The syllabus
Fifty two weeks, in the order they are taught
Three levels, nine modules, one subject a week, five lessons plus the two weekend videos. 340 of the 364 lesson titles are written; the weekend strands for some weeks are still being sourced and are shown as what they will be rather than given an invented name.
Level 1
Permit
weeks 1 to 13Pass the written knowledge tests and walk out with a permit.
Module 1 · Before the Truck · weeks 1 to 5
- Week 01What a CDL actually is: A/B/C, GVWR/GCWR math, what each lets you drive49 CFR 383.91, 383.5
- Week 02Am I eligible: 18 vs 21, intrastate vs interstate, disqualifiers, background49 CFR 383.51, 391.11
- Week 03The DOT physical and medical card: what they check, NRII, self-certification49 CFR 391.41-.49
- Week 04ELDT: what the law actually requires, TPR, theory vs BTW, no hour minimum49 CFR 380 App A-F
- Week 05Choosing a school and reading the contract: tuition traps, 365-day clawback49 CFR 380 subpt F
Module 2 · How the Machine Works · weeks 6 to 13
- Week 06The CLP: applying, the 14-day rule (pending repeal, RIN 2126-AC46), what you may do with it49 CFR 383.25
- Week 07Engine, drivetrain, and what's under the hood49 CFR 393
- Week 08Air brakes 1: how compressed air stops 80,000 lb, the physics49 CFR 393 subpt C
- Week 09Air brakes 2: components, compressor, governor, tanks, valves, chambers, slack adjusters49 CFR 393 subpt C
- Week 10Air brakes 3: failure modes, fade, water, freeze-up, spring brakes, why stroke matters49 CFR 396 App A
- Week 11Combination vehicles: fifth wheel geometry, kingpin, off-tracking49 CFR 393
- Week 12Doubles and triples: converter dollies, crack-the-whip, why they handle differently49 CFR 393
- Week 13Tank vehicles: surge, baffles, high center of gravity49 CFR 393
Level 2
Skills Test
weeks 14 to 32Pass the pre-trip, the backing pad and the road test.
Module 3 · Cargo, Weight and the Law of Physics · weeks 14 to 18
- Week 14Cargo securement: the physics of restraint, working load limit, tiedown math49 CFR 393 subpt I
- Week 15Weight distribution: axle loading, sliding tandems to fix an overweight axle23 CFR 658.17
- Week 16Bridge formula and axle spacing: why the law cares about distance between axles23 CFR 658.17
- Week 17Scales and weigh stations: what they check, bypass programs, what happens when you're over23 CFR 657, 658
- Week 18State weight and dimension differences: what changes when you cross a linestate law
Module 4 · Inspection · weeks 19 to 25
- Week 19Why pre-trip exists: the crashes that wrote the rules49 CFR 396
- Week 20Pre-trip 1: engine compartment49 CFR 396 App A
- Week 21Pre-trip 2: cab and in-cab checks49 CFR 396 App A
- Week 22Pre-trip 3: the air brake test, the ONLY auto-fail section49 CFR 396 App A
- Week 23Pre-trip 4: external, steering, suspension, brakes, wheels49 CFR 396 App A
- Week 24Pre-trip 5: coupling and trailer49 CFR 393
- Week 25Passing the inspection test: modernized (11M) vs legacy, and which one YOUR state gives you49 CFR 383.133
Module 5 · Basic Control and Backing · weeks 26 to 32
- Week 26Clutch, gears, shifting: the 10-speed, float vs double-clutch (some states auto-fail floating)
- Week 27Backing 1: the geometry, why the trailer goes the other way
- Week 28Backing 2: straight line
- Week 29Backing 3: offset
- Week 30Backing 4: alley dock / 90-degree
- Week 31Backing 5: parallel, sight side and blind side
- Week 32Backing 6: the real world, truck stops, docks, no swing room, GOAL, 40+ reps
Level 3
Solo
weeks 33 to 52Survive year one: the road, the regs, endorsements, the job.
Module 6 · The Road · weeks 33 to 42
- Week 33Visual search and the Smith System
- Week 34Space management: following distance, the real physics of stopping
- Week 35Speed management: curves, grades, weather
- Week 36Turning, off-tracking, lane changes and interstate entry/exit
- Week 37Railroad-highway grade crossings49 CFR 392.10, 392.11, 392.12
- Week 38Night driving
- Week 39Mountain driving: gear selection, snubbing, runaway ramps (and that using one can cost your job)
- Week 40Winter: chains, black ice, state traction lawsstate law
- Week 41Rain, fog, wind, extreme heat
- Week 42Hazard perception and emergencies: skid, jackknife, evasive action, post-crash procedure49 CFR 392.22
Module 7 · The Regulated Life · weeks 43 to 47
- Week 43Hours of Service: the clocks, and why each exists49 CFR 395
- Week 44ELDs: how they work, edits, malfunctions, manual-carry requirement rescinded 2026-07-2249 CFR 395 subpt B
- Week 45Trip planning: the clock and parking are ONE problem, and the idling law where you stop49 CFR 395, 42 USC 7522
- Week 46Roadside inspections: the 8 levels, OOS, and CSA points stick even with no ticket49 CFR 396.9, 392.5
- Week 47Drug and alcohol: Part 40, the Clearinghouse, prohibited status now costs the license49 CFR 40, 382
Module 8 · Endorsements · weeks 48 to 50
- Week 48Hazmat: placards, routing, security, and the X combination49 CFR 383.121, 397
- Week 49Passenger and School Bus: danger zones, loading/unloading, student management49 CFR 383.117, 383.123
- Week 50Tanker and Doubles/Triples: surge, dollies, and the state rules that differ most49 CFR 383.115, 383.119
The reference columns are there so you can check the work. ELDT points at the unit in the federal entry level driver training curriculum, AAMVA at the section of the model commercial driver licence manual most states adapt, and CFR at the part of Title 49 the rule actually lives in. Open a week to see all three.