Truck Driving Course in Portland, OR

This course is 160 hours of training over a four-week period, which is designed to prepare an individual to enter into the job market as a professional truck driver. During this course, students will learn all Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier rules and regulations as they pertain to a professional driver.  They will also learn all the necessary functions as it relates to the safe operation of a tractor/trailer combination. This will include actual driving as well as all other procedures a driver needs to know, such as pre-trip inspection, logbooks, paperwork, and accident procedures. Along with this, the course also teaches driving techniques such as defensive driving and driving in inclement weather.  Students are expected to complete the program in a maximum of 240 hours.

Preparation for On-the-Road Training

During the first week of the course, we will be preparing you to obtain your CDL Commercial Learner’s Permit.  This permit is required and issued by DMV, for you to drive on public roads with an Instructor.  Our course is conducted on both public roads and private property.  In order to receive the best preparation for your CDL Road Test, on-the-road training is required.  Click here to learn more about the Oregon Commercial Learners Permit program.

160 HOURS/4 WEEKS

Week 1

Classroom- Introduction to Program, Industry, Industry Regulations and Requirements, Hours of Service, Control Systems, Vehicle Systems, Pre-Trip Inspections, Driving Conditions, Hazard Awareness, Equipment Malfunctions, Trip Planning, Cargo Handling.

Week 1 consists of lectures, demonstrations, videotapes, and book assignments.

Upon completion of the first week, you will be prepared to take your written CDL exam.

Week 2

Classroom- Hours of Service, Vehicle Systems, Control Systems, Accident Procedures, Winter Driving, Engines, Transmissions, Differentials

Week 2 consists of lectures, demonstrations, videotapes, and book assignments.

Lab-Vehicle Systems, Air Brakes, Control Systems, Pre-Trip Inspections, Preventative Maintenance, Tire Chains, Load Security

Field Training– Starting of Vehicle, Coupling, Straight Line Backing, Turning, Shifting, Throttle Control

Week 3

Classroom-Hours of Service, Hazardous Materials, Vehicle Systems, Control Systems, Power trains, Job Applications, Interviews

Week 3 consists of lectures, demonstrations, videotapes, and book assignments

Lab-Vehicle Systems, Control Systems, Pre-Trip Inspections, Brake Adjustment, Equipment Malfunctions

Field Training- Coupling, Uncoupling, Hooking Doubles, Straight Backing, 90-degree Backing, Shifting, Interstate Driving, Highway Driving, City Driving.

Week 4

Classroom-Hours of Service, Vehicle Systems, Control Systems, Paperwork

Week 4 consists of lectures, demonstrations, videotapes, and book assignments

Lab-Safety Equipment, Proper Loading, Vehicle Specifications, Vehicle Systems, Control Systems

Field Training-Coupling, Uncoupling, Hooking Doubles, Straight Backing, 90 Degree Backing, Shifting, Interstate Driving, Highway Driving, City Driving, Mountain Driving

Road Test will be given on the last day of the program.

Classroom/Lab             50 Hrs.

Field & Driving            110 Hrs.

TOTAL                  160 Hrs.