Truck Driver Training Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Truck Driver Training Program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical Standard Definition of Standards Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills Apply information, evaluate the meaning of data, and engage in critical thinking in the classroom and driver training setting.
  • Ability to react and adjust as coached by the instructor(s) during driving instruction.
  • Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and prioritize daily functions of driving and hauling cargo.
  • Exhibit a practical awareness of potential dangers in the driving of commercial vehicles and highway safety.
  • Apply technical knowledge of vehicle operation to the current situation or problem.
Interpersonal Skills

Abilities are sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Operate the vehicle professionally, exhibiting courtesy, and tolerance for other drivers.
  • Establish and maintain a professional relationship with instructors and other students.
  • Demonstrate appropriate impulse control and professional level of maturity.
  • Maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with colleagues, faculty, staff, and other professionals.
  • Demonstrate time management skills.
Communication Skills Effective communication with others, both verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate active listening skills.
  • Provide accurate and legible handwritten or computer-entry written reports in a timely manner.
  • Able to read, write, and speak in English.
  • Communicate intentions and understand instructor directions calmly and clearly, such as lane changes and passing, in a timely manner.
  • Utilize the internet to collect current employer/recruiter information and DOT-required documentation. Communicate via e-mail in a professional and ethical manner.
Coping Skills Function effectively and adapt to circumstances including highly stressful or rapidly changing situations.
  • Solves personal and interpersonal problems.
  • Ability to effectively handle stress and continue to function safely in a variety of situations and interactions.
  • Balances internal needs and external demands.
  • Recognize personal limitations and request assistance as appropriate.
  • Be able to cope with deadlines.
  • Respond appropriately to constructive feedback.
Mobility/Motor Skills

Sufficient motor function to execute movements required to maneuver the vehicle in all traffic situations.

Sufficient physical endurance to operate the vehicle for long periods of time.

Must be able to pass the requirements of the Federal DOT Physical.
  • Participate fully in required activities in a driver training setting including extended periods of standing, lifting equipment, or sitting while driving.
  • Ability to use all foot controls (clutch, gas, and brake).
  • Ability to open a truck hood at 130 pounds of force at a height of 68 inches.
  • Ability to pull 5th wheel pin at 35 pounds of force at a height of 42 inches.
  • Ability to pull tandem slider at 75 pounds of force at a height of 42 inches.
  • Ability to turn landing gear at 65 pounds of force at heights of 27-51 ½ inches.
  • Ability to squat/crawl under the trailer for inspections at 40 inches height for 15 seconds.
  • Ability to step into the truck using three points of access with a height of the largest step of 19 ½ inches.
Auditory Skills

Auditory abilities are sufficient to work effectively and safely.

Must be able to pass the requirements of the Federal DOT Physical.
  • Discern the instructor’s direction in a classroom, online, and driving environment.
  • Ability to hear sounds and warning signals at the training facility and within vehicles.
  • Ability to hear videos in the classroom, online, and lab environments.
Visual Skills

Visual ability (corrected or not) is sufficient for observation, assessment, and safety necessary in both online and classroom environments, at the driver training facility, and while operating vehicles.

Must be able to pass the requirements of the Federal DOT Physical.
  • Ability to see videos in the classroom, online, and lab environment.
  • Prepare and submit written and online reports.
  • Visual acuity to identify, read, and understand directions and gauges on equipment and other documents required in the operation of a commercial vehicle.
  • Be able to maintain visualization of the road and potential hazards for long periods of time.
Tactile Skills Must be able to pass the requirements of the Federal DOT Physical.
  • Ability to feel vibrations or some unusual shaking indicating that a possible danger exists in the operation of a commercial vehicle.
  • Be able to determine hot or cold temperatures.
  • Inspect components for wear or failure by touch.
Environmental

Possess the ability to tolerate environmental stressors.

Olfactory senses are sufficient for maintaining environmental and personal safety, and for detecting changes that may indicate a deterioration in the current environment or the presence of a hazardous situation.

Must be able to recognize changes in vehicle operation and changing traffic and weather conditions and react in a positive way to prevent accidents and promote highway safety.
  • Practice standard safety precautions.
  • Ability to detect smells that may indicate a possible danger involved in driving a commercial vehicle.
  • Be able to work in hot or cold conditions.
  • Maintain focus while driving a commercial vehicle.
  • Work inside and outside under variable conditions.
  • Recognize and negotiate hazards in all environmental extremes including but not limited to light/dark, heat/cold, wet/dry/frozen scenes.
Emotional/Behavioral

Emotional stability is sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions.

Ability to demonstrate professional behaviors and a strong work ethic.
  • Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
  • Calmly receive feedback.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach.
  • Ability to always maintain composure and professionalism, including in the classroom, on the driving range, and in the commercial vehicle work environment.

 

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.