Appendix B to Part 380 - Class B - CDL Training Curriculum
49:5.1.1.2.23.7.11.13.5 : Appendix B
Appendix B to Part 380 - Class B - CDL Training Curriculum
Class B CDL applicants must complete the Class B CDL curriculum
outlined in this Appendix. The curriculum for Class B applicants
pertains to heavy straight vehicles (Group B) as defined in 49 CFR
383.91(a)(2). There is no required minimum number of instruction
hours for theory training, but the training instructor must cover
all the topics in curriculum. There is no required minimum number
of instruction hours required for BTW (range and public road)
training, but the training instructor must cover all topics set
forth in the BTW curriculum. BTW training must be conducted in a
CMV for which a Class B CDL is required. The instructor must
determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated
proficiency in all elements of the BTW curriculum unless otherwise
noted. Consistent with the definitions of BTW range training and
BTW public road training in § 380.605, a simulation device cannot
be used to conduct such training or to demonstrate proficiency.
Training instructors must document the total number of clock hours
each driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum. The
Class B curriculum must, at a minimum, include the following:
Theory Instruction Section B1.1 Basic Operation
This section must cover the interaction between driver-trainees
and the CMV. Driver-trainees will receive instruction in the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and will be
introduced to the basic CMV instruments and controls. This section
must also teach driver-trainees how to perform vehicle inspections,
control the CMVs under various road and traffic conditions, employ
shifting and backing techniques, and couple and uncouple, as
applicable. Driver-trainees must familiarize themselves with the
basic operating characteristics of a CMV.
Unit B1.1.1 Orientation
This unit must introduce driver-trainees to the commercial motor
vehicle driver training curriculum and the components of a
commercial motor vehicle. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees the safety fundamentals, essential regulatory
requirements (i.e., overview of FMCSRs/hazardous materials
(HM) regulations), and driver-trainees' responsibilities not
directly related to driving. This unit must also cover the
ramifications and driver disqualification provisions and fines for
non-compliance with parts 380, 382, 383, and 390 through 399 of the
FMCSRs. This unit must also include an overview of the
applicability of State and local laws relating to the safe
operation of the CMV, stopping at weigh stations/scales, hazard
awareness of vehicle size and weight limitations, low clearance
areas (e.g., CMV height restrictions), and bridge formulas.
Unit B1.1.2 Control Systems/Dashboard
This unit must introduce driver-trainees to vehicle instruments,
controls, and safety components. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees to read gauges and instruments correctly and the
proper use of vehicle safety components, including safety belts and
mirrors. The training providers must teach driver-trainees to
identify, locate, and explain the function of each of the primary
and secondary controls including those required for steering,
accelerating, shifting, braking systems (e.g., ABS, hydraulic,
air), as applicable, and parking.
Unit B1.1.3 Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
The training provider must teach the driver-trainees to conduct
pre-trip and post-trip inspections as specified in §§ 392.7 and
396.11, including appropriate inspection locations. Instruction
must also be provided on enroute vehicle inspections.
Unit B1.1.4 Basic Control
This unit must introduce basic vehicular control and handling as
it applies to commercial motor vehicles. This unit must include
instruction addressing basic CMV controls in areas such as
executing sharp left and right turns, centering the vehicle,
maneuvering in restricted areas, and entering and exiting the
interstate or controlled access highway.
Unit B1.1.5 Shifting/Operating Transmissions
This unit must introduce shifting patterns and procedures to
driver-trainees to prepare them to safely and competently perform
basic shifting maneuvers. This unit must teach driver-trainees to
execute up and down shifting techniques on multi-speed dual range
transmissions, if appropriate. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees the importance of increased fuel economy achieved
by utilizing proper shifting techniques.
Unit B1.1.6 Backing and Docking
This unit must teach driver-trainees to back and dock the
combination vehicle safely. This unit must cover “Get Out and Look”
(GOAL), evaluation of backing/loading facilities, knowledge of
backing set ups, as well as instruction in how to back with use of
spotters.
Section B1.2 Safe Operating Procedures
This section must teach the practices required for safe
operation of the CMV on the highway under various road, weather,
and traffic conditions. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees the Federal rules governing the proper use of seat
belt assemblies (§ 392.16).
Unit B1.2.1 Visual Search
This unit must teach driver-trainees to visually search the road
for potential hazards and critical objects, including instruction
on recognizing distracted pedestrians or distracted drivers. This
unit must include instruction in how to ensure a driver-trainee's
personal security/general awareness in common surroundings such as
truck stops and/or rest areas and at shipper/receiver
locations.
