Commercial Drivers License Driving Skills Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Office Location

HMC - 113

Office Hours

8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. M - F

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

CVOP-1301-003 Commercial Drivers License Driving Skills

Prerequisites

Course Description

Overview of the State of Texas Class A Commercial Drivers License driving test. In-depth coverage of in-cab air brake test, proper shifting, right and left-hand turns, movement in traffic, parking of a tractor trailer, highway and city driving, and backward movement and control. Driving practice is in a tractor-trailer, school bus and passenger bus.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Texas Department of Public Safety Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook, Revised June, 2014

J.J. Keller Tractor-Trailer Driver Training Manual 3rd Edition ISBN-13:978-1-68008-047-6

Driver's Daily Log Book (Must be duplicate compatible) 

Supplies

Blue Ink Pen

Highlighter

1 inch 3-ring binder

Student Performance

Required Attire for Classroom/Lab:

  • Long pants without rips or tears -- no sagging
  • Close-toed shoes
  • Tucked in Amarillo College Shirt

Course Competencies:

  • Explain the air brake system
  • Perform an in-cab air brake test
  • Demonstrate safe operation and compliance with the law in various maneuvers of a CMV in various traffic situations

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to abide by the AC Technical Education "Code of Professional Conduct" at all times

Communication

The instructor will use AC email as the primary means of communicating with students. Students are responsible for email messages sent to their AC email account; thus, students are responsible for checking their AC email account. The instructor will only respond to emails sent from the student's official AC email account and that identify the applicable class in the subject line or first sentence of the email. Emails should be professional using proper spelling and grammar, if the student expects a response.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is vital. Any acts of academic dishonesty will be penalized severely. The instructor has a zero tolerance policy in regard to academic dishonesty.

Grading Criteria

Each student's grade will be based upon their performance on each of the course sections. There course has 3 sections as follows:

Grading Section                                      Percentage

Participation                                              40%

Performance Evaluations                          20%

Attendance                                                40%

Grading Scale: A = 90 to 100, B = 80 to 89, C = 70 to 79, D = 60 to 69, F = Below 60

Participation

Students are expected to participate in class/lab. Class/lab participation includes: (1) asking relevant questions, (2) adding to class discussions, (3) participating in any group work, and (4) abiding by the Code of Professional Conduct.

Performance Evaluations

Students will receive a performance evaluation each day based on how well they execute the assigned task(s) after the instructor has offered instructions and demonstration. The level of expected competency will increase as the student develops the skill(s) through practice and coaching.

Attendance

Attendance in a class is regarded as a requirement, and an obligation for learning. Please remember the deadline for dropping a class at AC is published in the official Amarillo College Schedule of Classes. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course by the deadline, you will receive an "F" for the course

The attendance in the course will be monitored through a time clock and/or sign-in sheets in the classroom/laboratory. Attendance will affect your grade. If a student is late for class or leaves early, the attendance grade for the day will be reduced by 25% or more, depending on the percentage of the class missed. If a student misses class, it is their responsibility to get the assignment(s) from a classmate and complete the assignment(s) by the due date. An unexcused absence (no prior call with a legitimate excuse) will result in a zero (0) attendance and participation grade for the day. Attendance records will be made available to potential employers upon their request.

I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE SYLLABUS AND THE SCHEDULE AS NEEDED. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED FOR CHANGES EITHER ON THE COURSE WEBSITE OR BY EMAIL OR BOTH.

Calendar

Module 1

  • Map reading and trip planning
  • Completing mock trip(s) and log books
  • Allow students to work on chapters 3 & 4 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 2           

  • In-depth coverage of the air brake system and the in-cab air brake test
  • Practice in-cab air brake test utilizing written instructions
  • Review the vehicle inspection and complete a demonstration for students
  • Allow students to work on chapters 5 & 6 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 3

  • Practice coupling and uncoupling a trailer
  • Practice sliding tandem axles on a trailer
  • Practice coupling and uncoupling double trailers
  • Practice adjusting brakes
  • Allow students to work on chapters 7 & 8 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 4

  • In-depth coverage of proper shifting utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs
  • Practice vehicle inspection utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice proper shifting in the simulator utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs
  • Allow students to work on chapters 9 & 10 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 5

  • Practice vehicle inspection utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice proper shifting in the simulator utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs
  • Allow students to work on chapters 11 & 12 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 6

  • In-depth coverage of right and left-hand turns, movement in traffic, parking of a tractor-trailer, highway and city driving, and backward movement and control
  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice proper shifting in the simulator utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs
  • Allow students to work on chapters 13 & 14 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 7

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice proper shifting in the truck(s) utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs
  • Practice right and left-hand turns, movement in traffic, parking of a tractor-trailer, highway and city driving, and backward movement and control
  • Allow students to work on chapters 15 & 16 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Module 8

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice proper shifting in the truck(s) utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs
  • Practice right and left-hand turns, movement in traffic, parking of a tractor-trailer, highway and city driving, and backward movement and control
  • Allow students to work on chapters 17 & 18 in the Driver Training manual, if time permits, otherwise it must be completed after class

Additional Information

Amarillo College East Campus -- Physical Address: 1310 F Avenue, 79111

Logistics Training Center (LTC) 505

Phone # (806)335-4385 (voice mail)

Email jlterry@actx.edu (best way to contact me)

I will usually return all emails within 24 hours, Monday -- Friday. If I do not reply within that time period, please contact me again.

Syllabus Created on:

08/18/18 7:21 AM

Last Edited on:

08/18/18 7:21 AM