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Safe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training - Online Courses (018532)
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Safe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training - Online Courses

An expansive library of online courses for entry-level drivers getting a CDL. Helps satisfy the theory instruction portion of the FMCSA's ELDT rule. Read more.

Interactive Online Training courses are purchased using Training Points. These programs are available for 25 points per seat (a seat is one person assigned to one course). Points are $1 each. See Overview for more information.

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Overview

This program is available for 25 points per seat. A seat is one person assigned to one course. Already have a J. J. Keller® Training account? Click here to log in. If you are a new customer, click here to learn more about Training Points.

These courses can be used to help satisfy the theory instruction portion of the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022. To satisfy the theory instruction requirements, these courses must be assigned and administered by a school or other entity listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Training Provider Registry (TPR). To satisfy the complete ELDT training requirements, the school or entity conducting the training must provide the driver-trainee "behind-the-wheel" instruction in addition to theory instruction. Learn more about the ELDT requirements.

As part of Safe & Smart Driver Training, these entry-level driver training courses provide safer, smarter training for all company sizes. Training courses can be used with the Entry-Level Driver Training: Obtaining A CDL student manual and trainer manual for a comprehensive ELDT program.

Training topics covered include:

  • Intended Audience: Drivers who are applying for an initial commercial driver's license (CDL) or drivers upgrading their current CDL
  • Language: Available in English
  • Copyright Date: 2022
  • Regs Covered: 49 CFR Parts 380, 382, 383, and 390-399

*This course is not a required topic by the FMCSA, but it is an important topic for entry-level driver training.

Interested in a license to use J. J. Keller content on your LMS?
For a quote to use this training on your learning management system, contact us at customsolutions@jjkeller.com or 1-800-327-6868. Learn more.

Topics Covered

Backing and Docking

Product Code: 65294
Course Length: 21 minutes

This course helps drivers learn the basics of backing and docking, including safe backing practices and the types of backing maneuvers commonly used.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe how to safely back your vehicle
  • Explain how to safely dock and park your vehicle
  • Explain additional precautions to take when backing in loading docks and parking lots

Basic Business Practices

Product Code: 65334
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course discusses the importance of maintaining a professional image and talks about the hiring process. These concepts can affect driver income and success.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify basic elements in the hiring process
  • List ways you can maintain a professional appearance and attitude
  • Discuss the difference between rolling costs and fixed costs
  • Describe how driving habits can affect fuel management

Basic Control

Product Code: 65292
Course Length: 35 minutes

This course helps drivers understand basic vehicle controls and maneuvers.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss how to start up and shut down your vehicle's engine;
  • Describe how to put your vehicle in motion and come to a complete stop
  • Identify ways to maneuver through turns, curves, and roundabouts, and how to enter/exit highways safely

Canada: Crossing the Border

Product Code: 65333
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course provides an awareness of and knowledge about some of the processes and procedures that can help make the border crossing experience smooth and relatively easy.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss general requirements for crossing the Canadian border 
  • Describe the processes used to cross the border into Canada and back into the United States 
  • Identify the credentials needed when operating in Canada

Canada: Hours of Service and Daily Vehicle Inspections

Product Code: 65350
Course Length: 17 minutes

This course provides an awareness of and knowledge about some of the processes and procedures that can help make the border crossing experience smooth and relatively easy.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe Canada's hours of service working limits 
  • Explain Canada's record of duty status requirements 
  • Explain the vehicle inspection requirements in Canada

Canada: Sizes, Weights, and Measurements

Product Code: 65371
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course helps drivers understand how Canada's requirements for sizes, weights, and measurements differ from the U.S.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify where to look for size and weight limits 
  • Describe the measurements used for distance and speed 
  • Explain how to convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius 
  • Explain how Canadian currency is different from what's used in the United States

Communication

Product Code: 65297
Course Length: 10 minutes

This course helps drivers communicate with others and develop the skills as a professional driver.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe ways to communicate your intent by using turn signals and brake lights
  • Discuss how to communicate your presence through the use of headlights, horn, warning devices, and eye contact
  • Explain how eye contact techniques can help you communicate with bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers

Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA)

Product Code: 65331
Course Length: 28 minutes

This course helps drivers understand the part they play in the CSA program.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss the goal of Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
  • List the four major components of CSA
  • Describe the seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs)
  • Recognize actions that can be taken by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in an intervention

Control Systems/Dashboard

Product Code: 65233
Course Length: 23 minutes

This course introduces drivers to the controls and instruments found in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of a vehicle's engine controls
  • Locate a vehicle's primary controls and discuss the function of each
  • Describe the purpose of a vehicle's secondary controls and identify their locations
  • Recognize all vehicle instruments and explain the acceptable operating range for each
  • Identify warning devices commonly found on a vehicle

Coupling Trailers

Product Code: 65295
Course Length: 12 minutes

This course helps drivers understand techniques to help them safely couple a tractor-trailer. They will need to know what to look for when inspecting the coupling system and how the coupling process works.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain how to effectively inspect the coupling system
  • Describe the coupling process

Distracted Driving

Product Code: 65298
Course Length: 18 minutes

This course helps drivers recognize and manage distractions while on the road.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify common driving distractions
  • Describe how to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving

Drugs/Alcohol

Product Code: 65328
Course Length: 25 minutes

This course addresses the testing and consequences of alcohol and drug use by professional drivers.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Define safety-sensitive functions 
  • Describe the alcohol and drug prohibitions that apply to CMV operators 
  • Identify what types of testing drivers can expect to experience under various circumstances 
  • Explain the alcohol and drug testing procedures 
  • Describe the consequences of violating the prohibitions 
  • Recognize the effects of alcohol abuse and drug use and how they impair driving abilities 
  • Describe how to inspect the brake system

Environmental Compliance Issues

Product Code: 65319
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course helps drivers understand environmental hazards and issues related to the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Recognize environmental hazards and issues related to a CMV and its load
  • Discuss how government regulations and laws apply in regard to environmental hazards
  • Identify actions you can take to help the environment
  • Describe how to handle a hazardous materials incident

External Communications

Product Code: 65325
Course Length: 13 minutes

This course helps drivers understand how to navigate a roadside inspection with tips on communicating using verbal and non-verbal messages.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe the roadside vehicle inspection process
  • Identify the impact that violating regulations has on your and your carrier's records
  • Illustrate effective communication techniques when interacting with enforcement officials

Extreme Driving Conditions

Product Code: 65303
Course Length: 13 minutes

This course introduces drivers to safe driving techniques for operating in extreme driving conditions.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss how to safely operate a vehicle in snow, ice, wind, rain and fog
  • Explain how to stay safe in case of a breakdown

Extreme Driving Conditions: Mountain Driving

Product Code: 65304
Course Length: 8 minutes

This course introduces drivers to the challenges of operating a vehicle in extreme driving conditions.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Recognize the challenges of driving on steep upgrades and downgrades
  • Explain how to safely navigate sharp curves

Fatigue and Wellness Awareness

Product Code: 65323
Course Length: 21 minutes

This course helps drivers learn about factors that contribute to their health and wellness.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe ways you can maintain a healthy diet and good exercise habits
  • Discuss what stress is, along with ways you can manage stress
  • Identify signs of driver fatigue
  • List safe work practices
  • Describe back safety and proper lifting
  • List steps you can take to ensure your personal security

Handling and Documenting Cargo

Product Code: 65318
Course Length: 22 minutes

This course addresses the importance of properly handling cargo, cargo security, cargo securement, and weight distribution principles.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Recognize cargo securement devices
  • Explain how to evenly distribute your cargo
  • Identify how to safely load and unload your vehicle
  • Describe how to properly handle and document hazardous material cargo
  • Practice cargo theft prevention measures

Hazard Perception

Product Code: 65305
Course Length: 16 minutes

This course helps drivers learn how to identify and avoid hazards while driving.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify hazardous road conditions and road users
  • Explain how to avoid or mitigate hazards
  • Respond to emergency traffic situations

