CDL-A 160
160- Hour CDL “A” Program
The objective of this course is to train you to qualify for your Michigan Class “A” Commercial Drivers License. This training program is offered in two formats. We have a Full-time course and a Weekend course. The Full-time course runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 4 weeks. The weekend course runs every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 10 weeks.
This Training Program has been designed to prepare you for a career with major Regional and Over The Road trucking companies. When you complete our 160-Hour program you will be a professional tractor-trailer driver, and will also posses extensive knowledge about the transportation industry.
Week 1
During the first week of our Tractor-Trailer Training we will cover all of the material necessary for you to obtain your Temporary Instruction Permit at the Secretary of State. This criterion consists of general knowledge, airbrakes, and combination vehicles. You will also be taught how to fill out logbooks, and learn map-reading techniques that will help you make timely deliveries. Our classroom is equipped with the fully interactive Classroom Performance System (CPS). You will be provided with a handheld remote, which is linked to computer based training software. Throughout the classroom-training portion, you will use your remotes to answer practice questions. All of the material and practice questions will be displayed onto a 70-inch projection screen. Once you master this portion of the program you will go to the Secretary of State to obtain your permit. This allows you to legally begin the hands on portion of the training process where you will learn how maneuver the truck.
Week 2
During the second week of the training program you will be introduced to the truck itself. This is where you will actually be able to see and touch all of the components of the truck. You will learn how to conduct a pre-trip safety inspection of the truck and trailer. You will also be taught all of basic maneuvers required by the State of Michigan. You will use 1st gear and reverse, using no throttle to master these basic maneuvers. The first maneuvers that you will learn are Straight Line Backing and the Forward Stop. Once you have a good feel for the truck and get enough practice, you will move on to 90-Degree Ally Docking. This maneuver requires you to back the truck into a truck bay on a 90-degree angle. During week 2 you will also learn how to couple and uncouple the tractor to the trailer.
Week 3
During week 3 you will begin the advanced maneuvering phase. This is where you will begin training for your road test. A mock test course will be set up where you can learn to perform all of the basic maneuvers in a specific order. You will also learn how to make a precision right hand turn. This type of right hand turn proves to the State of Michigan that you have full control over your truck. As week 3 comes to an end your maneuvering skills will be finely tuned and you will be ready to spend some time on our state of the art shifting simulator. This simulator will give you an opportunity to practice shifting before you go out onto the road. This will help to build your confidence, and become more focused when you begin your on the road training in week 4.
Week 4
During week 4 you will begin on the road training. While on the road you will learn how to shift using the standard 9 and 10 gear shifting patterns. You will also be taught how to navigate through the city as well as the expressway. You will develop an increased sense of awareness through our training program. You will be taught how to utilize multiple mirrors to eliminate blind spots. You will learn the proper positioning while changing lanes, as well as making right and left hand turns throughout the city. Each and every student that comes through our program will earn his or her professional skills the right way, the safe way.
Road Test
Once you have completed the 160-Hour training program you will be ready to take your CDL Class “A” Examination. U.S. Truck Driver Training School has been a licensed third party examiner for the State of Michigan for over 14 years. Our State Licensed Examiner will administer the Road Test Skills examination here at our school, using our equipment. Your CDL Class “A” Examination will consist of all the knowledge and skills that you have obtained during your 4-week Training Program. You will begin your road test with a Pre-Trip Safety Inspection. You will then move on to the Basic Maneuvers portion of the test. This will consist of a combination of Straight Line Backing, The Forward Stop, Precision Right Hand Turn, and finally the 90 Degree Alley Dock. Once you have completed the Basic maneuvers you will then move on to the Road Skills portion of the exam. You will be asked to display your driving skills on the city streets as well as on the expressway. When this three-part examination is complete and you have passed each segment, you will be presented with your CDL Class “A” Road Test Skills Certificate. You will then take this certificate to the Secretary of State office, where they will exchange your certificate for your CDL “A” license. You are now ready to begin your new career as a Professional Tractor Trailer Driver and we will arrange for your orientation with one of the nation’s top Trucking Companies.