Course Overview

Registration into the CDL program is managed by (LBCC) Linn-Benton Community College. LBCC provides state compliance as a licensed community college with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and federal compliance as the Registered Training Provider under FMCSA. All students enrolled in the CDL program, during the duration of the course, are LBCC students with access to Student Resources. For any questions about this program, please contact [email protected]. .

Course meets FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements for obtaining a CDL using Construction and/or General Industry Trucks. The course is highly interactive and hands-on consisting of both self-paced on-line courses, classroom, and actual driving/operating construction trucks. Truck operation is conducted in a closed course (on private property) and public roadways with authorized CDL instructors. At the conclusion of the course, students may be tested by a certified DMV third party examiner to qualify for a CDL*.

*Attendance in class does not guarantee passing the final DMV Road Test. Every effort is made to provide students with practice, coaching, and support. However, passing the DMV Road Test takes determination, focus, studying, and skills developed through practice.

Please Note: Successful completion of this course does NOT automatically lead to employment with Knife River. However, if interested, we encourage your application! Please search for job openings at Jobs at Knife River

Course Duration

Three (3) weeks and two days (2) or 130+ hours approximately. Typically, this class is conducted outside even when raining or colder weather. If inclement weather is a problem, we could potentially train inside the dome or other covered areas.

Target Audience

Anyone 18 years old or older who desires to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Note: must be 21 or older for Interstate (across state lines) Truck Operation.

Prerequisites

Must have in possession prior to the start of class:

  • For questions about prerequisites and to register for the program, please contact Tatiana Wicke at [email protected] or 541-917-4961.
  • Current/valid Oregon Driver’s License
  • Commercial Driver’s Learner’s Permit (CLP) from the DMV
    • Including General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination vehicle at a minimum
  • Medical Examination and Medical Card
  • Certified Court Printout (must be completed within 30 days before the first day of class)
  • DOT Certified Drug Screening (with a negative result dated within 20 days prior to the first day of class)
  • C/TPA Designation
  • Clearinghouse Registration
  • Clearinghouse Query

Modules Covered

  • Introduction
  • Control Systems/Dashboard
  • Vehicle Inspections
  • Basic Truck Controls
  • Shifting/Transmissions
  • Backing & Docking
  • Coupling/Uncoupling Trailers
  • Visual Search
  • Communication
  • Distracted Driving
  • Speed Management
  • Space Management
  • Night Operation
  • Extreme Driving Conditions
  • Hazard Perception
  • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing & other Emergencies
  • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing
  • Identification & Diagnosis of Malfunctions
  • Roadside Inspections
  • Maintenance
  • Handling & Documenting Cargo
  • Environmental Compliance Issues
  • Hours of Service – Log Books
  • Fatigue & Wellness Awareness
  • Post-Crash Procedures
  • External Communications
  • Whistleblower/Coercion
  • Trip Planning
  • Drugs/Alcohol
  • Medical Requirements
  • Human Trafficking

Range Training

  • Vehicle Inspections
  • Straight Backing
  • Offset Backing
  • 90 Degree Backing
  • Parallel Backing
  • Parking
  • Coupling/Uncoupling

Public Road Driving/Training

  • Country Road Driving
  • Highway Driving
  • Interstate Driving
  • City Driving
  • Left/Right Turns
  • Left/Right Corners
  • Railroad/Highway Grade Crossings
  • Stop Lights/Signs
  • Inclines/declines

CDL Examination/Road Test

  • Truck is provided for the test
  • Student will be tested at the end of the course assuming he/she is ready for the test
  • A “one-time” test fee is included with the course