Advanced Driving Skills I Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Joe Hendrickson (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

bjhendrickson@actx.edu

Phone

(806) 379-2700

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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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.

Privacy Statement

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-2233-013 Advanced Driving Skills I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Operation of a tractor-trailer combination in city and highway conditions including control and maneuvering of the vehicle through various traffic situations with numerous tractor-trailer combinations.

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

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Texas Department of Public Safety Texas 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 Official – Deluxe Duplicate Copy

Rand McNally Motor Carrier’s Road Atlas 2018 or newer ISBN-13: 978-052-80198-8-3

Supplies

  • Ink Pen
  • Highlighter
  • Ear Buds (To listen to online audio in blackboard without disturbing other students)

Required Attire for Classroom/Lab Access:

  • Long Pants without rips or tears – no sagging
  • Closed Toe Shoes
  • Tucked in Amarillo College Shirt
  • No hats, beanies or other head gear is allowed to be worn in the classroom

Student Performance

CDL Written Skills Course Competencies:

  • Explain all state and federal laws with respect to the Commercial Drivers License
  • Identify various components of the vehicle and;
  • Explain their application to the safe operation and compliance of a commercial vehicle

CDL Driving Skills 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

CDL Overview Course Competencies:

  • Explain all state and federal laws with respect to the Commercial Drivers License
  • Identify various components of the vehicle and explain their application to the safe operation and compliance of a commercial vehicle
  • Apply classroom knowledge to lab assignments

Fundamental Driving Skills Course Competencies:

  • Demonstrate control of the vehicle
  • Exhibit the ability to shift the tractor efficiently
  • Demonstrate the safe operation of a tractor-trailer combination
  • Exhibit the ability to maneuver the vehicle safely forward and backward around various obstacles

Semi Tractor-Trailer Operator Driving Skills Course Competencies:

  • Demonstrate the ability to control and safely maneuver the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Exhibit the ability to safely back an articulated combination into and through various obstacles

Advanced Driving Skills I Course Competencies:

  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Safely manipulate and control the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Safely back an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles.

Advanced Driving Skills II Course Competencies:

  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Safely manipulate and control the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Safely back an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles.

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 show up on-time for class each day and to pay attention to instructions and apply knowledge learned in the classroom into assignments during lab exercises. Students are expected to abide by the Technical Education Code of Professional Conduct at all times and complete classroom and homework assignments as instructed.

Grading Criteria

Evaluation and Grades

Each student’s grade will be based upon his/her performance on each of the course sections. Each course has the following sections:

CDL Written Grading Sections             Percentage

Homework                                                         20%

Attendance                                                        20%

Test Scores                                                         60%

CDL Driving Grading Sections           Percentage

Participation                                                       20%

Performance Evaluations                             60%

Attendance                                                        20%

CDL Overview Grading Sections         Percentage

Participation                                                       20%

Homework Assignments                              20%

Attendance                                                        20%

Test Scores                                                         40%

Fundamental Driving Skills Grading Sections         Percentage

Participation                                                                                       20%

Performance Evaluations                                                             60%

Attendance                                                                                        20%

Semi Tractor-Trailer Operator Driving Skills Grading Sections                 Percentage

Participation                                                                                                                                       20%

Performance Evaluations                                                                                                             60%

Attendance                                                                                                                                        20%

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

Advanced Driving Skills I Grading Sections             Percentage

Participation                                                                                       10%

Performance Evaluations                                                             50%

Record of Duty Status (log books)                                            20%

Attendance                                                                                        20%

Advanced Driving Skills II Grading Sections                        Percentage

Participation                                                                                       10%

Performance Evaluations                                                             50%

Record of Duty Status (log books)                                            20%

Attendance                                                                                        20%

Participation

Students are expected to participate in class. Class 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.

Homework Assignments

Most lectures will have an associated assignment. This assignment may involve studying for a test, performing internet research, or solving problems. All homework is due as assigned and must be completed on-time to receive a grade. Any late work, that has not been approved prior to the due date, will receive a grade of zero (0).

