CDL Mentors Truck Driving School…”We Mentor You For Greatness”
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ELDT A Theory Online Training for $25
Learn everything you need to prepare for your Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) necessary to obtain your Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
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Entry-Level Driver Training for Class A (ELDT)
Thanks for joining CDL Mentors Truck Driving School’s ELDT A Theory Training Program!
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets requirements for getting your initial Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re thinking about a Class A license for commercial vehicles, it’s vital to know these rules.
The curriculum specifically focuses on what are termed “combination vehicles” under federal law, defined in section § 383.91(a)(1). These are typically a tractor and one or more trailers, and require specialized knowledge and skills to operate safely.
The FMCSA oversees commercial vehicle safety and has criteria for a Class A CDL. Before driving a Class A vehicle, finish the entry-level driver training (ELDT) curriculum that provides you equips you with skills and knowledge for safe commercial driving.
The program comprises an ELDT A Training Certificate and automatically submits reports to the FMCSA.
The road to mastery starts with the right guidance…
What You Will Learn:
BASIC OPERATIONS
Orientation – An introductory overview that acquaints you with the basic parts, layout, and functions of a Class A combination vehicle. This sets the foundation for your journey toward earning a Class A CDL.
Control Systems/Dashboard – An in-depth look at the vehicle’s control systems and dashboard, teaching you what each knob, button, and gauge is for. Understanding these controls is critical for safely operating a commercial vehicle.
Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections – Detailed procedures for inspecting your vehicle before and after each trip. This section emphasizes the importance of identifying safety hazards or maintenance issues before hitting the road.
Basic Control – Essential skills for operating a combination vehicle, including steering, braking, and accelerating. This section gives you the hands-on basics of controlling a large, complex vehicle.
Shifting/Operating Transmissions – Key techniques for shifting gears and operating the transmission system of a Class A vehicle. Proper shifting is vital for vehicle performance and road safety.
Backing and Docking – Specific instruction on how to safely back up and dock your vehicle, often in tight spaces or challenging conditions. These are skills that even experienced drivers can find challenging but are essential for day-to-day operations.
Coupling and Uncoupling – The how-to guide for connecting (coupling) and disconnecting (uncoupling) your vehicle from a trailer. This section is vital for anyone operating a combination vehicle, as improper coupling/uncoupling can be dangerous.
Orientation – An introductory overview that acquaints you with the basic parts, layout, and functions of a Class A combination vehicle. This sets the foundation for your journey toward earning a Class A CDL.
Control Systems/Dashboard – An in-depth look at the vehicle’s control systems and dashboard, teaching you what each knob, button, and gauge is for. Understanding these controls is critical for safely operating a commercial vehicle.
Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections – Detailed procedures for inspecting your vehicle before and after each trip. This section emphasizes the importance of identifying safety hazards or maintenance issues before hitting the road.
Basic Control – Essential skills for operating a combination vehicle, including steering, braking, and accelerating. This section gives you the hands-on basics of controlling a large, complex vehicle.
Shifting/Operating Transmissions – Key techniques for shifting gears and operating the transmission system of a Class A vehicle. Proper shifting is vital for vehicle performance and road safety.
Backing and Docking – Specific instruction on how to safely back up and dock your vehicle, often in tight spaces or challenging conditions. These are skills that even experienced drivers can find challenging but are essential for day-to-day operations.
Coupling and Uncoupling – The how-to guide for connecting (coupling) and disconnecting (uncoupling) your vehicle from a trailer. This section is vital for anyone operating a combination vehicle, as improper coupling/uncoupling can be dangerous.
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Visual Search – Teaches techniques for scanning the road and surroundings effectively to identify potential hazards and make timely decisions.
Communication – Focuses on proper ways to signal, make eye contact, and otherwise communicate with other road users to ensure safety.
Distracted Driving – Highlights the dangers of distracted driving, such as texting or eating, and provides strategies to stay focused on the road.
Speed Management – Offers guidelines for maintaining appropriate speeds based on road conditions, traffic, and legal limits to ensure safe driving.
Space Management – Covers how to maintain safe following distances and adequate space around your vehicle to maneuver or stop in case of emergency.
Night Operation – Provides tips for safely operating a commercial vehicle during nighttime, including use of lights and coping with reduced visibility.
Extreme Driving Conditions – Outlines safe practices for driving in challenging conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, including how to adapt speed and space management.
Visual Search – Teaches techniques for scanning the road and surroundings effectively to identify potential hazards and make timely decisions.
