Our Tractor Trailer program is designed for people looking to start a career in either long-haul or local truck driving. Our 12 week internship program was developed and adopted by Commercial Safety College and industry partners in 1995, and in 1997 contributed to the development of a training standard for all truck driving programs in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Course Overview:
Module 1 (At Commercial Safety College)
- Safety Studies (70 hours)
- Log books / Hours of service
- Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- Driving in adverse weather conditions
- Emergency First Aid / CPR / WHMIS
- Signs & Signals
- Operation Lifesaver
- Driver fatigue
- Federal and provincial regulations
- And many more topics!
- Practical Skills – Road & Maneuvering (160 hours)
- On road driving (rural, town/city, highway, night driving)
- Field maneuvering skills (backing, alley dock, right hand turns, serpentine, off set alley)
- Pre-trip inspections
- Coupling / uncoupling
- Mechanical Skills (70 hours)
- Air brake adjustment
- Compound transmissions
- Diesel engines
- Lubrication and cooling systems
- Fuel, air, and exhaust
- Steering and suspension
- Lighting systems
- PTO and wet kits
- Hubs, wheels, and tires
- Smart Driver for Highway Trucking
- And many more topics!
- Essential Skills & Computer Familiarization (20 hours)
- Map reading & trip planning
- Basic computer skills
- Resumes and cover letters
- Interview techniques
- Introduction to GPS, Satellite messaging
- Introductions to ELDs
Module 2 (Internship Phase)
In the four weeks that you are with a fleet coach, you will be given a minimum of 100 hours of “hands on, behind the wheel” driving time in real life situations.
We have partnerships with over 20 companies to provide internships to Commercial Safety College students. While not guaranteed, many internships lead to job opportunities! We have internships available for students interested in short haul, long haul, or the construction industry.
Admission Requirements:
- Pass/Provide a Class 1 Driver’s Medical
- Provide a Driver’s Abstract
- Provide a Criminal Search Report
- Provide a Letter of Intent
- Must Have License Endorsed with Air Brakes
- Minimum of 19 Years of Age
- Possess a Class 5 Driver’s License (In Graduated Licensing, “N” must be removed prior to start date)
- Attend a Pre-screening Session (TOWES testing and interview)