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 the sign-in sheets in the classroom/laboratory. Attendance will affect your grade. If a student is late for class, the attendance grade for that day will be reduced by 25%. If a student misses class, it is his/her responsibility to get the assignment(s) from a classmate and complete the assignment by the due date. If a student leaves early, his/her attendance grade will be reduced by the percentage of the class they miss. Unexcused absences will receive a zero (0) attendance grade for the day.

Calendar

Day 1 of CDL Written Skills

  • AEL Activities
    • AEL paperwork
    • AEL Transitions Presentations
    • Campus Tour
    • Learning Center: TABE Locator
    • Return to classroom: pre-TABE (Texas Assessment of Basic Education)
    • AEL Transitions Presentations
  • Homework – Located in Blackboard under Module 1, click on the “Texas Laws Audio”. Follow the instructions and read and highlight section 14 “Special Requirements for Texas Commercial Motor Vehicles” in your Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook

Day 2

  • AEL Transitions Presentations
  • In Module 2, view the Apex Class A Pre-trip Inspection video to familiarize yourself with the parts of the tractor-trailer. Students should also view the pictures of the inspection points posted on the classroom wall
  • Review Facts Sheet over  section 14 “Special Requirements for Texas Commercial Motor Vehicles”
  • Complete the Texas Laws Test located in Module 2 as many times as necessary
  • Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) office and complete the Texas Laws exam
  • Homework – Read and highlight the prologue and chapters 1, 2 & 3 located in module 2

Day 3    

  • View the Chapter 25 Hours of Service Regulations PowerPoint Presentation located in Module 3
  • View the Hours of Service Video
  • Complete the Hours of Service Regulations Test located in Module 3
  • Review the Prologue and chapters 1, 2 & 3 (General Knowledge) located in Module 2
  • Complete the General Knowledge Test located in Module 3 as many times as necessary
  • Homework – study for General Knowledge exam

Day 4

  • Return to the TXDPS office and complete the General Knowledge exam
  • Read and highlight chapter 6 “Combination Vehicles” located in Module 3
  • Complete the “Combination Vehicles Test” located in Module 3 as many times as necessary
  • Return to the TXDPS office and complete the Combination Vehicles exam
  • Review the Hours of Service Regulations located in Module 4
  • Complete the Daily Log Exercises located in Module 4 and submit your completed log sheets to your instructor
  • Homework – read and highlight chapter 5 “Air Brakes” located in Module 5

Day 5

  • Overview of chapter 5 “Air Brakes”
  • Complete the practice exam over chapter 5 “Air Brakes” located in Module 6
  • Return to the TXDPS office and complete the Air Brakes exam
  • Homework: Study for the endorsement exam(s) you wish to add to your CDL *The TXDPS no longer allows permit holders to test for the Hazmat endorsement. Individuals wishing to obtain the Hazmat endorsement must wait until they receive their CDL. Although the practice test for Hazmat is available in Module 6, students who wish to obtain the hazmat endorsement must do so outside of the normal scope of the class.

Homework: (To be completed outside of the scheduled classroom and laboratory time.)

  • Overview of chapter 7 “Doubles and Triples” and Chapter 8 “Tank Vehicles”
  • Complete the practice exams over chapters 7 & 8
  • Return to the TXDPS office and complete the Tank Vehicles and/or Doubles and Triples exam(s)

Day 1 of CDL Driving Skills

  • Overview of chapters 12 & 13 “State of Texas Class A Commercial Drivers License driving test”
  • Review of the Semi Tractor-Trailer Vehicle Inspection video and written instructions
  • Demonstration of a proper vehicle inspection of a tractor-trailer
  • Practice vehicle inspection utilizing written instructions

Day 2    

  • In-depth coverage of the air brake system and the in-cab air brake test
  • Practice walk-around inspection utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test utilizing written instructions