Unit B1.2.2 Communication
This unit must teach driver-trainees how to communicate their
intentions to other road users. Driver-trainees must be instructed
in techniques for different types of communication on the road,
including proper use of headlights, turn signals, four-way
flashers, and horns. This unit must cover instruction in proper
utilization of eye contact techniques with other drivers,
bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Unit B1.2.3 Distracted Driving
This unit must instruct driver-trainees in FMCSRs related to
distracted driving and other key driver distraction driving issues,
including improper cell phone use, texting, and use of in-cab
technology (e.g., §§ 392.80 and 392.82). This instruction will
include training in the following aspects: Visual attention
(keeping eyes on the road); manual control (keeping hands on the
wheel); and cognitive awareness (keeping mind on the task and safe
operation of the CMV).
Unit B1.2.4 Speed Management
This unit must teach driver-trainees how to manage speed
effectively in response to various road, weather, and traffic
conditions. The instruction must include methods for calibrating
safe following distances under an array of conditions including
traffic, weather and CMV weight and length.
Unit B1.2.5 Space Management
This unit must teach driver-trainees about the importance of
managing the space surrounding the vehicle under various traffic
and road conditions.
Unit B1.2.6 Night Operation
This unit must instruct driver-trainees in the factors affecting
the safe operation of CMVs at night and in darkness. Additionally,
driver-trainees must be instructed in changes in vision,
communications, speed, space management, and proper use of lights,
as needed, to deal with the special problems night driving
presents.
Unit B1.2.7 Extreme Driving Conditions
This unit must teach driver-trainees the specific problems
presented by extreme driving conditions. The training will
emphasize the factors affecting the operation of CMVs in cold, hot,
and inclement weather and on steep grades and sharp curves. The
training providers must teach driver-trainees the proper tire
chaining procedures in this unit.
Section B1.3 Advanced Operating Practices
This section must introduce higher-level skills that can be
acquired only after the more fundamental skills and knowledge
taught in the prior two sections have been mastered. The training
providers must teach driver-trainees the advanced skills necessary
to recognize potential hazards and must teach driver-trainees the
procedures needed to handle a CMV when faced with a hazard.
Unit B1.3.1 Hazard Perception
The unit must provide instruction for recognizing potential
hazards in the driving environment in order to reduce the severity
of the hazard and neutralize possible emergency situations. The
training providers must teach driver-trainees to identify road
conditions and other road users that are a potential threat to the
safety of the CMV and suggest appropriate adjustments. The
instruction must emphasize hazard recognition, visual search,
adequate surveillance, and response to possible emergency-producing
situations encountered by CMV drivers in various traffic
situations. The training providers must also teach driver-trainees
to recognize potential dangers and the safety procedures that must
be utilized while driving in construction/work zones.
Unit B1.3.2 Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other
Emergencies
This unit must teach the causes of skidding and jackknifing and
techniques for avoiding and recovering from them. The training
providers must teach the importance of maintaining directional
control and bringing the CMV to a stop in the shortest possible
distance while operating over a slippery surface. This unit must
provide instruction in appropriate responses when faced with CMV
emergencies. This instruction must include evasive steering,
emergency braking, and off-road recovery, as well as the proper
response to brake failures, tire blowouts, hydroplaning, and
rollovers. The instruction must include a review of unsafe acts and
the role the acts play in producing or worsening hazardous
situations.
Unit B1.3.3 Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
This unit must teach driver-trainees to recognize potential
dangers and appropriate safety procedures to utilize at railroad
(RR)-highway grade crossings. This instruction must include an
overview of various Federal/State RR grade crossing regulations, RR
grade crossing environments, obstructed view conditions, clearance
around the tracks, and rail signs and signals. The training
providers must instruct driver-trainees that railroads have
personnel available (“Emergency Notification Systems”) to receive
notification of any information relating to an unsafe condition at
the RR-highway grade crossing or a disabled vehicle or other
obstruction blocking a railroad track at the RR-highway grade
crossing.
Section B1.4 Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
This unit must provide entry-level driver-trainees with
sufficient knowledge of the CMV and its systems and subsystems to
ensure that they understand and respect their role in vehicle
inspection, operation, and maintenance and the impact of those
factors upon highway safety and operational efficiency.
Unit B1.4.1 Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
This unit must teach driver-trainees to identify major vehicle
systems. The goal is to explain their function and how to check all
key vehicle systems, as appropriate (e.g., engine, engine exhaust
auxiliary systems, brakes, drive train, coupling systems, and
suspension) to ensure their safe operation. Driver-trainees must be
provided with a detailed description of each system, its importance
to safe and efficient operation, and what is needed to keep the
system in good operating condition.
Unit B1.4.2 Roadside Inspections
This unit must instruct driver-trainees on what to expect during
a standard roadside inspection conducted by authorized personnel.