Hours of Service Requirements: Record of Duty Status

Product Code: 65322
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course helps drivers learn how to follow recordkeeping requirements.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe how to track your hours of service using an electronic logging device
  • Explain how to record your hours of service by completing a paper log

Hours of Service Requirements: Short-Haul Rules

Product Code: 65321
Course Length: 4 minutes

This course helps drivers learn how to comply with the short-haul hours-of-service rules.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify when the 150-air mile radius exemption applies
  • Explain how to use the 16-Hour short-haul rule

Hours of Service Requirements: Working Time

Product Code: 65320
Course Length: 14 minutes

This course helps drivers understand the core concepts related to hours-of-service compliance.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Recognize the difference between on-duty and off-duty time
  • Explain how to comply with the duty and driving limits
  • Identify when certain exceptions apply to you

Human Trafficking

Product Code: 65330
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course helps drivers identify different types of human trafficking and those most at risk of becoming victims. It also provides information on how to notify authorities.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe human trafficking and identify those who are most at risk
  • Recognize the signs of human trafficking
  • Explain how to respond appropriately when you suspect human trafficking is taking place

Identifying Brake Defects

Product Code: 65313
Course Length: 8 minutes

This course helps drivers identify defects in a vehicle's brakes.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Check the brake system to ensure its safe operation
  • Identify what is needed to keep the brake system in good operating condition

Identifying Drive Train Defects

Product Code: 65315
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course helps drivers identify defects in a vehicle's drive train.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Check all the drive train to ensure its safe operation
  • Identify what is needed to keep the drive train in good operating condition

Identifying Engine Compartment Defects

Product Code: 65310
Course Length: 9 minutes

This course helps drivers identify defects in the engine compartment.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the function of major vehicle systems
  • Check all key vehicle systems to ensure their safe operation
  • Identify what is needed to keep vehicle systems in good operating condition

Identifying Frame, Axle, and Suspension Defects

Product Code: 65311
Course Length: 7 minutes

This course helps drivers identify defects in the frame, axle, and suspension areas.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Check the frame, axles, and suspension to ensure their safe operation
  • Identify what is needed to keep the vehicle frame, axles, and suspension in good operating condition

Identifying Steering and Coupling Defects

Product Code: 65314
Course Length: 9 minutes

This course helps drivers identify defects in a vehicle's steering and coupling system.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Check the steering system to ensure its safe operation
  • Identify what is needed to keep the steering system in good operating condition
  • Describe the functionality of each coupling system component
  • Identify defects in the coupling system

Identifying Wheel and Tire Defects

Product Code: 65312
Course Length: 7 minutes

This course helps drivers identify defects in a vehicle's wheels and tires.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Check vehicle wheels and tires to ensure their safe operation
  • Identify what is needed to keep wheels and tires in good operating condition

Maintenance

Product Code: 65317
Course Length: 14 minutes

This course helps drivers understand the maintenance needed to keep vehicles in top operating condition.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss the driver's role in preventive maintenance
  • Explain how to maintain and fill the fluids required to safely operate your CDL Class A vehicle
  • Identify the key aspects of inspecting and maintaining coupling components
  • Discuss how to maintain air tanks on a CDL Class A vehicle
  • Identify and replace the different types of bulbs on a CDL Class A vehicle

Medical Requirements

Product Code: 65329
Course Length: 14 minutes

This course teaches entry-level drivers about the general and physical qualifications that must be met to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss general and physical qualifications and disqualification factors for drivers who operate a CMV
  • Explain the process of obtaining a medical examiner's certificate
  • Identify how a driver can become disqualified from driving a CMV

Night Operation

Product Code: 65301
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course helps drivers learn how to improve their safety while driving at night.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss the factors that affect safe night operation as they relate to your vehicle, the road, and you, the driver
  • Explain procedures that can help make driving at night safer

On-the-Road Inspection

Product Code: 65240
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course helps drivers learn when an on-the-road inspection is required and how to complete one.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain what to inspect during a quick lap around the vehicle
  • Recognize when the cargo and securement devices must be inspected
  • Describe how to check for excessive tire or wheel heat