Day 3

  • Practice coupling and uncoupling of a tractor-trailer & sliding 5th wheel
  • Practice coupling and uncoupling of doubles
  • Practice brake adjustment
  • Practice sliding tandem axles

Day 4

  • In-depth coverage of proper shifting utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs (includes video)
  • Practice complete 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

Day 5

  • Practice complete 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
  • Practice proper shifting in the trucks utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs

Day 6

  • 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
  • Practice proper shifting in the trucks utilizing double-clutching and proper RPMs

Day 7

  • 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 walk-around inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice proper shifting in the trucks 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

Day 1 of CDL Overview (This work is to be completed on Blackboard either at home, or when classroom time allows.)

  • Overview of chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4

Day 2    

  • Overview of chapters  5, 6, 7 & 8 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8

Day 3

  • Overview of chapter 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 9, 10, 11 and 12

Day 4

  • Overview of chapter 13, 14, 15 and 16 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 13, 14, 15 and 16

Day 5

  • Overview of chapter 17, 18, 19 and 20 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 17, 18, 19 and 20

Day 6

  • Overview of chapter 21, 22, 23 and 24 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 21, 22, 23 and 24

Day 7

  • Overview of chapter 25, 26, 27 and 28 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 25, 26, 27 and 28

Day 8

  • Overview of chapter 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 in the Driver Training Manual
  • Complete quizzes over chapters 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33
  • Overview of Truckers Against Trafficking training material so students can identify and report human trafficking (distribute wallet cards)

Day 1 of Fundamental Driving Skills

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice maneuvering and control of the tractor trailer in numerous traffic situations and sharing the highway with other vehicles
  • Practice maneuvering the vehicle safely forward and backward around various obstacles

Day 2    

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice maneuvering and control of the tractor trailer in numerous traffic situations and sharing the highway with other vehicles
  • Practice maneuvering the vehicle safely forward and backward around various obstacles

Day 3

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice maneuvering and control of the tractor trailer in numerous traffic situations and sharing the highway with other vehicles
  • Practice maneuvering the vehicle safely forward and backward around various obstacles

Day 4

  • Practice walk-around inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice maneuvering and control of the tractor trailer in numerous traffic situations and sharing the highway with other vehicles
  • Practice maneuvering the vehicle safely forward and backward around various obstacles

Day 5

  • Practice walk-around inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice maneuvering and control of the tractor trailer in numerous traffic situations and sharing the highway with other vehicles
  • Practice maneuvering the vehicle safely forward and backward around various obstacles

Day 1 of Semi Tractor-Trailer Operator Driving Skills

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice the control and safe maneuvering of a tractor-trailer in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into and through various obstacles

Day 2    

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice the control and safe maneuvering of a tractor-trailer in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into and through various obstacles

Day 3

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice the control and safe maneuvering of a tractor-trailer in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into and through various obstacles

Day 4

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice the control and safe maneuvering of a tractor-trailer in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into and through various obstacles

Day 5

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice the control and safe maneuvering of a tractor-trailer in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into and through various obstacles
  • Take skills tests

Day 1 of Advanced Driving Skills I

  • In-depth coverage of the FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules and regulations
  • In-depth coverage of map reading and trip planning
  • Introduction to Electronic Logging Devices
  • Complete mock trip which will include completing a set of daily logs

Day 2    

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 3

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 4

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 5

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations

Day 1 of Advanced Driving Skills II

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 2    

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 3

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 4

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely ascending/descending a steep grade with a weighted trailer
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Day 5

  • Practice vehicle inspection without utilizing written instructions
  • Practice in-cab air brake test without utilizing written instructions
  • Maintain an accurate driver’s record of duty status
  • Practice safely manipulating and controlling the vehicle in various traffic situations
  • Practice safely backing an articulated combination into, around, and through various obstacles

Additional Information

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

Additional Instructor Contact 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:

02/10/19 4:37 PM

Last Edited on:

02/10/19 4:37 PM