Course Number and Title:
CTS 104 Road Driving Practices
Co-requisites
Corequisite: (CTS 101 and CTS 102 and CTS 103)
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
0 lecture hours/week
13 lab hours/week
Course Description
In this course, students establish skills necessary to operate tractor-trailer vehicles on the public roadways. Safe operating principles, perceived hazards, effective communication, and the ability to operate safely at night are competencies gained behind the wheel under direct supervision of an instructor.
Additional Materials
Driver’s daily log book
Disclaimer
Students must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license for at least one year, possess a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) learner’s permit, pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, and pass a DOT pre-hire drug test. Students must participate in a random drug-testing program as mandated by federal law.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Read gauges and instruments correctly, and demonstrate correct use of tractor-trailer vehicle controls. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate control principles necessary to operate a tractor-trailer vehicle on the public roadways. (CCC 1; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate the principles and procedures for performing visual search of the roadway for potential hazards and critical objects. (CCC 1; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate the techniques for different types of communication on the road. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate effective speed management practices in response to various road, weather, and traffic conditions. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate strategies that enable proper management of space required for safe vehicle operation. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate the precautions and safety considerations to safely operate a tractor-trailer during nighttime conditions. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
- Demonstrate adjustments for driving in extreme conditions, as applicable. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
- Identify potential dangers in the driving environment, and demonstrate appropriate defensive actions. (CCC 2; PGC 7, 1)
- Identify potential dangers, and demonstrate appropriate safety practices at railroad crossings. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Read gauges and instruments correctly, and demonstrate correct use of tractor-trailer vehicle controls.
- Read gauges and instruments correctly after indicating use and acceptable range.
- Demonstrate the purpose and use of primary and secondary control switches and pedals.
- Demonstrate seat adjustment, safety belt use, and mirror adjustment.
- Start, warm-up, and shut down engine according to specifications.
- Perform routine inspections by checking mirrors for signs of trouble; monitoring instruments; looking, listening, and feeling for malfunctions; and making periodic roadside inspections of critical components.
- Demonstrate control principles necessary to operate a tractor-trailer vehicle on the public roadways.
- Put vehicle in motion and achieve increasingly smooth motion and acceleration; and bring vehicle to a smooth stop.
- Center vehicle in lane, and drive a straight line.
- Judge paths, negotiate left and right curves and sharp turns, and track the vehicle in a road and alley for various trailer lengths.
- Judge clearances at rear, front, sides, and overhead.
- Recognize space required for overhang.
- Maintain appropriate vehicle and engine speed on upgrades and downgrades.
- Monitor controls, mirrors, instruments, and gauges.
- Shift up and down through all gears of multi-speed, dual range transmissions.
- Double clutch and time shift for smooth and fuel-efficient performance.
- Select proper gear for speed, traffic, terrain, turns, and highway conditions.
- Avoid riding the clutch.
- Demonstrate progressive shifting technique.
- Demonstrate skip shifting.
- Demonstrate proper gear recovery.
- Demonstrate the principles and procedures for performing visual search of the roadway for potential hazards and critical objects.
- Demonstrate proficient visual search techniques in various types of traffic and locations using a running commentary.
- Demonstrate the techniques for different types of communication on the road.
- Demonstrate correct and appropriate use of lights, signals, horns, and positioning to effect safe communication practices.
- Demonstrate effective speed management practices in response to various road, weather, and traffic conditions.
- Adjust speed to the configuration and condition of the roadway; weather and visibility conditions; traffic conditions; and vehicle, cargo, driving, and operator conditions.
- Drive at speeds appropriate to road and/or weather conditions while never exceeding the legal speed limit.
- Demonstrate strategies that enable proper management of space required for safe vehicle operation.
- Practice lane selection offering the best mobility and least traffic interruption in accordance with legal requirements and creating minimum interference to other vehicles.
- Ensure a safe gap before changing lanes, passing other vehicles, merging, and crossing or entering traffic.
- Position vehicle correctly in lane relative to crosswalks and stop lines, stop signs, or stopped vehicles to minimize hazards to own vehicle and other road users.
- Position a tractor-trailer appropriately before initiating a turn, and then complete a turn to prevent other vehicles from passing on the wrong side and to minimize encroachment on other lanes.
- Maintain a following distance appropriate to traffic, road surface, visibility, and vehicle weight and length.
- Maximize separation from traffic when vehicle is disabled.
- Avoid structures having inadequate overhead clearance.
- Demonstrate the precautions and safety considerations to safely operate a tractor-trailer during nighttime conditions.
- Judge and adjust speed, distances/separation, and gaps under nighttime conditions.
- Demonstrate visual scanning techniques appropriate to night operations.
- Demonstrate proper use of high/low beams.
- Respond safely to glare from other vehicles.
- Demonstrate adjustments for driving in extreme conditions, as applicable.
- Judge maximum safe speed for slippery road surface conditions.
- Identify potential dangers in the driving environment, and demonstrate appropriate defensive actions.
- Immediately perceive a potential threat from visible characteristics and actions of other road users, and initiate prompt defensive or evasive action.
- Use brakes in a manner that will stop the vehicle in the shortest possible distance while maintaining directional control.
- Identify potential dangers, and demonstrate appropriate safety practices at railroad crossings.
- Immediately perceive a potential threat at railroad crossings, and initiate prompt defensive or evasive action.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Operate a tractor-trailer equipped with a multi-range, non-synchronized transmission on the public roadways.
- Identify mechanical defects in the performance of pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Operate a tractor-trailer in reverse through a series of maneuvering exercises accordance to State of Delaware licensing standards.
- Perform safe coupling and uncoupling of typical tractor-trailer units.
- Explain safe cargo handling and documentation.
- Explain safe and legal procedures at an accident scene and proper reporting of accidents.
- Plan an interstate trip including map reading/route selection, calculating driving time and fuel consumption, estimating distances, personal expenses, and personal needs.
- Identify, explain and comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 390 â€" 397, 380, 382 and 383.
- Explain the driver's role in the trucking industry and the role of trucking in our nation's economy and security.
- Create a professional job search and job retention plan.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.