Knowledge of the Law

• Laws concerning truck drivers vary a bit from those which are focused on smaller vehicles. Because of the danger that a truck accident can pose to both the driver and others on the road, a number of restrictions are placed by states on how many hours a driver can be on the road before a break and the size of the load that a single truck can carry. Some states even have specialized speed limits for truck drivers. Truck driver training familiarizes drivers with the changes in law as they relate to truck drivers so that they'll be able to stay safe and legal once they're on the road.
  
  

Handling Large Trucks

• Commercial trucks drive much differently than passenger vehicles do, and being familiar with these differences can go a long way toward keeping a truck safe on the road. Many of the skills needed to safely operate a commercial truck are difficult to self-teach because smaller vehicles simply don't offer a good frame of reference in regards to how large trucks handle. The training teaches new drivers how to properly turn and back up when hauling large trailers, how to adjust stopping time due to the use of air brakes instead of drum brakes like passenger vehicles have, and how to stay mindful of the blind spots that occur when in a truck so as to better prevent accidents. The driver learns to properly drive a large truck, adjusting reactions to make up for heavy loads and keeping mindful of exactly what's happening on the road around him so as to prevent sudden reactions and quick turns that would be perfectly acceptable in a passenger vehicle but that could cause a large truck with a full trailer to jackknife or roll. The training also gives the new driver valuable experience in handling a number of common driving scenarios so that he will be a better driver once on the road.
  
  

Preparation for Licensing

• Not just anyone can drive a commercial truck; a special license, known as a Commercial Driver's License or CDL, is required for one to be a truck driver. Truck driver training gives the experience needed to be able to pass the skill portion of the CDL exam while also giving the driver the knowledge that they need to go with those skills. Many truck driver training programs even include the CDL exam's cost in the cost of the course, using the exam as a final test for the drivers taking the training course.