Orientation

Product Code: 65232
Course Length: 25 minutes

This course introduces drivers to the transportation industry.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of complying with applicable laws and regulations
  • Identify the required driver qualifications and what causes driver disqualification
  • Discuss drug and alcohol prohibitions
  • Describe the basic components of a combination vehicle
  • Explain the size and weight limits established for traveling on the National Network

Post-Crash Procedures

Product Code: 65324
Course Length: 20 minutes

This course helps drivers learn the procedures they need to follow in the event of a crash.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe actions you should take to help secure the scene if you have been involved in an accident
  • Explain procedures to follow in the event of a fire in the engine, tires, or cargo of your vehicle, including how to use a fire extinguisher

Post-Trip Inspection

Product Code: 65291
Course Length: 4 minutes

This course helps drivers learn how to complete a post-trip inspection.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Complete a proper post-trip inspection
  • Explain when a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is required
  • Discuss how a DVIR should be completed

Preparing for Extreme Driving Conditions

Product Code: 65302
Course Length: 13 minutes

This course introduces drivers to the challenges of operating a vehicle in extreme driving conditions.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify common ways to prepare your vehicle for driving in adverse weather conditions
  • Discuss the steps you should take to prepare yourself for adverse weather conditions

Pre-Trip Brake Systems

Product Code: 65239
Course Length: 4 minutes

This course helps drivers ensure their vehicle's brake system is in good working condition.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss the steps for a brake check
  • Explain how to conduct an air brake inspection

Pre-Trip Engine

Product Code: 65235
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course helps drivers understand how to inspect the engine and front axle components responsible for their vehicle's movement.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Conduct a thorough engine and front axle inspection
  • Explain what components must be in good working order

Pre-Trip In-Vehicle

Product Code: 65236
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course helps drivers understand what controls and equipment inside the vehicle must be checked to ensure safe operation.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Conduct an accurate in-vehicle inspection
  • Identify items that need to be inspected for safe operation

Pre-Trip Lights

Product Code: 65238
Course Length: 5 minutes

This course helps drivers ensure their vehicle's lights are in good working condition.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe how to prepare for an inspection of vehicle lights
  • Explain what to look for during an inspection of the front and tail lights
  • Complete an inspection of turn signals
  • Discuss how to inspect brake lights

Pre-Trip Walk-Around

Product Code: 65237
Course Length: 14 minutes

This course helps drivers understand how to conduct an efficient and effective walk-around inspection of their vehicle.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain how to inspect the front of your vehicle
  • Describe what to look for under the vehicle
  • Discuss how to inspect the overall vehicle condition

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

Product Code: 65309
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course helps drivers pass through a railroad crossing safely and know what to do at the tracks in an emergency situation.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain what is required when approaching a highway-rail grade crossing
  • Identify various crossing signs, gates, and signals you may encounter
  • Discuss the procedures to safely stop at railroad tracks
  • Describe appropriate actions to take in the event of a railroad-related emergency

Roadside Inspections

Product Code: 65316
Course Length: 20 minutes

This course helps drivers prepare for and know how to participate in a roadside inspection.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Demonstrate how to prepare for a roadside inspection
  • Recognize what happens during a roadside inspection
  • Explain what to expect as the result of a roadside inspection

Shifting/Operating Transmissions

Product Code: 65293
Course Length: 15 minutes

This course addresses shifting non-synchronized manual transmissions for new drivers.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the basic controls and tools used to shift a manual transmission
  • Identify the basic shift patterns and procedures of a manual transmission
  • Describe proper shifting skills
  • Explain the characteristics of automatic, semiautomatic, and autoshift transmissions

Skid Control and Prevention

Product Code: 65306
Course Length: 10 minutes

This course addresses what causes a vehicle to skid, how to prevent a skid, and skid recovery.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Identify the major causes of skids and jackknifing and employ techniques for avoiding and recovering from them

