VOA 553 - CDL Class A Classroom, Learner Permit and Pre-Trip Introduction

9.8 Continuing Education Units (CEU). This course is not for Credit(s).

This course is designed to enable the student to learn about commercial vehicle operation and to develop the knowledge and skills needed to obtain a Maryland CDL Learner Permit including various endorsements. Instruction in basic CDL Theory and hazardous materials are part of this course. This course will begin to prepare successful completers to pass the pre-trip portion of MVA Class A Commercial Driver’s License examination and begin the process to be eligible to work as a Class a commercial driver. Topics to be covered include: FMCSA, general CDL theory, hazardous materials, pre-trip inspections (both exterior and interior), alcohol awareness, hours of service, defensive driving techniques, log books, trip planning and map-reading. Pre-requisite: MVA CDL Learner’s Permit.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to:
1. explain the FMCSA’s responsibilities to the CDL industry,
2. explain basic CDL theory and guidelines,
3. describe the major classifications of hazardous materials,
4. explain the importance of HazMat placarding,
5. obtain a MD CDL Learner Permit with endorsements,
6. describe a proper and complete Class A pre-trip vehicle inspection,
7. explain CDL-A operator safety guidelines of the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving program,
8. complete a CDL driver log book,
9. demonstrate the use of a commercial road atlas in trip planning, and
10. explain hours of service regulations that govern the operation of a CDL-A vehicle.