CDL 100: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

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Class Program
Commercial Driver’s License
Credits 17 Lecture Hours 93 Lab Hours 187
This course provides classroom study, driving instruction, and experience to prepare students for the State of Washington Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A exam and entry-level employment as a truck driver with no airbrake restrictions and endorsements for doubles and triples, tankers and hazardous material.

Prerequisites

Completed Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Program Application with supporting documents.
Quarters Offered
Fall,
Winter,
Spring,
Summer
Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:

  1. Demonstrate safe defensive driving techniques
  2. Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
  3. Demonstrate safe coupling and uncoupling procedures
  4. Demonstrate safe shifting, backing and maneuvering
  5. Complete documents pertaining to cargo, hazardous materials, mileage, trip envelopes, etc.
  6. Complete log books accurately
Institutional Outcomes
IO3 Human Relations/Workplace Skills: Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork, ethics, appropriate safety awareness and/or workplace specific skills
Course Content Outline
  1. Classroom/lecture
  2. History of the trucking industry
  3. Safety and mechanical components
  4. Inspection of equipment
  5. Brake adjustment
  6. Preventative maintenance and servicing
  7. Cargo loading and securing
  8. Documentation
  9. DOT log books
  10. Trip planning
  11. Defensive driving
  12. Accident and fire prevention and reporting
  13. Hazardous materials transportation and documentation.
  14. Driving Instruction and experience (backing range and on-the-road)
  15. Backing techniques
  16. Shifting
  17. Cornering
  18. Up and down hill maneuvers
  19. Space and speed management
  20. Coupling and uncoupling
  21. City and highway maneuvers
Department Guidelines

CDL CLASS SCHEDULE

  1. Unit 1
    1. Introductions and completion of necessary paperwork
    2. Chapters 1, 2, 16, 17, 19, 25, 26 in the Bumper to Bumper. Remaining Chapters through 31 to be read and quizzes completed by the end of 5th unit.
    3. Shifting range:
      1. Familiarization with Tractor Trailer
      2. Dashboard
      3. Starting and Shutting Down Engine
      4. Shifting Patterns
      5. Coupling and Uncoupling
      6. Basic Up and Down Shifting
      7. Corners and Serpentines
  2. Unit 2
    1. Washington State DOL Commercial Drivers Manual in total with the exception of the passenger endorsement section. Practice test and videos.
    2. CDL written tests at the DOL for Class A plus doubles & triples, tanker and Hazardous Material endorsements.
  3. Unit 3
    1. OTR (Over The Road) driving starting with flat land and incorporating
      1. Up & Down shifting.
      2. Emergency Stops
      3. Gear Recovery
      4. Double Down Shifting
      5. Cornering
      6. Curves
      7. Jake Brake Usage
  4. Unit 4
    1. OTR (Over The Road) & Backing Range Practice with Pre-Trip Inspections
    2. Two (2) days Classroom for Map Reading and Trip Planning
    3. Road Trip
  5. Unit 5
    1. OTR (Over The Road) Town Driving and Backing Range Practice
    2. 1st Backing Test and Final Written Test
    3. Turn in All Homework and Practice Pre-Trip Inspection in Writing
    4. Road Trip
  6. Unit 6
    1. Final enhancement of CDL skills
      1. Town Driving
      2. Backing Range
      3. Pre-Trip Inspections
    2. Chaining Up
    3. Brake Adjustments
    4. Third Party CDL Skills Test with State Tester

EVALUATION METHODS/GRADING PROCEDURES

  • Tests 6%
  • Yard tests 48%
  • Road tests 20%
  • Attendance 12%
  • Attitude, work ethics 14%
Letter Grade Percentage BBCC Numeric Grade
A+ 95.0 - 100 3.8 - 4.0
A 92.0 - 94.9 3.5 - 3.7
B+ 90.0 - 91.9 3.2 - 3.4
B 86.0 – 89.9 2.9 - 3.1
B- 84.0 – 85.9 2.5 - 2.8
C+ 82.0 – 83.9 2.2 - 2.4
C 80.0 - 81.9 1.9 - 2.1
C- 78.0 - 79.9 1.5 - 1.8
D+ 75.0 - 77.9 1.2 - 1.4
D 72.0 – 74.9 0.9 - 1.1
D- 70.0 - 71.9 0.7 - 0.8
F 0.00 - 69.9 0.0 - 0.6

Regular attendance and punctuality are necessary for students to successfully complete the course. Students missing four to five days will not receive a grade higher than a “C”. Students who miss more than six days will fail the course.

Tests will not be repeated. Students not present for a test will be given a failing grade. Students not present, or late, for their driving time will miss that time.