Skid Control: Driving Emergencies

Product Code: 65307
Course Length: 22 minutes

This course addresses appropriate responses to common emergencies and teaches drivers how to maintain directional control.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of maintaining directional control
  • Indicate appropriate responses when faced with emergencies such as brake failure, a tire blowout, hydroplaning, and rollovers
  • Recognize unsafe acts that play a role in producing or worsening hazardous situations

Space Management

Product Code: 65300
Course Length: 11 minutes

This course helps drivers manage the space around their vehicle while driving.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of proper space management
  • Describe how to maintain an appropriate cushion of space
  • Discuss the amount of space needed to safely merge with traffic and cross a road or intersection

Special Rigs

Product Code: 65332
Course Length: 27 minutes

This course describes the most common special rigs, their handling characteristics, and some of the special skills required to operate them.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe the various types of multiple articulation vehicles and the unique hazards each present
  • Recognize the characteristics that constitute an oversize vehicle
  • Discuss how to safely operate high center of gravity vehicles
  • Identify what type of loads are naturally unstable while driving and how to minimize instability
  • Explain what makes a special cargo vehicle different than a standard tractor-trailer
  • Discuss hazards associated with construction vehicles and how to stay safe

Speed Management

Product Code: 65299
Course Length: 20 minutes

This course helps drivers learn to manage their speed while driving.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss the three factors that affect your stopping distance
  • Recognize ways to manage your vehicle's speed through curves and on grades
  • Describe why you should adjust your speed when you encounter poor road conditions, inclement weather, and heavy traffic
  • Discuss the reasons why you should not speed

Trip Planning

Product Code: 65327
Course Length: 20 minutes

This course helps drivers learn the five basic steps of trip planning.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe the paperwork required for you (the driver), your cargo, and your vehicle
  • Discuss considerations when selecting your route, along with how to read a map and use a global positioning system (GPS)
  • List vehicle and cargo restrictions
  • Describe things you should consider when estimating your trip time
  • List conditions that can affect fuel usage

Uncoupling Trailers

Product Code: 65446
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course helps drivers understand techniques to help them safely uncouple a tractor-trailer. They will need to know how the process works, and how to safely operate equipment.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe the uncoupling process
  • Describe how to safely operate landing gear and pull releases

Vehicle Inspections Basics

Product Code: 65234
Course Length: 6 minutes

This course helps drivers understand when inspections and inspection documentation are required.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Discuss when to complete a pre-trip inspection
  • Explain when an on-the-road inspection is required
  • Recognize when a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is required

Visual Search

Product Code: 65296
Course Length: 14 minutes

This course helps drivers learn the skills required to conduct an effective visual search.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of continuously scanning your surroundings
  • Discuss how to perform a proper visual scan in front of, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
  • Recognize potential hazards you must be aware of and react to while driving
  • Identify signs of a distracted driver
  • Describe the different types of mirrors and what each is designed for
  • Explain how to properly adjust your mirrors and use them while driving

Whistleblower/Coercion

Product Code: 65326
Course Length: 12 minutes

This course informs drivers about whistleblower protection and coercion regulations and how they can use these regulations to protect themselves.

After completing this course, drivers will be able to:

  • Describe the whistleblower protections available to you
  • Discuss how you can file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if your whistleblower protection is violated
  • Recognize coercion when it occurs
  • Explain how to file a coercion complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

System Requirements

To ensure full course functionality, your computer will need to meet or exceed the following requirements:

General

  • Windows 8, Mac OS X 10.12 (Sierra) or higher
  • Mobile App: Android v7 — Nougat (8/2016) and above, iOS v11 and above
  • Persistent, high-speed internet connection with at least 1.5Mbps download speed
  • Speakers or headphones
  • Pop-up blockers must be disabled
  • JavaScript must be enabled
  • Cookies must be allowed
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 or higher

WEB BROWSERS THAT BEST SUPPORT HTML5

  • Windows: Internet Explorer 11, Edge Chromium, Google Chrome (latest version), Firefox (latest version)
  • Mac & Mobile App: Safari (latest version), Google Chrome (latest version), Firefox (latest version)

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