CLASS A CDL - ADVANCED LONG HAUL SKILLS

TO QUALIFY: Applicants for this training program must meet one or a combination of the following prerequisites:

• Drivers who already hold a Class A CDL, or
   
• Recent graduates who want extra long-haul readiness before starting OTR work
   
• Drivers returning to OTR who want structured coaching beyond a basic refresher

Applicants must also possess a valid DOT physical card by an approved medical examiner and provide a copy of the results to the school prior to the student's in person training start date.   

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:   

Program objectives include but are not limited to: 

 1) OTR Safety, Compliance & Professional Habits

• Hours-of-Service basics and practical trip-day planning habits (dispatch mindset)
   
• Driver logs / ELD best practices (workflow, violations to avoid, “audit-proof” routines)
   
• Roadside inspection readiness: paperwork organization + professional conduct
   

2) Advanced Vehicle Control (Range + Road)

• High-precision backing refresh (setup, sight-side/blind-side concepts, goal use)
   
• Coupling/uncoupling efficiency + error-proof checks
   
• Space management: tight-yard navigation, controlled turns, hazard anticipation
   
• “Long-haul reality” driving scenarios (traffic pacing, lane strategy, safe following)
   

3) Weight, Balance & Route Execution

• Weight distribution fundamentals (how poor loading changes handling/stopping)
   
• Scale approach basics + planning to avoid common weight/route mistakes
   
• Route planning fundamentals for height/weight restrictions (OTR-prep mindset)
   

4) OTR Operations & Life-on-the-Road Readiness

• Shipper/receiver workflow: appointments, check-in, dwell-time management
   
• Defensive driving patterns for fatigue-risk times (night/early morning routines)
   
• Breakdown/incident basics: safe stops, triangles, documentation, next step

COURSE LENGTH: The (WEEKDAYS) course design is (2) weeks in person (3) days per week (including (3) hours per day (5) days per week home study course hours). Training schedules may vary each week.

The (WEEKENDS) course design is (3) weekends in person (2) days per weekend (including (3) hours per day (5) days per week home study course hours). Training schedules may vary each weekend. 

WEEKDAYS CLASS SCHEDULE:

Week 1 - Wednesday through Friday (hours will vary) = up to 18 (Classroom/Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours

Week 2 - Wednesday through Friday (hours will vary) = up to 18 (Classroom/Lab/Range/Road) and 12 (Home Study) course hours 

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (CLASSROOM/HOME STUDY) COURSE HOURS = up to 27

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 34

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  up to 63  

WEEKENDS CLASS SCHEDULE:

Weekend 1 - Saturday through Sunday from (hours will vary) = up to 12 (Classroom/Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours 

Weekend 2 - Saturday through Sunday from (hours will vary) = up to 12 (Classroom/Lab/Range/Road) and 15 (Home Study) course hours

Weekend 3 - Saturday through Sunday from (hours will vary) = up to 12 (Classroom/Lab/Range/Road) course hours

TOTAL ORIENTATION COURSE HOURS = 2

TOTAL THEORY (CLASSROOM/HOME STUDY) COURSE HOURS = up to 30

TOTAL BEHIND THE WHEEL (LAB/RANGE/ROAD) COURSE HOURS = up to 34

TOTAL COMBINED COURSE HOURS =  up to 66       

TUITION COST: $2,800.00 USD - There is a non-refundable $100.00 USD registration fee assessed to each student to help defer administrative costs associated with application and student assessment review. This fee is included with the tuition paid to the School.