The Class A CDL class is in session five days a week for three weeks at the South Haven campus. The first week is in the classroom and the second and third weeks are behind the wheel practicing maneuvers and operations. In addition to a home study component, this program is divided into two areas. The classroom portion of the program begins with the basics of the trucking industry and preparation for obtaining a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). It continues with vehicle familiarization, basic systems, Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, defensive driving, trip planning, map reading, and log-book instruction. This portion of the program allows students to get more in-depth knowledge of the trucking industry and truck operations. Upon obtaining a CLP, a Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical and Drug Screen, and successful completion of the classroom portion of the program, students will proceed to skills training. Skills training concentrates on the proper techniques of urban, rural, and highway driving and includes straight-line backing, alley docking, safe turns, and vehicle inspection. You will get to observe real-world driving situations and learn how to properly change lanes, downshift, upshift, and do traffic checks and other safe driving techniques, giving you the skills and confidence to handle a tractor-trailer in all driving conditions.