Flexible Pathway CDL Training

This two-hour class prepares students for the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) general knowledge and airbrake test. Includes a thorough examination of the of the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual identifying the critical aspects of safe driving, transporting cargo, air brake system, medical requirements, self-certifying and driver disqualification among others.

Pre-requisite: Valid Driver’s License.

Objectives: Prepare students to pass the state knowledge and airbrake test to obtain a Commercial Motor Vehicle Learner’s Permit for a Class A or Class B.

An introductory overview of the information needed to successfully pass the vehicle inspection test when taking the DMV CDL Class A or Class B skills test. 

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

Objectives: Identify vehicle systems necessary for safe operation and detection of potential defects. Follow a seven-step plan to accurately identify vehicle systems, possible malfunctions and/or defects. Identify vehicles systems including steering, braking, suspension and the engine. Identify the components of the vehicle systems and discuss possible malfunctions and/or defects of those systems.  Recognize possible malfunctions and/or defects on the vehicle including the side, the back and under the vehicle.

ELDT Theory meets in person one time in a two-hour class, and is then completed remotely from a smartphone, tablet or computer at the student’s pace. ELDT Theory is required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training Program for first-time Class A CDL or Class B CDL applicants, or if you are upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL license. This course meets the requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association. This course will help prepare the student for driving commercial motor vehicles. Course topics include, but are not limited to, basic vehicle operation, vehicle systems and malfunctions, vehicle controls, vehicle inspections and extreme driving conditions.

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

Objectives: Identify different vehicle systems and possible malfunctions and defects. Explain proper driving techniques in hazardous road conditions. Identify and explain cab and emergency controls. Discuss the skills needed for basic vehicle controls. The complete curriculum satisfies the FMCSA requirement for theory training and documents behind-the-wheel driving training.

Range and Public Road Training class is required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training program and includes eight hours of instruction on the skills needed to successfully pass the Class B CMV skills test. Includes range and open-road instruction in an automatic transmission vehicle.

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

Objectives: Provides students with the necessary ELDT as outlined and required by the FMCSA. Operational training for a Class B vehicle will be covered in this course and includes introduction to vehicle inspections, range driving (backing maneuvers) and open-road driving (operating on public roadways).

Behind-the-Wheel Range and Public Road Training is required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements of the FMCSA and provides one-on-one behind-the-wheel training in a closed range and on public roads an automatic transmission vehicle. The class includes 20 hours of equipment use with 16 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 4 hours preparation for the South Dakota Third Party Exam. Individuals enrolled to this course are responsible for the cost of the third party exam. Behind-the-Wheel instruction is provided to develop the skills needed to fulfill FMCSA requirements for Class A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) skills test. Additional hours may be purchased as necessary.

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

Objectives: Provide students with the necessary ELDT as outlined and required by the FMCSA. This course provides training on how to safely and correctly operate a Class A CMV on a closed range and public road emphasizing on how to correctly complete the range backing maneuvers and navigate the public road skill test. 

The ELDT Hazardous Materials Endorsement course is a 12-module online course that satisfies the theory education requirements outlined by the FMCSA to obtain a Hazardous Materials Endorsement for a CDL. Participants of this two-hour course will meet in person one time to learn the online format and complete the first module. Then, the course is completed self-paced and online for completion within 30 days.

Objectives:
In this course, participants will be educated on the following ELDT learning objectives:

• Basic hazardous materials requirement
• Reporting hazardous materials crashes and releases
• Tunnels and railroad highway grade crossing requirements
• Loading and unloading hazardous materials
• Hazardous materials on passenger vehicles
• Bulk (hazardous) packages
• Operating emergency equipment
• Emergency response procedures
• Engine fueling when carrying hazardous materials
• Tire inspection
• Routes and route planning
• Hazardous materials safety permits

Completion of these 12 learning objectives will satisfy the required ELDT Theory Training outlined by the FMCSA.

Eight hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training on how to operate a manual transmission properly and effectively with an unsynchronized gear box. Training in double clutching will be provided as necessary to remove an “E” - no manual transmission equipped Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) restriction. This training includes the use of the truck and trailer for the third-party exam upon completion of eight hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training. Cost of the third-party exam is not included; individuals are responsible for this cost on their own.

Pre-requisites: Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Must hold a current Class A CDL or be in process of obtaining one through STC’s Traditional or FlexPath CDL programs.  

Objectives: Provide students with the necessary ELDT to operate an unsynchronized gear box that requires double clutching. This course will provide training on how to operate a Class A CMV with manual transmission safely and correctly. An emphasis on double clutching will occur. Vehicle operation and training will occur in both a range and open road setting.

This two-hour course focuses on development and the registration and certification of the driver trainer to promote and develop safe and smart driving skills for ELDT students. The driver trainer will follow FMCSA guidelines and regulations during instruction.

Pre-requisites: Valid CDL, two years of work experience and operation of the Commercial Motor Vehicle they will be training with, a signed MOU with their employer and a clear background check.

Objectives: In CDL 109 we qualify the driver trainer following FMCSA rules and guidelines. In this course, a checklist for the driver trainer is provided that will be utilized during the training of the ELDT student. A Driver Trainer will receive training on proper documentation of driving hours and gain a better understanding of their responsibilities as outlined by the FMCSA for ELDT.

For more information on the Train the Trainer program, contact CDL@southeasttech.edu or 605-367-8439.