knowledge test conditions.
- Develop and articulate a personal remediation plan identifying specific ELDT knowledge domains where additional study is needed before the official exam appointment.
Course text
This course provides a structured, comprehensive review of every knowledge and skills area tested on the state CDL written knowledge tests and the FMCSA-mandated Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory curriculum, culminating in timed full-length mock exams that mirror the actual state licensing agency test format. Students identify personal weak areas across general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, pre-trip inspection, and endorsement-specific content, then practice targeted remediation before sitting two complete mock exams under test conditions. Passing the mock exams at or above state minimum scoring thresholds builds the confidence and test-taking strategy needed to succeed on the official CDL knowledge tests administered by the state driver licensing agency.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: ELDT Knowledge Domain Review: General Knowledge, Vehicle Systems, and Pre-Trip Inspection; Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and Endorsement Knowledge Review; Hours of Service, ELD Rules, and Hazardous Materials Knowledge Review; Full-Length Timed Mock CDL Knowledge Exams.
What competent looks like. Correctly answer at least 80% of questions on a full-length general knowledge practice test covering FMCSA Part 383 knowledge areas including vehicle systems, shifting, braking, and space management. Correctly answer at least 80% of questions on air brakes and combination vehicles practice tests, demonstrating understanding of dual air brake systems, coupling/uncoupling procedures, and trailer dynamics. Correctly answer at least 80% of questions on a hazardous materials endorsement practice test covering HM communication standards, placard requirements, and emergency response procedures. Demonstrate knowledge of pre-trip inspection sequence and hours-of-service/ELD rules by scoring at least 80% on targeted practice question sets for those topic areas. Apply test-taking strategies — including question elimination, time management, and flagging difficult items — during two timed full-length mock exams that replicate state CDL knowledge test conditions. Develop and articulate a personal remediation plan identifying specific ELDT knowledge domains where additional study is needed before the official exam appointment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ELDT Knowledge Domain Review: General Knowledge, Vehicle Systems, and Pre-Trip Inspection | 4 | theory | Students will correctly answer at least 80% of practice questions covering general CDL knowledge including vehicle systems, shifting procedures, space management, braking, and the FMCSA-required pre-trip inspection sequence. |
| State CDL Driver's Manual (current edition), FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training curriculum outline, 50-question general knowledge practice test packet, personal whiteboards and markers, Gap Tracker worksheet, projected question-and-answer slide deck, vehicle system diagrams. | Score of 80% or higher (40/50) on the 50-question timed general knowledge and pre-trip inspection practice test; students who score below 80% complete a targeted follow-up question set of 20 additional questions in their weakest cluster before the next lesson. |
| 2 | Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and Endorsement Knowledge Review | 4 | theory | Students will correctly answer at least 80% of practice questions on air brake system operation, combination vehicle coupling and uncoupling, trailer dynamics, and at least one required endorsement area (hazardous materials, tanker, doubles/triples, or passenger, as applicable to each student's target credential). |
| State CDL Driver's Manual (air brakes and combination vehicles chapters), FMCSA HazMat regulations summary for drivers, cutaway air brake diagram (large-format poster or projected), 25-question air brakes practice test, 25-question combination vehicles practice test, four endorsement station quiz packets (10 questions each), Gap Tracker worksheet. | Score of 80% or higher on both the air brakes and combination vehicles 25-question practice tests; students scoring below 80% on either test complete an instructor-directed 15-question remediation set specific to their missed topic cluster before the mock exam lessons. |
| 3 | Hours of Service, ELD Rules, and Hazardous Materials Knowledge Review | 3 | theory | Students will correctly answer at least 80% of practice questions on FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, ELD mandate requirements, and HazMat communication standards including placarding, shipping papers, and emergency response, and will complete a final Gap Tracker identifying all remaining weak domains. |
| FMCSA Hours-of-Service summary reference card, sample ELD output printouts, paper log graph grids, 30-question HOS/ELD/HazMat combined practice test, printed HazMat placard card set, mock shipping paper scenarios, Emergency Response Guidebook (current edition), Gap Tracker worksheet, state CDL Driver's Manual HazMat chapter. | Score of 80% or higher (24/30) on the combined HOS/ELD/HazMat practice test and submission of a completed personal study plan; students scoring below 80% identify missed items by rule citation on the Gap Tracker and receive a targeted 10-question follow-up set before mock exams. |
| 4 | Full-Length Timed Mock CDL Knowledge Exams | 4 | practice | Students will demonstrate exam readiness by scoring at or above the state passing threshold on two consecutive full-length timed mock CDL knowledge exams administered under controlled test conditions, and will apply test-taking strategies including time pacing, answer elimination, and question flagging. |
| Mock Exam 1 packet (full-length, parallel to state format), Mock Exam 2 packet (alternate form, full-length), answer keys for both exams, Gap Tracker worksheets, timer, state CDL Driver's Manual, pencils, scratch paper, student exam appointment scheduling information from state driver licensing agency. | Score at or above the state-required passing percentage on at least one of the two mock exams (states commonly require 80% but students must confirm their state's actual threshold); students who do not reach passing threshold on either mock exam receive a mandatory one-on-one remediation session with the instructor and a documented additional study plan before being cleared to schedule their official state exam. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length CDL Knowledge Mock Certification Exam (Dual Administration) | Mock certification exam | 100% | Score at or above the student's state licensing agency's published minimum passing percentage on at least one of the two full-length mock exams; students who pass neither exam complete documented remediation and a third administration before the program issues a completion certificate for this course. | Each student completes two full-length timed mock CDL knowledge exams — one in the first administration and one after a short break — with question sets drawn from all FMCSA ELDT knowledge domains covered across the program including general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, hours of service, ELD rules, hazardous materials, and applicable endorsement content; both exams are administered under controlled, silent, test-center-like conditions with no reference materials permitted. Scores, Gap Tracker data, and the student's written exit reflection are reviewed by the instructor to confirm readiness and, where needed, to prescribe specific additional study before the student schedules the official state CDL knowledge test at the driver licensing agency. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: CDL Class A/B + Endorsements
Students sit the CDL Class A or Class B knowledge tests and the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving) administered by their state driver licensing agency under FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training requirements; students seeking endorsements such as Hazardous Materials, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, or Passenger sit the corresponding state-administered knowledge tests, with the Hazardous Materials endorsement also requiring a TSA security threat assessment. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
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