CDL-A 80
80-Hour CDL “A” Training Program
Here at U.S. Truck Driver Training we realize that not everybody is interested in driving Regionally or Over The Road. That is why we have developed our 80-Hour Training Program. This program is featured in two formats. We have a full-time program that runs Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 2 weeks. We also have a weekend 80-Hour program that runs Saturday – Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 5 weeks.
This program has been developed for people who are interested in driving locally, or have a job already lined up that requires a CDL “A” license. This program is also good for people who have had prior Class “A” Driving experience and are in need of a refresher program. We have drivers use our 80-Hour Program as a refresher course to get back skills they may have lost.
This class is a benefit to those who want to get their CDL “A” license in a short period of time. It is an accelerated program that is strictly hands on. There will be no classroom time. You will be required to obtain your Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) from the Secretary of State prior to your class start. We will provide you with all of the information that is needed in order obtain your permit.
Week 1
Week 1 of the training program will begin by learning how to conduct a Pre-trip Safety Inspection. This safety inspection is required by the Department Of Transportation to be conducted every time you plan to drive the truck. Once you have learned all of the components of the truck and can successfully conduct the safety inspection you will then move on to basic yard maneuvers. The first maneuvers that you will learn are the forward stop and straight line backing. Once you have a good feel for the truck you will move on to the 90-degree alley dock. This maneuver requires you to back the truck into a truck bay on a 90-degree angle. During week 1 you will also learn how to couple and uncouple the tractor to the trailer. Since this is an accelerated program you will also learn advanced yard maneuvers in week 1 such as the precision right hand turn. Once you have mastered all of these maneuvers you will practice your mock test. This is combination of all the maneuvers put together. This will help you get ready for your final Road Skills exam.
Week 2
Week 2 of the 80-Hour training program is very similar to week 4 of the 160- Hour program. During week 2 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 professional skills the right way, the safe way. Once you have completed week 2 you will be ready for your final road skills examination.
Road Test
Once you have completed the 80-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 2-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.