Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Training

Alice Adams is an educator and a veteran transportation writer for various national trade publications, as well as for the Houston Chronicle. After serving in academic positions at Odessa College (TX), Houston Community College, and the University of St. Thomas, she has authored several transportation industry books, including texts used in public, private, and proprietary professional driving schools. Since its inception in 1986, Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) has become the nation’s foremost advocate of standards and professionalism for entry-level truck driver training. The purpose of PTDI is to advance commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver training, proficiency, safety, and professionalism by promoting high-quality truck driver training courses and by verifying and publicly attesting to their quality.

Preface.
1. Welcome to Professional Driving.
2. The Commercial Driver's License.
3. Control Systems.
4. Vehicle Systems.
5. Transportation Technology.
6. Vehicle Inspections.
7. Basic Control.
8. Shifting.
9. Backing and Docking.
10. Coupling and Uncoupling.
11. Sliding Fifth Wheels and Tandem Axles.
12. Preventive Maintenance and Servicing.
13. Recognizing and Reporting Malfunctions.
14. Communication.
15. Visual Search.
16. Space Management.
17. Speed Management.
18. Night Driving.
19. Extreme Driving Conditions.
20. Skid Control.
21. Hazard Awareness.
22. Railroad Crossings.
23. Emergency Maneuvers.
24. Accident Procedures.
25. Handling Cargo.
26. Cargo Documentation.
27. Special Rigs.
28. Hours of Service.
29. Trip Planning.
30. Transportation Security.
31. Driving International Routes.
32. Hazardous Materials.
33. Public Relations and Job Search.
34. Driver Health, Safety and Security.
35. Whistleblower Protections for Professional Drivers.
36. Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA).
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide.
Appendix B: Trucking Organizations.
Appendix C: Glossary.
Appendix D: Index.