HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
At TAG, we prepare students to pass both the DMV written CDL exam and the Georgia Road Test. By providing a balance of face-to-face classroom or online instruction and hands-on behind-the-wheel (BTW) training, TAG students will be prepared to become safety-focused professional drivers.
Class A CDL training prepares students to obtain an entry-level job operating a Class A commercial motor vehicle. Class A vehicles are defined as any combination of vehicles with GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicles being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
TAG offers a Class A CDL program taught on automatic or standard shifting vehicles. In recent years, the transportation industry has been transitioning to automatic trucks due to safety, reliability, and fuel economy. However, many small and big carriers continue to purchase and operate standard shift trucks. At TAG we recognize the need to offer training for both types of certifications. TAG’s training program has been approved by the Georgia DDS validating TAG as your best choice when choosing a school to prepare you for the first step in becoming a professional driver!
Classroom Training (Face-to-face or Online)
While attending the face-to-face or online training, you will learn information necessary to pass the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This instruction will include but not limited to general knowledge of the control system/dashboard, shifting/operating transmissions, backing and docking, coupling and uncoupling trailer, speed and stopping, pre and post-trip inspections, air brake systems, loading/unloading, air brakes, combination vehicles, electric systems, safe operating procedures, advanced operating procedures and non-vehicle procedures to include medical requirement, trip planning and hours of service (HOS).
Practice Driving Range
During week two of your CDL training you will experience firsthand the semi’s control systems/dashboard, coupling and uncoupling, sliding the 5th wheel and tandem, speed control, straight-line backing, sight and blind backing, parallel parking, alley dock backing and all the requirements of a pre- and post-trip inspection. Our licensed instructors will walk you through each step of this vital training portion of the program to make sure you are thoroughly familiarized with the components of the tractor and trailer in preparation for the BTW training and CDL exam.
Road Training/BTW (Behind the wheel)
Yes, we have saved the best for last. The most exciting component of your Class A CDL training is done during week three. Accompanied by one of our CDL licensed instructors, you will navigate public roads in a semi-truck hooked to a 53’dry van. Here you will put to practice the theory and hands-on training. As they say, “this is where the rubber meets the road.” You will learn how to perform turns, cornering, merging, shifting (standard shift) while driving within city limits, through rural communities and on interstates. All three weeks of instruction are designed to prepare you to pass both the written and Georgia CDL Road Test.
Test Time
After satisfactory completion of all coursework, you will be scheduled to take the CDL Class A exam. Congratulations on persevering through the beginning journey of your new career!
Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re probably right. -Henry Ford