Hands-On Program Curriculum
Hands-On Driving, Incorporated Curriculum
Our School is located on an 60 acre parcel 1 mile north of Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin. On the property we have a 1 mile course where students will practice shifting, cornering, backing and braking maneuvers before driving on the highway. We will offer different options at classes depending on your level of commercial driving experience.
1. Full Course (from Permit to Road Test)
2. Driving and Pre-trip (for those with Permit)
3. Refresher Course (Hourly Rate)
We have busses, multiple semi tractors & trailers in our training fleet; we also have a dump truck for our students to train in. Behind the wheel time will be 40 hours for students. You will learn how to shift 8, 9, 10, 13 and 18 speed transmissions. We currently do not have an automatic in a semi, but we will bring one to show how they work during the course. Applicants will decide what class CDL and what endorsements they want to obtain. Permit and Road Tests will be given when management feels the student is ready.
We will use many visual aids, movies and books from J.J. Keller and other online sources. There will be practice tests to take before going to the DMV. We will also study available DMV books.
There are requirements before applicants are accepted. Applicants must have a DOT Physical completed and a Negative Drug Test in hand. We will run a Driver Record and Criminal Background Check. When these reports come back acceptable the student will be accepted into our school. There will be a one-time $50.00 non-refundable charge for these services. Our Goal is to put only knowledgeable, safety minded and courteous drivers on the road.
Our School is located on an 60 acre parcel 1 mile north of Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin. On the property we have a 1 mile course where students will practice shifting, cornering, backing and braking maneuvers before driving on the highway. We will offer different options at classes depending on your level of commercial driving experience.
1. Full Course (from Permit to Road Test)
2. Driving and Pre-trip (for those with Permit)
3. Refresher Course (Hourly Rate)
We have busses, multiple semi tractors & trailers in our training fleet; we also have a dump truck for our students to train in. Behind the wheel time will be 40 hours for students. You will learn how to shift 8, 9, 10, 13 and 18 speed transmissions. We currently do not have an automatic in a semi, but we will bring one to show how they work during the course. Applicants will decide what class CDL and what endorsements they want to obtain. Permit and Road Tests will be given when management feels the student is ready.
We will use many visual aids, movies and books from J.J. Keller and other online sources. There will be practice tests to take before going to the DMV. We will also study available DMV books.
There are requirements before applicants are accepted. Applicants must have a DOT Physical completed and a Negative Drug Test in hand. We will run a Driver Record and Criminal Background Check. When these reports come back acceptable the student will be accepted into our school. There will be a one-time $50.00 non-refundable charge for these services. Our Goal is to put only knowledgeable, safety minded and courteous drivers on the road.
Module 1: Brake Systems
Learn the difference between an Air Brake System and a Hydraulic Brake System. Students will also learn LAB Tests and be qualified to adjust all brake types and deal with rusted and frozen brakes.
A. Hydraulic Brake System
1. Closed System
2. Master Cylinder
3. Brake Lines
4. Fluids
5. Wheel Cylinders
6. Disc Brakes
7. Drum Brakes
8. Park Brake Systems
9. Common Problems
Module 1: (Continued)
B. Air Brake Systems and Air System
1. Air Compressor/Governor
2. Trendle Valve
3. Air Lines and Hoses
4. DOT Approved Fittings
5. Brake Chambers
6. Slack Adjusters
7. Brake Drums
8. Wedge Brake System
9. Air Disc Brakes
10. Brake Shoes
11. Brake Adjustment
12. Air Dryer
13. Air Tanks
14. Park Brake Systems
15. Tractor Protection Valve
Module 2: Engine Equipment Compartment
Students will learn what to check under the hood before startup.
