Course Details
The course follows the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and incorporates their recommended curriculum for commercial motor vehicle driver training. Gilco Transport Services uses the J.J. Keller ELDT course for classroom training, ensuring compliance with FMCSA and Virginia DMV regulations. Students receive a J.J. Keller Student Manual for reference. The curriculum includes 160 hours of training, split into 40 hours of classroom studies and 120 hours of hands-on driving practice. This training is essential for passing DMV tests and acquiring a class A CDL in Virginia.
Section 1
Introduction – Embrace “GOAL” (Get Out And Look) This section serves to acquaint students with the campus, the course itself, and the training vehicles.
Learning Objectives:
By completing this section, students will be able to:
- Gain familiarity with the campus layout.
- Understand the arrangement of the training course.
- Identify the training tractor and trailer.
- Recognize hazardous zones.
- Determine locations requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Comprehend the significance of “GOAL” – Get Out And Look, a safety practice.
Section 2
Vehicle Inspection – Before, During, and After This section aims to introduce students to the intricate aspects of conducting pre- and post-trip inspections. While this material will be emphasized in the first week, we will revisit it at the beginning of each day involving Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs).
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, students will be able to:
- Recognize the significance of thorough inspections.
- Identify the timing and locations for conducting inspections.
- Distinguish the various vehicle components covered in the pre-trip inspection.
- Understand the criteria for rejecting components during inspection.
- Comprehend the purpose and relevance of each inspected item.
- Confidently demonstrate and describe the functions of inspected parts.
- Identify suitable inspection locations.
- Grasp the concept of enroute vehicle inspections.
Section 3
Fundamentals of Vehicle Operations and Mechanisms The intention of this segment is to familiarize students with the fundamental controls and systems of the motor vehicle. It involves transferring knowledge obtained in the classroom into practical application.
Learning Objectives:
By the conclusion of this section, students should feel at ease with:
- Locating and managing vehicle controls covered during classroom instruction.
- Navigating through vehicle systems taught in the classroom environment.
Section 4
Foundational Vehicle Maneuvering The aim of this portion is to instill confidence in students as they learn and practice the essential maneuvers required for operating a CMV.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, students should be proficient in executing the following foundational maneuvers:
- Initiating and halting the engine systematically.
- Skillfully operating the clutch pedal, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal.
- Efficiently engaging the gearshift.
- Transferring the CMV into and out of gear seamlessly.
- Mastering the application and release of parking and trailer brakes.
- Maneuvering forward motion and controlled braking.
- Executing reverse movement.
- Proficiently coupling and uncoupling a trailer.
Section 5
Precision Backing Techniques The goal of this module is to provide hands-on experience to students in the art of precision backing. These maneuvers serve as the cornerstone of proficient CDL drivers. Although the initial focus is in the first week, the practice of backing skills will continue throughout the entire semester.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, students will be proficient in executing the following backing maneuvers:
- Mastering Straight-Line Backing.
- Skillfully navigating Offset Backing.
- Excelling in 90-degree Alley Dock Backing (weeks 2-3).
- Successfully performing 90-degree Blindside Alley Dock Backing (weeks 2-3).
- Demonstrating expertise in Parallel Parking (weeks 2-3).
- Achieving competence in Blindside Parallel Parking (weeks 2-3).
Section 6
Safe On-Road Operations This module is designed to acquaint students with driving on open roads, where they will practice safe driving techniques. While this section commences at the start of the second week, the practice of these skills will continue throughout the remainder of the semester.
Learning Objectives:
By completing this section, students will be adept at safely and confidently executing the following maneuvers:
- Commencing and concluding driving smoothly.
- Skillfully transitioning between gears through Up-Shifting and Down-Shifting.
- Navigating turns and handling Off-Tracking.
- Mastering both left and right turns.
- Safely navigating curves at highway speeds.
- Seamlessly merging onto highways.
- Efficiently entering and exiting the interstate.
- Executing lane changes with precision.
- Accomplishing Blindside and Sight side Turns.
- Safely crossing railroad tracks.
- Gauging appropriate deceleration distances.
- Managing speed and space effectively.
- Demonstrating responsible driver behavior.
- Operating at night with confidence.
- Adapting to extreme driving conditions adeptly.
Section 7
Effective Communication and Signaling This segment is aimed at educating students about the crucial role of communication on the roads.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, students will proficiently demonstrate:
- Skillful execution of active communication.
- Accurate signaling of intentions.
- Appropriate signaling distances for various situations.
Section 8
Mastering Visual Scanning This module intends to equip drivers with the skill of proficiently scanning the road visually to identify hazards and objects.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, drivers will be capable of:
- Engaging in a comprehensive visual search.
- Recognizing the appropriate distance for effective visual scanning.
- Identifying hazards and objects on the road ahead and responding with emergency maneuvers if necessary.
- Developing effective hazard perception abilities.
Section 9
Responding to Critical Situations This section is designed to familiarize students with fundamental emergency maneuvers.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, students will have the skills to safely and confidently perform the following emergency maneuvers:
- Taking evasive action to prevent an accident.
- Safely clearing the path for an emergency vehicle.
- Executing an emergency pull-off procedure.
- Handling a steer tire failure.
- Managing a loss of system air pressure.
Section 10
Navigating Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations This segment aims to illustrate the fundamental tasks mandated by HOS regulations.
Learning Objectives:
By the conclusion of this section, drivers will have the ability to:
- Accurately fill out a Driver Daily Log.
- Proficiently complete a Timesheet.
- Successfully perform a Logbook Recap.
- Differentiate between electronic and paper logs, understanding their distinctions.
Section 11
Essential Safety Maintenance Training The goal of this module is to familiarize students with the foundational steps in maintaining and preserving a CMV. These skills are crucial for ensuring the vehicle’s prolonged lifespan and adherence to safety standards.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this section, students will be capable of performing the following procedures to maintain a CMV appropriately, ensuring both the operator’s safety and that of other road users:
- Conducting Brake Inspection and Brake Adjustment.
- Identifying and Rectifying Audible Air Leaks.
- Locating and Repairing Broken Lightbulbs or Wires.
- Applying Grease to all fittings on a CMV.
- Recognizing when and how to adjust a clutch.