Commercial Prepared Independent Trucker's Program
Course #18
- Offered as a full-time format
- 77 Self-paced (ONLINE home-study) lessons. Completion time is approximately 494 hours. All home study lesson are available ONLINE via National Training’s online learning management system.
- Resident Training completion time: 3 weeks - 160 hours.
- TOTAL TRAINING TIME: 654 HOURS
- Total tuition = Only $6495.00
- Minimum entrance requirements: HS diploma or GED preferred but applications accepted from persons with at least an 8th grade education, must be a minimum of 21 years of age to drive interstate, DOT Physical Exam and a Drug Screen.
Course Description:
National Training’s CDL Prepared Independent Trucker’s (Truck Driver Training) Program is designed for individuals who wish to receive truck driver training to become Independent Owner/Operators. This course provides individuals instruction on the many aspects of owning and operating a business in the trucking industry.
National Training’s CDL Prepared Independent Trucker’s (Truck Driver Training) Program will prepare individuals in the operation of Class A CDL combination semi- tractor-trailer for positions within the trucking industry both interstate and intrastate. To become a Class “A” truck driver, students will our fully accredited truck driver training and learn the basic skills necessary to safely operate a Diesel semi-tractor-trailer and earn their Commercial Drivers License. Students will learn to perform a pre-trip inspection. Properly document their Hours of Service in the industry standard logbook in accordance with the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.). In addition, students will learn the proper methods and demonstrate how to Start, Operate and Shutdown a Diesel tractor-trailer, how to safely back a tractor-trailer in various conditions using various techniques, how to safely couple and uncouple a tractor-trailer, how to park and secure the vehicle. Safely and effectively, drive under a wide variety of traffic, load, road, weather and geographic conditions and locations. Students will gain a working knowledge of the safety procedures defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Students will learn to successfully prepare for and pass the D.O.T. written examination as well as the D.O.T. equipment road test that is mandatory before being employed in the trucking industry.
Call now to talk to a representative!
Included Home Study Subjects

- How to Study
- History of Motor Trucks
- The Future of Trucking
- Driver Qualifications
- Driver Fitness
- Types of Trucks
- Types of Trailers
- Controls, Instruments and Dashboards
- Principles of Operation - The Diesel Engine
- Types of Diesel Engines
- Cooling Systems
- Lubricants and Lubrication Systems
- Fuels and the Fuel System
- Electrical Systems
- Air Supply and Exhaust Systems
- Steering Systems and Alignment
- Principles of Transmissions and Differentials
- Frames, Suspensions and Axles
- Tires and Wheels
- Brakes
- Engine Brakes
- Fifth Wheels and Sliding Tandems
- Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
- Inspection, Repair and Maintenance
- Pre-Trip Inspection
- Coupling and Uncoupling
- Backing Maneuvers
- Shifting
- Braking Techniques
- General Driving Practices
- Defensive Driving Practices
- Special Driving Conditions
- Handling Combination Trailers
- Various Kinds of Hauls
- Refrigerated Trailers and their Operation
- Hauling Hazardous Materials
- Weight Distribution
- Load Securement
- Freight Bills and Driver Responsibilities
- The Log Book-Hours of Service
- The Log Book-How to Track Your Time
- Map Reading
- Trip Planning
- Fires and Fire Fighting
- First Aid
- Accident Reporting
- Structure of a Trucking Company
- The Job of Getting a Job
- Owner-Operator vs. Hired Drivers
- Specing a Truck
- FMCSA Operating Authority
- Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibilities for Motor Carriers
- Insurance
- Cost and Profit
- Taxes, Licenses and Permits
- Trip Leasing
- Exempt Hauling
- Weigh Stations and DOT Inspections
- Public Relations
- Fuel Conservation
- Tanker Operations
- Hatbed and Lowboy Operations
- Dry Freight Operations
- Oversize Loads
- Household Mover Operations
- Electronics Operations
- Auto Transporters
- Livestock Transporters
- Hazardous Material Hauler
- Hot Shot Operation
- Purchasing a Used Truck
- On-Board Computers
- Keeping Updated
- Permanent Leases
- Truck Servicing
- An Owner-Operator's Lifestyle
- The First Step-Preparing for Training
Looking to earn your CDL?
This CDL preparation course is for those starting a career as a professional truck driver.
The Right Training Means Job Security!
The programs and the School are nationally accredited by
the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education
and Training Council, Washington, D.C.