Course: Basic Maneuvers

What You Will Learn In This Unit:

This section gets the novice CDL driver started on the path to becoming a tractor-trailer driver. It also serves to remind the experienced driver of the fundamentals. You will learn how to inspect a tractor and a trailer, what all the various parts and controls are named and what they are used for, how to hook-up a tractor to a semi-trailer and then start practice driving on an off-street driving range.

You will learn how to:

• Check the trailer coupling before driving each day.
• To start, warm up and shut down the engine properly.
• To put the vehicle in motion and accelerate smoothly, forward and backward.
• Stop the vehicle smoothly.
• Back the vehicle in a straight line.
• Put the vehicle in position to turn and make left and right turns.

You will learn:

• The procedures for starting, warming up, and shutting down the engine; putting the vehicle in motion; and stopping.
• The problems caused by idling longer than necessary.
• How the length of your vehicle's wheel base, articulation (tractor and trailer), and the number of axles will affect the path of a turn and the "off-track" of the rear of the vehicle.
• Where to put your vehicle before a turn, how to make a turn correctly and how to recover from a turn.
• Manufacturer's specifications for engine operation.

You will learn how to:

• Use the accelerator and clutch so that you can accelerate smoothly and avoid clutch abuse.
• Use air brakes correctly so that you can stop smoothly.
• Steer, brake, and accelerate correctly so that you can keep your vehicle on a proper path forward and back in a straight line.
• Judge the "off-track" of the rear of your vehicle on left and right turns and curves.

Lesson: Basic Manuevers

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This is a sample course from our training library. You're welcome to view the course for personal use. Drivers of member fleets will receive a certificate after completing the online course. Please sign into your account to take an assignment. A certificate will be delivered electronically to your driver qualification file.