Why Every Class A CDL Candidate Should Attend Truck Driver Training
If you've decided to pursue your Class A CDL license to work as a truck driver, you've probably seen that there are a lot of different options for truck driver training. If you're already comfortable behind the wheel of a semi-truck, though, you might think that you don't really need the truck driver training. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, it's in your best interest to understand why truck driver training is so important even for those who have driven a semi-truck before. Here are some of the key things you'll learn during your Class A CDL truck driver training.
Emergency Truck Handling
Even for those who know how to handle a semi-truck, you may not have ever experienced an emergency situation before. If you've never faced an emergency in your semi-truck, you can't be sure that you're adequately prepared to handle it. That's one of the things that Class A CDL driver training will teach you.
Beyond the basic driving skills, this training also teaches you how to recognize the signs of an emergency and what you should do with the truck to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. This includes dealing with blowouts, brake failures, runaway truck lanes, and so much more.
Safe Passing And Lane Changes
Changing lanes and passing vehicles can be challenging enough in a regular car. Remember that you have to gauge clearance distance and more when you're doing things like this on the road. That can be even more challenging when you're driving a semi-truck, especially when you're hauling a trailer. Class A CDL training will teach you how to safely handle passing and lane changes in ways that protect you and other drivers. You'll learn how to read your mirrors as well as ways to gauge what your trailer will do in given conditions.
Logbook Basics
Although most truck driver logbooks aren't manual anymore, you still need to know how to keep manual copies just in case a system failure occurs. Telemetry systems do fail, communication is lost with the server, or other issues arise. When those things happen, you'll be expected to maintain paper-copy logs. That's another great benefit of Class A CDL truck driver training. You'll learn how to keep those logs so that you remain compliant with DOT regulations at all times.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider Class A CDL truck driver training before you take your test. Even if you can pass the test as it is right now, the training class can provide you with valuable resources to prepare you for your career.