The training providers must teach driver-trainees on what vehicle
and driver violations are classified as out-of-service (OOS),
including the ramifications and penalties for operating a CMV when
subject to an OOS order as defined in section 390.5.
Unit B1.4.3 Maintenance
This unit must introduce driver-trainees to the basic servicing
and checking procedures for various engine and vehicle components
and to help develop their ability to perform preventive maintenance
and simple emergency repairs.
Section B1.5 Non-Driving Activities
This section must teach driver-trainees activities that do not
involve actually operating the CMV, e.g., proper cargo
securement.
Unit B1.5.1 Handling and Documenting Cargo
This unit must teach driver-trainees the basic theory of cargo
weight distribution, cargo securement on the vehicle, cargo
covering, and techniques for safe and efficient loading/unloading.
The training providers must also teach driver-trainees the basic
cargo security/cargo theft prevention procedures. The training
providers must teach driver-trainees the basic information
regarding the proper handling and documentation of HM cargo.
Unit B1.5.2 Environmental Compliance Issues
This unit must teach driver-trainees to recognize environmental
hazards and issues related to the CMV and load, and also make aware
that city, county, State, and Federal requirements may apply to
such circumstances.
Unit B1.5.3 Hours of Service Requirements
This unit must teach driver-trainees to understand that there
are different hours-of-service (HOS) requirements applicable to
different industries. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees all applicable HOS regulatory requirements. The
training providers must teach driver-trainees to complete a
Driver's Daily Log (electronic and paper), timesheet, and logbook
recap, as appropriate. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees the consequences (safety, legal, and personal) of
violating the HOS regulations, including the fines and penalties
imposed for these types of violations.
Unit B1.5.4 Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
The issues and consequences of chronic and acute driver fatigue
and the importance of staying alert will be covered in this unit.
The training providers must teach driver-trainees about wellness
and basic health maintenance information that affect a driver's
ability to safely operate a CMV.
Unit B1.5.5 Post-Crash Procedures
This unit must teach driver-trainees the appropriate post-crash
procedures, including the requirement that the driver, if possible,
assess his or her physical condition immediately after the crash
and notify authorities, or assign the task to other individuals at
the crash scene. The training providers must teach driver-trainees
how to protect the area; obtain emergency medical assistance; move
on-road vehicles off the road in minor crashes so as to avoid
subsequent crashes or injuries; engage flashers; place reflective
triangles and other warning devices for stopped vehicles; and
properly use a fire extinguisher, if necessary. The training
providers must instruct driver-trainees in post-crash testing
requirements related to controlled substances and alcohol.
Unit B1.5.6 External Communications
This unit must instruct driver-trainees in the value of
effective interpersonal communication techniques/skills to interact
with enforcement officials. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees the specifics of the roadside vehicle inspection
process, and what to expect during this activity. Driver-trainees
who are not native English speakers must be instructed in FMCSA
English language proficiency requirements and the consequences for
violations. The training providers must teach driver-trainees the
implications of violating Federal and state regulations will have
on their driving records and their employing motor carrier's
records.
Unit B1.5.7 Whistleblower/Coercion
This unit must teach the driver-trainees about the right of an
employee to question the safety practices of an employer without
incurring the risk of losing a job or being subject to reprisals
simply for stating a safety concern. The training providers must
instruct driver-trainees in the whistleblower protection
regulations in 29 CFR part 1978. The training providers must teach
driver-trainees the procedures for reporting to FMCSA incidents of
coercion from motor carriers, shippers, receivers, or
transportation intermediaries.
Unit B1.5.8 Trip Planning
This unit must address the importance of and requirements for
planning routes and trips. This instruction must address planning
the safest route, planning for rest stops, heavy traffic areas,
railroad-highway grade crossing safe clearance and ground clearance
(i.e., “high center”), the importance of Federal and State
requirements on the need for permits, and vehicle size and weight
limitations. The training providers must teach driver-trainees the
correct identification of restricted routes, the pros and cons of
Global Positioning System (GPS)/trip routing software, and the
importance of selecting fuel-efficient routes.
Unit B1.5.9 Drugs/Alcohol
This unit must teach driver-trainees the rules applicable to
controlled substances (including prescription drugs) and alcohol
use and testing related to the operation of a CMV.
Unit B1.5.10 Medical Requirements
This unit must teach driver-trainees the Federal rules on
medical certification, medical examination procedures, general
qualifications, responsibilities, and disqualifications based on
various offenses, orders, and loss of driving privileges (49 CFR
part 391, subparts B and E).
Behind-the-Wheel Range
This unit must teach driving exercises related to basic vehicle
control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers, as covered in §§
383.111 and 383.113 of this chapter necessary to operate the
vehicle safely. The training providers must teach driver-trainees
activities in this unit on a driving range as defined in § 380.605.
