CDL/Truck Driving

CP = Certificate of Proficiency | 17 hours

The PCCUA Commercial Driving License (CDL) Certiricate of Proficiency program, located on the Stuttgart and Helena campuses, prepares and trains new drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the state skills test and obtain a Class “A” CDL license. The program incorporates driving, non-driving, and basic skills needed to drive a truck. The CDL course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of safe and effective truck driving practices related to FMCSA regulations and truck driver protection laws.

Campuses Offered At

H = Helena-West Helena Campus

S = Stuttgart Campus

In Person

Program Check Sheet (PDF)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to master the skills necessary to obtain a Class 'A' CDL. The student will also be able to understand and discuss the importance of safety as it relates to the operation of a semi-tractor and trailer in and around docks, shippers and consignees, in both city and/or over the road driving.

The student will also beable to perform the following procedures:

Drive and control a semi-tractor and trailer on local, city,county and interstate roads
Perform vehicle inspections
Shift gears
Understand speed and space management
Recognize road hazards, aggressive drivers/road rage
Identify and avoid distracted driving and why
Learn about night driving, driver fatigue, extreme driving conditions, hazardperception
Learn about railroad crossings and how to cross them properly
How to handle driving emergencies and accident procedures
Rules about alcohol and other drugs
Map reading and trip planning
DOT Regulations
Log Book and Hours of Service Regulations
Accident reports
Conduct pre and post-trip inspections, complete Driver Vehicle InspectionReports (DVIR)
Perform maneuvers, straight line, off-set backing and parallel parking
Double clutch and shift a 10-speed transmission
Master turns, ramps, lane changes, space management and uphill and downhillshifting situations
Passthe Class A skills Test (this is not an SLO but it is a major emphasis of thelearning)
Students will be able to communicateeffectively in a written and oral manner.
Students will demonstrate an understanding the principles ofeffective oral communication and be able to apply these principles in actualspeaking situations
Students will demonstrate and understanding of industry interactions andbehaviors when engaging with those within and outside of the trucking industry(dress, manners, industry protocols, language usage, customer service skills).