CMV Driver Basics

The job of a professional driver comes with many responsibilities. As well as knowing how to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), drivers are expected to handle a variety of other duties ranging from handling cargo to passenger safety to customer service. In order to handle all of these responsibilities, you must understand the importance of operating safely, being a qualified driver, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This course is designed to provide drivers with basic information about being a CMV driver.

After completing this course, learners will be able to identify the four critical topics that every CMV driver should be familiar with:

• Driver qualification – become familiar with the requirements of Section 391.11 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). This includes general qualifications, physical qualifications, and what can cause disqualification.
• Driver wellness – identify what constitutes wellness, such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, weight and diet, exercise, alcohol and drug use, stress, and fatigue.
• Hours of service – discuss what is required by the hours-of-service regulations and what information should be recorded on the record of duty status.
• Whistleblower protection – become familiar with driver rights and how they are protected from retaliation from their employers for filing a complaint about a violation of a safety or health regulation.