Moutaintop Truck Driving Institute Courses

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Courses

The purpose of the professional truck driving curriculum is to qualify students for entry level positions as drivers in over-the-road or local driving vehicles. The focus of the curriculum is on basic information about trucks, truck driving and the trucking industry emphasizing the fundamentals of operating trucks and tractor trailers. No prior education or experience with trucks is required. The student, however, must meet the driver qualifications set forth by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety and pass the physical examination requirements established by the Department of Transportation (DOT)

Course Requirements:

Students must complete the entire 16-credit, 320-hour training program in order to be eligible for the Garrett College academic certificate or MTDI citation as a Commercial Vehicle Transportation Specialist. Courses include:

• CVS 101 Introduction to Commercial Vehicle Transportation
• CVS 102 Operation of the Commercial Transportation Vehicle
• CVS 103 Commercial Vehicles and Specialized Equipment
• CVS 104 Commercial Vehicle Driving I
• CVS 105 Commercial Vehicle Driving II
• CVS 106 Management Skills
• CVS 107 Certification Preparation

• Completion of all courses in the MTDI CVTS curriculum.
• Achieve a minimum 70% cumulative grade point average.
• Attend no less than 90% of the scheduled driving hours.
• All tuition, fees and charges have been paid in full.
• Successful completion of DOT driver examination for driving students.

CVS 101 Introduction to Commercial Vehicle Transportation
3 credits or 45 hours noncredit

The basic principles and practices of the commercial vehicle transportation industry are introduced in this course. Students will study state and federal traffic laws and regulations governing safety in the commercial transportation industry. Career opportunities in the profession will be explored, and the physical, mental, and psychological challenges of this career will be discussed.

CVS 102 Operation of the Commercial Transportation Vehicle
4 credits or 60 hours noncredit

Students will study the basic functions and operations of the commercial transportation vehicle, including the dashboard and gauges, transmission, air brakes, engine, tires and wheels, electrical system, drive train, and steering apparatus. Students will be expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the component parts of the vehicle.

CVS 103 Commercial Vehicles and Specialized Equipment
2 credits or 30 hours noncredit

The various types of tractors, trailers, and other specialized rigs will be examined in this course. Students will study the unique features and driving challenges associated with each type of commercial vehicle.

CVS 104 Commercial Vehicle Driving I
2 credits or 60 hours noncredit

Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills of putting the vehicle in motion and implementing safe driving techniques in backing, coupling and uncoupling, and braking.

CVS 105 Commercial Vehicle Driving II
3 credits or 90 hours noncredit

Students will improve skills learned in CVS 104 and advance to more complex maneuvering skills, such as straight line backing, serpentine backing, parking, and docking. Loading, securing, and unloading cargo will also be emphasized.

CVS 106 Management Skills
1 credit or 15 hours noncredit

This course will cover the management of essential planning, documentation, and response requirements by the commercial vehicle specialist. Topics will include vehicle inspection, cargo documentation, the log book, map reading, handling of hazardous materials, and response to vehicular accidents and fires.

CVS 107 Certification Preparation
1 credit or 20 hours noncredit

In preparation for the state driving examination for the CDL, Class A license by the Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration, this course will provide the student with a review of pertinent laws, regulations and concepts as well as practices related to performing the required driving skills.