Riverland Community College

This course introduces students to the world of transportation. Vehicle starting, turning, backing, and stopping are covered. Topics include how things are transported, rules and regulations, safe driving pointers, and starting in motion smoothly. Students begin to develop the skills needed for vehicle control.

(3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course allows the students to gain proficiency in the skills learned in TRDR 1100. Students focus on the safe operation of the tractor and trailer. During this course, the students couple a tractor and trailer and operate the entire unit.

(3 Cr – 0 lect, 3 lab)

This course allows the student to gain increased proficiency in coping with highway and traffic environments. Students develop perceptual skill allowing recognition and avoidance of emergency situations through proper handling of the vehicle. Students apply what has been learned in previous courses to “real world” scenarios. Students may be expected to transport a disabled auto to the auto repair shop, or a piece of farm machinery to the repair shop or back to the farm. Extended hours of operation are a large portion of this course in order to provide additional hands-on experience for students.

(2 Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers the lifestyle of the truck driver. Family and personal health and safety issues, human relations, and dealing with road rage are introduced. This course covers vehicle maintenance issues such as how various component systems of tractor-trailers work and allows students to recognize defect or failure likely to cause accident or breakdown. Other issues addressed are skills needed to seek, acquire, and retain employment as a truck driver. Time and money management skills are discussed as well as techniques for coping with the stresses of a driver’s life. Non-vehicle activities such as protecting themselves, vehicle, cargo and the general public are covered.

(3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers higher level skills needed to deal effectively and safely with differing roadway hazards and traffic environments. Students experience “real world” driving scenarios. Extended road trips give the student the opportunity to experience and apply the skills acquired in this program.

(3 Cr – 0 lect, 3 lab)

This course is designed to be the “gateway” to employment a company chosen by the student. This course takes the student on the job with the company of choice. Students are accompanied by a qualified driver finisher during this course. This course addresses the application of most aspects of previous courses. Students may be compensated by the motor carrier to defray incurred personal expenses.

(8 Cr – 0 lect, 8 lab)