Communication – Focuses on proper ways to signal, make eye contact, and otherwise communicate with other road users to ensure safety.
Distracted Driving – Highlights the dangers of distracted driving, such as texting or eating, and provides strategies to stay focused on the road.
Speed Management – Offers guidelines for maintaining appropriate speeds based on road conditions, traffic, and legal limits to ensure safe driving.
Space Management – Covers how to maintain safe following distances and adequate space around your vehicle to maneuver or stop in case of emergency.
Night Operation – Provides tips for safely operating a commercial vehicle during nighttime, including use of lights and coping with reduced visibility.
Extreme Driving Conditions – Outlines safe practices for driving in challenging conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, including how to adapt speed and space management.
ADVANCED OPERATING PRACTICES
Hazard Perception – Teaches you to identify and predict road hazards in complex driving environments to preemptively take corrective actions.
Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies – Provides training on how to handle skidding, recover control of the vehicle, prevent jackknifing, and manage other emergency situations effectively.
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings – Focuses on safe procedures for approaching and crossing railroad tracks, particularly in a large commercial vehicle, to avoid accidents.
Hazard Perception – Teaches you to identify and predict road hazards in complex driving environments to preemptively take corrective actions.
Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies – Provides training on how to handle skidding, recover control of the vehicle, prevent jackknifing, and manage other emergency situations effectively.
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings – Focuses on safe procedures for approaching and crossing railroad tracks, particularly in a large commercial vehicle, to avoid accidents.
VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND REPORTING MALFUNCTIONS
Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions – Teaches you how to recognize signs of vehicle system malfunctions and the basic steps for diagnosing the issue.
Roadside Inspections – Instructs on what to expect and how to prepare for roadside inspections by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
Maintenance – Covers the basics of routine vehicle maintenance, emphasizing practices that can prevent malfunctions and extend vehicle life.
Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions – Teaches you how to recognize signs of vehicle system malfunctions and the basic steps for diagnosing the issue.
Roadside Inspections – Instructs on what to expect and how to prepare for roadside inspections by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
Maintenance – Covers the basics of routine vehicle maintenance, emphasizing practices that can prevent malfunctions and extend vehicle life.
NON-DRIVING ACTIVITIES
Handling and Documenting Cargo – Teaches the correct methods for loading, securing, and documenting cargo to ensure safe and legal transportation.
Environmental Compliance Issues – Covers regulations and best practices for minimizing environmental impact, such as proper waste disposal and emissions controls.
Hours of Service Requirements – Explains legal limits on driving hours, required breaks, and how to properly log these for compliance with regulations.
Fatigue and Wellness Awareness – Addresses the importance of managing driver fatigue and maintaining overall wellness for safe, effective operation.
Post-Crash Procedures – Guides you through the steps to take immediately following an accident, including documentation and communication with authorities.
External Communications – Covers how to effectively communicate with employers, dispatchers, and other entities involved in commercial driving operations.
Whistleblower/Coercion – Provides information on legal protections for reporting safety violations or refusing to break safety regulations under employer pressure.
Trip Planning – Teaches how to plan a driving route considering factors like road conditions, weather, and legal driving hours.
Drugs/Alcohol – Outlines the laws and company policies concerning substance use, and the severe penalties for violation.
Medical Requirements – Explains the medical standards and documentation needed to be eligible for and maintain a commercial driver’s license.
Handling and Documenting Cargo – Teaches the correct methods for loading, securing, and documenting cargo to ensure safe and legal transportation.
Environmental Compliance Issues – Covers regulations and best practices for minimizing environmental impact, such as proper waste disposal and emissions controls.
Hours of Service Requirements – Explains legal limits on driving hours, required breaks, and how to properly log these for compliance with regulations.
Fatigue and Wellness Awareness – Addresses the importance of managing driver fatigue and maintaining overall wellness for safe, effective operation.
Post-Crash Procedures – Guides you through the steps to take immediately following an accident, including documentation and communication with authorities.
External Communications – Covers how to effectively communicate with employers, dispatchers, and other entities involved in commercial driving operations.
Whistleblower/Coercion – Provides information on legal protections for reporting safety violations or refusing to break safety regulations under employer pressure.
Trip Planning – Teaches how to plan a driving route considering factors like road conditions, weather, and legal driving hours.
Drugs/Alcohol – Outlines the laws and company policies concerning substance use, and the severe penalties for violation.
Medical Requirements – Explains the medical standards and documentation needed to be eligible for and maintain a commercial driver’s license.