Precision Driver Training School

Attendance Requirements:

        All students are required to attend all classes, labs, behind-the-wheel range work, behind-the-wheel driving, and observations as required to meet all time requirements. Students will not be issued a certificate until all requirements are met. Students will have a maximum of 6 months to complete the training, otherwise, the student will be required to complete a subsequent course in its entirety.

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Time Requirements:

        All class B students are required to complete a minimum of 85 total hours of training. The training shall comprise of four main categories as follows.

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1. Classroom Training - 50 hours

   • Comprising of:

     • 40 hours credit for instruction provided by a certified instructor

     • 10 hours credit allowed for homework/independent study

   • Classroom training is held in a traditional group classroom setting. Instruction provided covers topics such as, but is not limited to:

     • Basic Operation

     • Safe Operating Practices

     • Advanced Operating Systems

     • Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

     • FMCSA Familiarization

   • Classroom materials include, but are not limited to:

     • The Precision Driver Training School CDL Binder

     • Vermont CDL Manual

     • Delmar's Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Training Text (4th Edition) ISBN 9781111036485

     • FMCS Regulations Book

     • Hours of Service Log Book

2. Lab Training - 10 hours

   • Lab training is a limited group activity held outside of the classroom and does not include actual operation of the vehicle. Rather, it provides the student with practical instruction primarily in the following areas:

     • Pre-Trip Inspection

     • Identifying and reporting hazardous conditions and malfunctions

3. Range Training - 10 hours

   • Range training is a limited group activity held on an approved range that includes actual operation of the vehicle. It provides the student with practical instruction in the following areas:

     • Straight Line and Offset Backing

     • Parallel Parking

     • Alley Docking

     • Coupling and Uncoupling

4. Road Training - 15 hours

   • Comprising of:

     • 10 hours of behind-the-wheel vehicle operation

     • 5 hours of behind-the-wheel observation

        Road training is a small group activity, usually limited to 3 students per vehicle. It includes actual vehicle operation on public roads and highways open to the general flow of traffic. Road training, which concepts are supported by classroom training, provides the student with practical instruction and experience navigating a tractor trailer on various types of roads. It includes areas such as, but not limited to:

• Interacting with traffic and pedestrians

• Observing and crossing railroad tracks

• Making left and right turns

• Speed & brake control

• Proper gear selection and shifting synchronized transmissions

• Negotiating mountainous terrain

• Preforming the hill stop/start maneuver

• Identifying hazards including bridge clearances

• Zone control

• Effective intersection searching patterns

• Situational awareness

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Credential Requirements:

         Whenever engaged in activities that involve actual operation of CDL vehicles on a public highway or in a public vehicular area that is not closed off to the general flow of traffic, all students are required to be in possession of the following:

• Vermont CDL Permit

• Medical Examiner's Certificate

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Assessment:

Grades will be generated as follows:

1. Attitude (P/F)

2. Coupling and Uncoupling (P/F)

3. Backing (P/F)

4. Academics (40%)

5. Pre-Trip Inspection (20%)

6. Driving Performance (40%)

Students must pass each P/F section and achieve a score of 80% in categories D, E, and F before a certificate will be issued.

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Helpful Links:

VSAC Grants

VT DMV

CDL Class B Description and Requirements