Alaska Driving Academy

Course Description

With the growing demand for qualified and well-trained drivers, ADA has developed a comprehensive program to train and educate students. The Alaska Driving Academy is recognized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations, in their Training Providers Registry, as an authorized provider of instruction for Entry-Level Driver Training requirements. ADA is nationally recognized and highly respected in the trucking industry and is setting the bar high for training in the state of Alaska. Training consists of classroom instruction, demonstrations, hands-on basic maintenance, off road maneuvers and on-the-road driving. This course was designed for drivers seeking their class “A” CDL license even if they have little to no time behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. This course gives drivers 4 weeks (20 days) to develop all the skills needed to be successful in taking the State Exam. Most days will consist of classroom instruction as well as on the road driving time with a certified instructor. The last day of driving is intended to fine tune those skills and to take the CDL State Driving Exam with a certified examiner.

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Course Requirements

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED

- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age

- Applicant must have an Alaska Driver’s License for at least one year

- Applicant must have a Social Security Card

- Applicant must provide a Driving Record, not older than one month.

- Department of Transportation (DOT) physical

- FMCSA/DOT Drug Test within 10 days prior to start of class

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Course Objectives

The students will be competent in filling out and maintaining Driver’s Log records, doing pre-trip vehicle inspections, coupling and uncoupling combination vehicles, backing and driving through basic skill maneuvers. Students will have driven, on the road, in a variety of different tractor and trailer combinations. 

 

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Methods of Instruction

CDL instruction Days are Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm with no course instruction on weekends. Individual study for each student will be necessary outside of instructional hours. There will be one-on-one instruction with textbooks, workbooks and other training aids both in classroom and at the "Ranch" for our driving range.

 

Program Outline

ADA Unit 1: Basic Operations 

Classroom/Lab/Range instruction that includes, Orientation, Control Systems, Vehicle Systems,

Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control, Shifting, Backing, Coupling and Uncoupling.

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ADA Unit 2: Safe Operating Practice

Classroom/Lab/Range/Highway instruction that includes, Visual Search, Communication, Speed Management and Space Management.

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ADA Unit 3: Advanced Operating Practice

Classroom/Lab/Range/Highway instruction that includes, Night Driving, Extreme Driving Conditions, Hazard Perception, Railroad Crossings, Emergency Maneuvers, Skid Control and Recovery.

 

ADA Unit 4: Vehicle Systems and Reporting

Classroom/Lab instruction that includes, Special Rigs, Preventive Maintenance, Diagnosing and Reporting Malfunctions.

 

ADA Unit 5: Non-Vehicle Activities

Classroom/Lab instruction that includes, Handling Cargo, Cargo Documentation, Hazardous Materials, Hours of Service, Journey Management, Accident Procedure, Security of Cargo, Personal Health, Public & Employer Relations, Basic Business Practices for Truck Drivers & CSA.

 

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ADA Unit 6: Discretionary instruction

Classroom/Lab instruction that includes, Course and Instructor Introduction, Be A.L.E.R.R.T. defensive driving program.

 

ADA Self-Study: Independent Study

Lab work that includes independent study.

 

Length of Course

160 hrs over a 4 week (20 day) period

-96 hours of classroom instruction

    - 54 hours of independent study

- 64 hours of driving instruction

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Language Requirements

Must be able to read and speak the English language fluently enough to converse with the general public, to understand the highway traffic signs and signals, to respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. Seventh grade reading and math level recommended.

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Course Certificates

Graduates who successfully complete the course have the opportunity to earn the following certifications or certificates.

• Entry Level Driver Training Certification

• ADA Certificate of Completion

• State of Alaska Commercial Driver’s License

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So, now that I am interested, what do I do next?

Do your research about the trucking industry such as job demand, pay and benefits. Research driving schools looking at housing situation if needed, graduation rate and job placement success. *ADA’s Graduation Rate is 98% / Job Placement Rate is 96%. Now that I am committed to ADA’s ELDT program, what is my next step?     

 

*Contact ADA at (907)260-3900  -

         Get all my questions answered and request a Student Application

*Apply for Admission for ELDT Program - 

         Complete the Student Application and submit with a current Driving Record for review

         by the ADA admissions team

*Get accepted as ELDT Student -

         Once accepted, set a start date & pay $500 deposit to secure a seat (non-refundable)

*Obtain CDL Class “A” Permit -

         Pass the General Knowledge / Combinations / Air Brake Test at DMV 

*Obtain a DOT Medical Card - 

         If you already have one make sure it is still current (only good for 2 years)

*Complete a DOT Drug Test - 

         Drug testing will be completed on the 1st day of class ($100 fee for testing)

*First Day of ELDT Class - 

         Pay remainder of fees if needed and be on time for class!

 

2023 ELDT Class Schedule

11/27/23  -  12/15/23

01/01/24  -  01/26/24

01/29/24  -  02/23/24

02/26/24  -  03/23/24

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Please contact us for current seat availability via e-mail or give us a call at (907)260-3900.