1. Fluid Levels
2. Belts
3. Hoses
4. Wires
5. Alternator
6. Generator
7. Voltage System
8. Leaks
9. Starter
10. Power Steering Pump
11. Brake Booster
12. Computer
13. Fan
14. Radiator
15. Hood (opening and closing safety)
Module 3: Parts & Problems Identification
A. Steering & Suspension
1. Air Ride
a. Air Lines
b. Air Bags
c. Mountings
d. Shock Absorbers
e. Springs
f. Valves
2. Spring Ride
a. Springs
b. Hangers
c. U-Bolts
d. Spring Pins
e. Lubrication
f. Common Problems
3. Steering
a. Steering Wheel Play
b. Steering Box
c. Drag Link
d. Pitman Arms
e. Tie Rods
f. Connections
g. Common Problems
Module 4: Frame and Drive Line
1. Frame
a. Identify Problems
2. Transmission
a. Common Problems
b. Oil Levels
c. Drive Shaft
d. Differential
e. Mountings
f. Wheel Types & Securement
g. Tires
h. Seals i. Hitches
Module 5: In Cab
1. Gauges
2. Pedals
3. Switches & Controls
4. Tractor Protection Valve
5. L.A.B. Test 6. Sent Adjustment
7. Shift Lever 8. Park Brake
9. Glass Condition
10. Mirrors
11. Lighting
12. Starting Procedure
13. Common Problems
Module 6: Trailers
(Vans, Step Decks, Flat Beds, Detachable, Heavy Haulers, Doubles & Triples, Special Use)
Students learn components of trailers, how they differ, purpose and proper securement of the different types of loads they are designed to haul.
1. Hook ups
2. Lights
3. Frame
4. Floor
5. Cross Members
6. Landing Gear
7. Axles
8. Wheels
9. Tires
10. Brake System
11. Reflectors
12. ICC Bumper
13. Splash Guards
14. Headache Racks
15. Tie Downs
Module 7: Safety
Students will learn how to safely get in and out of trucks and On & Off Road Trailers. They will learn how to notice slippery surfaces and weak steps/walkways. They will learn procedures when broken down on the road and how to let other traffic know of the problem. Finally, they will learn how to use tools for securing loads and dangers of loading and unloading.
1. Entering/Exiting Trucks
2. Getting On/Off trailers
3. Safety Regulations
4. On the Highway
5. Loading
6. Unloading
7. Securing Loads
8. Breakdowns on the Road
9. Medications
10. Fines
11. Proper Tool Usage
Module 8: Beginner Driving
Student will start to learn Basic Operations and Driver Skills on the Off-Road Course
1. Hook Ups
2. Mirror Adjustment
3. Clutch Usage
4. Shifting
5. Braking
6. Corners
7. Stopping
Module 9: Driver Training (On-Road)
Students will learn all skills and maneuvers to pass the CDL Skills Test. Students will be exposed to daily traffic hazards.
1. Two Lane Driving
2. Interstate
3. City
4. Multi-Lane
5. Stop Lights
6. 4-Way Stops
7. Mountain Driving
8. Lane Changes
9. Gap
10. Bridges
11. Over Passes
Module 10: Load Securement
Students will learn how to secure loads and obtain permits for Wide, High, and Long Loads. They will learn when to use chains or straps. Finally, they will learn the laws that govern different types of loads.
1. Load Securement
2. Laws
3. Chains
4. Binders
5. Straps
6. Oversized Loads
7. Permits
Module 11: Laws
Students will learn laws pertaining to trucking both in and out of State. They will learn both electronic and paper Log Books. They will learn what IFTA is and does as well as what to expect at DOT Scales.
1. Interstate Laws
2. Intrastate Laws
3. IFTA
4. Log Books
5. Scales
Module 12: Trip Planning
Students will learn how to plan a trip. They will learn the cost, time and paperwork needed when the trip is finished.
1. Trip Planning
a. Map Reading
b. GPS Session
2. Trip Cost Calculations
3. Trip Time Calculations
4. Trip Reconciliation Sheets
5. Log Books
Module 13: Jobs
Students will learn first-hand from Employers from different fields that will come in to talk to our classes, as well as an official from the Wisconsin State Patrol to talk about laws and safety.
Module 14: Testing and License
1. Assessments