1st Seat Driver

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The 1st Seat Driver Program was assembled using Transportation Industry Standards. The 1st Seat Driver Certification is available to those who successfully complete a Class A Commercial Driver training program/course (minimum 160 clock hours/6 credit hours) at a training entity partnering with the Transportation Education and Economic Network, successfully complete a driver finishing/polishing program with an employer partnered with the Transportation Education and Economic Network (minimum four (4) weeks) and safely operate the vehicle "solo" for a period of thirty (30) days. All sessions must be completed consecutively with no gap more than fourteen (14) days.

 

Program Objective

 

The objective 1st Seat Tractor Trailer Driver Program is for the Trainee to acquire tractor/trailer driving proficiencies to a degree adequate to permit a solid expectation of entry level employment operating intrastate and interstate tractor/trailers as a "Solo 1st Seat Driver".

 

 

1st Seat Tractor Trailer Driver Program Length

 

The standard length of the 1st Seat Tractor Trailer Driver Program is 640 Clock Hours/24 Credit Hours/16 weeks. The 1st Seat Driver program is competency based, thus the program may be a bit shorter for some or a bit longer for some. Additionally, due to employer policy, the program may be adjusted to their needs in content, skill level achievement and length. Program length adjustments are at minimum 540 clock hours/4 credits and a maximum of 840 clock hours/24 credits (credit hours reside). The program may be completed in as little as fourteen consecutive (14) weeks to twenty one (21) consecutive weeks. Normal completion time is is sixteen (16) weeks. Training is provided Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. applied training hours reflect real time hours of service (24/7). Those applying into the 1st Seat Driver Program and/or certification should be capable of being away from home for periods of one (1) to three (3) weeks.

  

 

Methods of Training

 

Classroom Lessons- Classroom instruction occurs indoors, accomplished by instructional aids that allow large numbers of students to be taught effectively at one time.

 

Lab Lessons- Laboratory instruction refers to any instruction occurring outside of a classroom that does not involve actual operation of the vehicle or its components. It may take place in a parking lot, garage, or facility owned by a dealer or fleet operator.

 

Range Lessons- Range instruction is instruction that occurs on a protected off-street "Driving Range," where students may make use of tractor-trailers without hazard from cars or other road users.

 

Street Lessons- Street instruction refers to behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction that occurs in roadway configurations and traffic conditions needed to satisfy the objectives of the lessons for which the instruction is required.

 

Applied Lessons- Under the supervision of an experienced 1st Seat Driver Trainer, the trainee will be authentically performing real time transportation industry duties.

 

Solo Lessons- Under supervision via satellite communication and/or cellular communication the trainee will be authentically performing real time transportation industry duties while operating the tractor trailer unit solo.

 

Program Outline

 

Section 1 - Basic Operation - This section covers the interaction between students and the vehicle. It is intended to teach students to control the motion of the vehicle, ensure it is in proper operating condition, and correctly coupled to trailers. To introduce students to curriculum components of the tractor- trailer and basic maneuvers. At end of section, students will have acquired the skill and knowledge to operate a tractor-trailer combination well enough to begin on-street driving lessons.

  

Section 2 - Safe Operating Practices - This section covers the interaction between the student/vehicle combination and the highway traffic environment. To allow students to learn and practice safe operation - techniques in highway traffic. It is intended to teach students to apply their basic operating skills in a way that insures their own safety and that of other road users.

  

Section 3 – Advanced Operating Practices - This section covers the higher-level skills needed to cope with the hazards of the roadway- traffic environment. Its purpose is to develop perceptual skills needed to recognize the potential hazard as well as the manipulative skills needed to handle the vehicle in an emergency. To enable students to acquire the advanced skills needed to handle hazards and emergencies.

  

Section 4 - Vehicle Maintenance - This section covers the manner in which the various components of the vehicle work so students can recognize a malfunction or safety hazard before it causes serious damage or an accident. Its purpose is to teach students to perform routine service functions and simple maintenance tasks, and to recognize when the vehicle needs repairs. To prepare students to recognize causes of vehicle malfunctions and to perform simple maintenance and simple emergency repairs. 

 

Section 5 – Non-vehicle Activities - This section covers activities not directly related to the vehicle. Its purpose is to teach students to carry out these activities in a way that protects their safety and the safety of the vehicle, cargo and other motorists. To enable students to carry out those activities not directly related to the vehicle that professional drivers must perform.

  

Section 6 - Applied Tractor Trailer Driving - During this section of the 1st Seat Tractor Trailer Driver Program the trainee will be practicing/polishing knowledge and skills acquired in sections 1 -5 of the model curriculum. Sections 1 -5 of the model curriculum is a prerequisite of section six (6) of the 1st Seat Driver Program. Under the supervision of an experienced 1st Seat Driver Trainer, the trainee will be authentically performing real time transportation industry duties in the following eight (8) competencies.

  

Section 7 - Applied Solo Tractor Trailer Driving - During this section of the 1st Seat Tractor Trailer Driver Program the trainee will be perfecting knowledge and skills acquired in sections 6. The solo trainee will be supervised via satellite and/or cellular by an experienced 1st Seat Driver Trainer. The solo trainee will be authentically performing real time transportation duties in the eight (8) categories of section six (6) "solo".