High School Program
High School Course Description
With the growing demand for qualified and well trained commercial truck drivers, Patterson High School has developed a comprehensive program to train and educate students. This year long course comprised of 180 hours and consists of classroom instruction, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and simulator experience. Upon completion of the course students will be prepared to take the CDL written exam.
The curriculum standards of this course incorporate the curricular recommendations of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s former Office of Motor Carriers Model Curriculum. In addition, the course also follows the guidelines set by the Professional Truck Drivers Institute (PTDI) in both skill and curriculum standards.
Program Overview:
Classroom Instruction (80 hours): This includes and covers the following topics; commercial motor vehicle driving basics, defensive driving, log books and hours of service, air-brake systems, combination vehicles, Hazmat, vehicle inspections, vehicle familiarization, coupling and uncoupling, and backing.
Lab (100 hours): The lab is designed to allow students to develop skills in a controlled environment. Students will have approximately 20 hours on a truck simulator to learn proper shifting, backing, and defensive driving techniques. During this time students will also learn proper pre-trip inspections and air brake tests through the use of digital media format and hands-on applications. In addition, students will refine skills to effectively plan a trip and log hours of service.
Partnership: Patterson High School has formed a unique partnership with Morning Star Trucking to help address the staggering demand for commercial drivers. Graduates of the Patterson Truck Driving program will then have the opportunity to apply with Morning Star Trucking where students will receive free behind-the-wheel training and obtain their Commercial Driver’s License. Morning Star Trucking will then offer seasonal employment where students can earn up to $12,000 for three months of driving. This is great opportunity for those wanting to earn money to go to college or those who want to continue on in the industry, as now that they have three months of experience makes them extremely marketable in obtaining their next job.
