Entry-Level Driver Training Commercial Training Courses
Entry Level Courses Overview
Students will begin with a hybrid model of self guided online study and instructor led study to complete their ELDT theory requirements. Next students complete their one to one behind the wheel hands on training at KPDI. Upon completion of the course the road skills exam is completed on the last day of training.
“Alex and Mike’s level of expertise in commercial driving and care for their students is evident in everything they do. They are skilled instructors and their 1-on-1 class was tailored to my specific needs. This was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I’ve had with a business on the Kenai Peninsula. Money well spent!”
Matt Goodnow
Online Learning
KPDI offers safe online learning to complete ELDT Theory requirements. Online learning is completed from the comfort of your home at your own pace.
Keeping you in control of your learning, you’ll spend less time away from home and work.
Course meets or exceeds all federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirements
Range/Lab: Maximum 1 student to 1 instructor and 1 student per truck.
Range and Lab training is always 1:1.
Dedicated secured yard has multiple courses and training equipment for load securement, chaining and more.
Road: Maximum 1 student to 1 instructor & truck.
Eight hour training days with 2 mandatory rest day for behind the wheel/range and lab instruction. 1 Hour lunch break and two 15 minute lunch breaks per day.
The Behind the Wheel (BTW) & Lab time for each student meets or exceeds all federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirements
Entry Level Courses Outline
Exceeding all ELDT requirements and giving you the one to one attention you deserve for the most CDL Training seat time in Alaska.
Documents Required
- Enrollment Packet
- CDL Permit Copy (Study Guide Here)
- DOT Medical Certificate Copy
- Drug Screening (30 days prior to in person training)
- Driver History (30 days prior to in person training)
Basic Operations
- Orientation/ Intro to trucking / Driver qualification
- Control systems
- Vehicle inspections
- Basic controls
- Shifting
- Backing and docking
- Coupling and uncoupling
Safe Operating Practices
- Visual search
- Vehicle search/ communication
- Speed management
- Space management
Advanced Driving Practices
- Night operation
- Extreme driving conditions
- Hazard perception
- Emergency maneuvers/ skid avoidance
- Skid control and recovery
- Railroad crossings
Vehicle Systems Reporting
- Identification and maintenance
- Diagnosing and reporting malfunctions
Non-Vehicle Activities
- Handling and documenting cargo
- Environmental issues
- Hours of service requirements
- Accident procedures
- Managing life on the road/personal resources
- Trip planning
- Interpersonal communications
Admission Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have a valid Alaska Class D Driver License.
- Must have or obtain an Instructional Card (IA) permit from DMV before the course starts.
- Must hold a CDL medical examiner’s certificate. This card is obtained upon visiting a DOT authorized physician.
- Must pass a DOT drug screening. Drug test screening is required prior to training. Positive drug screen reports will warrant ineligibility for enrollment Students may be subject to Random Drug Testing throughout the program.
- Have an acceptable driving record. Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) will need to be submitted prior to class. DWI and other serious driving infractions can be considered to determine ineligibility for enrollment.
- Criminal Driving Record: A driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; a crime involving drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or hit-and-run driving which resulted in injury or death. Drivers with a criminal conviction of any kind may not operate a commercial vehicle into Canada.
- All students must have appropriate clothing (i.e. rain gear, gloves, work boots, work pants, work shirts, warm clothing and small hand flashlight).
- All students must complete an enrollment packet which requests personal and health related information
Federal Regulations & Driver Qualifications
To qualify for a truck driving job with a company operating in interstate commerce, a driver must meet the minimum requirements prescribed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. In addition to federal regulations, most companies have other rules and guidelines, which must be followed.
Age
While many states allow those 18 and older to drive trucks within state borders, federal regulations require drivers operating across state lines to be at least 21 years of age. State of Alaska requires drivers to be 18 years old to complete the commercial road exam.
License
Every truck driver must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by one (and only one) state. Specific endorsements (e.g. hazardous materials or tankers) may be required depending upon the company’s needs and the type of equipment you will be operating.
Physical Condition
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a driver to have a complete physical examination every two years. You must not have suffered the loss of a hand, arm, foot, or leg. Not have any physical defect or disease likely to interfere with safe driving. You cannot have a medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes that requires insulin for control.
Vision & Hearing
A driver must have a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and have a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers may not be colorblind. A driver must be capable of perceiving a forced whisper in the better ear or at not less than five feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
Education
All drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, prepare required reports, and speak with law enforcement authorities and the public. Some companies may have additional educational requirements.
Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation sets safety rules for interstate truck drivers (vehicle inspection, hours of service etc.) and drivers must learn to comply with these rules. Drivers must be able to safely operate the type of motor vehicle he/she drives. Most states have adopted similar rules for intrastate drivers.
Substance Abuse
Strict regulations forbid the use of alcohol or drugs prior to or while operating a commercial vehicle. Successful passage of alcohol and drug tests is often a condition of employment. Thereafter, drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing by their employers and by law enforcement officials in the following circumstances: post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random testing. A driver must have no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism and must not use any illegal drugs.
Criminal Driving Record
A driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; a crime involving drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or hit-and-run driving which resulted in injury or death. Drivers with a criminal conviction of any kind may not operate a commercial vehicle into Canada.
Driver’s Road Test
A driver must successfully complete a driver’s road test and be issued a certificate of driver’s road test. For further detail on qualifications of drivers see Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations.
Ready to take your next step?
Get started with us, either register your details with us to get started or give us a call so we can talk through any of your questions.