Introduction to the Trucking Industry:

• Overview of the trucking industry and its role in the economy.
• Introduction to different types of trucks and their functions.
• Discussion of career opportunities and job prospects in truck driving.

CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Requirements:

• Explanation of CDL classes and endorsements.
• Overview of the CDL application process.
• Understanding medical requirements and driver qualifications.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance:

• Pre-trip inspection procedures.
• Identification of common truck components and systems.
• Basic maintenance tasks and troubleshooting techniques.

Vehicle Operation and Controls:

• Familiarization with truck controls, instruments, and gauges.
• Shifting techniques for manual transmission (if applicable).
• Starting, stopping, and steering procedures.

Safe Driving Practices:

• Defensive driving techniques.
• Speed and space management.
• Hazard perception and identification.

Traffic Laws and Regulations:

• Overview of federal and state traffic regulations.
• Hours of service (HOS) regulations and logbook requirements.
• Understanding weight and load limits.

Special Driving Situations:

• Nighttime driving considerations.
• Driving in adverse weather conditions.
• Navigating through construction zones and urban areas.

Backing, Turning, and Parking:

• Techniques for safe backing maneuvers.
• Turning and intersection navigation.
• Parallel parking and docking procedures.

Highway Driving and Interchanges:

• Lane management on highways and freeways.
• Merging and exiting procedures.
• Interchange navigation and ramp usage.

Emergency Procedures:

• Handling vehicle malfunctions and breakdowns.
• Dealing with tire blowouts and other emergencies.
• Emergency braking and accident avoidance techniques.

Specialized Trucking Operations (Optional):

• Introduction to specific types of trucking operations (e.g., tanker, flatbed, refrigerated).
• Understanding specialized equipment and cargo handling.