The training provider must teach “Get Out and Look” (GOAL) to the
driver-trainee as it applies to units B2.2-2.6.
Unit B2.1 Vehicle Inspection Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in conducting
pre-trip and post-trip inspections as specified in §§ 392.7 and
396.11, including appropriate inspection locations. Instruction
must also be provided on enroute vehicle inspections.
Unit B2.2 Straight Line Backing
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for performing various straight line backing maneuvers
to appropriate criteria/acceptable tolerances.
Unit B2.3 Alley Dock Backing (45/90 Degree)
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for performing 45/90 degree alley dock maneuvers to
appropriate criteria/acceptable tolerances.
Unit B2.4 Off-Set Backing
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for performing off-set backing maneuvers to appropriate
criteria/acceptable tolerances.
Unit B2.5 Parallel Parking Blind Side
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for performing parallel parking blind side
positions/maneuvers to appropriate criteria/acceptable
tolerances.
Unit B2.6 Parallel Parking Sight Side
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for performing sight side parallel parking maneuvers to
appropriate criteria/acceptable tolerances.
Behind-the-Wheel Public Road
The instructor must engage in active two-way communication with
the driver-trainees during all active BTW public road training
sessions. Skills described in paragraphs B3.8 through 3.12 of this
section must be discussed during public road training, but not
necessarily performed. Driver-trainees are not required to
demonstrate proficiency in the skills described in paragraphs B3.8
through 3.12.
Unit B3.1 Vehicle Controls Including: Left Turns, Right Turns, Lane
Changes, Curves at Highway Speeds, and Entry and Exit on the
Interstate or Controlled Access Highway
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for initiating vehicle movement, executing left and
right turns, changing lanes, navigating curves at speed, exiting
and entering the interstate, and stopping the vehicle in a
controlled manner.
Unit B3.2 Shifting/Transmission
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for performing safe and fuel-efficient shifting.
Unit B3.3 Communications/Signaling
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for signaling intentions and effectively communicating
with other drivers.
Unit B3.4 Visual Search
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper
techniques for visually searching the road for potential hazards
and critical objects.
Unit B3.5 Speed and Space Management
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in proper habits
and techniques for adjusting and maintaining vehicle speed, taking
into consideration various factors such as traffic and road
conditions. Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in
maintaining proper speed to keep appropriate spacing between the
driver-trainee's CMV and other vehicles. Instruction must include
methods for calibrating safe following distances under an array of
conditions including traffic, weather, and CMV weight and
length.
Unit B3.6 Safe Driver Behavior
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in safe driver
behavior during their operation of the CMV.
Unit B3.7 Hours of Service (HOS) Requirements
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in the basic
activities required by the HOS regulations, such as completing a
Driver's Daily Log (electronic and paper), timesheet, and logbook
recap, as appropriate.
Unit B3.8 Hazard Perception
Driver-trainees must demonstrate their ability to recognize
potential hazards in the driving environment in time to reduce the
severity of the hazard and neutralize possible emergency
situations. Driver-trainees must demonstrate the ability to
identify road conditions and other road users that are a potential
threat to vehicle safety and suggest appropriate adjustments.
Unit B3.9 Railroad (RR)-Highway Grade Crossing
Driver-trainees must demonstrate the ability to recognize
potential dangers and to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures
when RR-highway grade crossings are reasonably available.
Unit B3.10 Night Operation
Driver-trainees must be familiar with how to operate a CMV
safely at night. Training providers must teach driver-trainees that
night driving presents specific circumstances that require
heightened attention on the part of the driver. Driver-trainees
must be taught special requirements for night vision,
communications, speed, space management, and proper use of
lights.
Unit B3.11 Extreme Driving Conditions
Driver-trainees must be familiar with the special risks created
by, and the heightened precautions required by, driving CMVs under
extreme driving conditions, such as heavy rain, high wind, high
heat, fog, snow, ice, steep grades, and curves. Training providers
must teach driver-trainees the basic driving habits needed to deal
with the specific challenges presented by these extreme driving
conditions.
Unit B3.12 Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other
Emergencies
Driver-trainees must know the causes of skidding and jackknifing
and techniques for avoiding and recovering from them.
Driver-trainees must know how to maintain directional control and
bring the CMV to a stop in the shortest possible distance while
operating over a slippery surface. Driver-trainees must be familiar
with proper techniques for responding to CMV emergencies, such as
evasive steering, emergency braking, and off-road recovery. They
must also know how to prevent or respond to brake failures, tire
blowouts, hydroplaning, and rollovers.
[81 FR 88794, Dec. 8, 2016, as amended at 83 FR 22875, May 17,
2018]