Program Info
Program Description
Provides course study and hands-on training for students interested in earning a Commercial Driver License (CDL) for entry-level local or long-distance commercial driving. Heavy emphasis is on vehicle systems, such as diesel engines, auxiliary systems, brakes, drive train coupling systems, and suspension, their functions, and safety. Emphasis will also be placed on Federal and State requirements and permits. Students will practice vehicle operations and maneuvers in a designated range and public roadway.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Describe commercial vehicle safe driving procedures.
- Safely inspect, weigh, balance, secure, and plan the transport of cargo.
- Describe the process to inspect, weigh, balance, and secure cargo needing special attention.
- Describe how to transport passengers safely.
- Use and inspect air brake systems.
- Operate combination vehicles safely.
- Pull, couple and uncouple, inspect, and check air brakes on double and triple trailers.
- Describe tank vehicle inspection and safe driving.
- Describe regulations of transporting hazardous materials, including how to bulk load, unload, and mark hazardous materials.
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC Code: 53-3032.00)
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (SOC Code: 53-7062.00)
- Automotive Master Mechanics (SOC Code: 49-3023.01)
- Logistics Managers (SOC Code: 11-3071.03)
Employees can be eliminated by one lifestyle mistake. Dismissal due to a driving accident, other disqualifying factors, or the regime has become too demanding for family life equate to many drivers leaving the industry before requirement. Other risks involve those commonly found when driving: weather conditions, other drivers, mechanical issues, etc.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will receive the Michigan Commercial Driver License Group A. They will take the following examinations within this program:
- Vehicle inspection test
- Off-road basic control skills test
- On-road driving test
Admission Requirements
The following are required for admissions. Students must:
- Be admitted to Henry Ford College.
- Be at least 18 years of age.*
- Have a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- Have a driving record that will enable the applicant to obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) from Michigan's Secretary of State.
- Complete and pass the Department of Transportation physical examination and drug screening.
- Meet the Motor Carrier Federal Safety Regulations requirements.
*Note: You must be age 21 to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (interstate). If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you will receive a license with a K restriction allowing you to drive a commercial motor vehicle in Michigan only. To transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the vehicle be marked or placarded, you must be age 21 or older.