What To Expect When Attending A Class A CDL Training Program
If you are considering a career in truck driving and do not have any experience as a driver, you need to learn a lot of things. A Class A CDL training program is an excellent place to start because it can give you all the training you need to get started in a career that will take you places for many years.
Learning The Rules Of The Road
Class A CDL training programs start with educating potential drivers about the laws and rules of the road for truck drivers. You may already know many of the laws that apply to motor vehicles, but when you drive a semi-truck, many of the rules are different from those that apply to your car.
A good training program includes a lot of class hours, discussing the laws and the regulations surrounding these large trucks so that, when you are ready to get behind the wheel, you know what you can and can not do. Things like how much weight is legal for your truck and how long you can operate the truck every day are essential, and if you are hauling dangerous loads, there are additional guidelines that apply.
Most training programs start with several weeks of classes before you ever get near the trucks or do any driving.
Yard Driving
When the time is right, your Class A CDL training program instructors will start teaching you how to handle a semi-truck in the yard around the school. You will learn to inspect the truck before you go out, connect trailers, attach air and electric lines to the trailer, and many other things that are part of the truck driver's responsibilities.
It is crucial that you know how to back up the trailer, connect everything, and tell if the truck is safe before heading out on the road. Accidents that occur with semi-trucks are often deadly, and the training program you are attending is there to help ensure you are not going to be in an accident, but you need to understand the basics and learn the skills required to get behind the wheel of a large truck.
Driving and Testing
When your instructor feels you are ready, you will have the opportunity to take a truck and trailer on the road and drive in traffic. Once you have some time driving with your instructor, you will take your CDL test, and most Class A CDL training programs include the testing in the classes. The instructors will not test you; an examiner from the Department of Motor Vehicles will.
Once you pass, you will be able to get a job driving a semi-truck, and most training programs can help you find a position to get started.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers Class A CDL training programs.