Critical Topics to Cover in Truck Driver Safety Training

Not only does safety training reduce the number of accidents, but it can also provide a range of other benefits, including improved driver retention and productivity. In this article, you’ll learn about general training requirements for the trucking industry and key safety topics that should be included in driver training. You'll also get an overview of the different types of training programs for drivers, as well as how Samsara can help safety managers deliver mobile driver training to make coaching more timely and effective.

What are training requirements for commercial drivers?

Truck drivers are highly trained professionals, and as such, must meet a range of requirements to earn and maintain their licenses. At the federal level, the United States government has established regulations and guidelines that must be followed by all commercial truck drivers, while the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FMCSA have established requirements for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders and entry-level driver training (ELDT).

U.S. federal regulations and guidelines for driver safety training

The U.S. requires that all commercial truck drivers receive training in specific safety topics, which include defensive driving, hours of service regulations, hazardous materials handling, and cargo securement. Moreover, drivers must be trained in vehicle inspection and maintenance, as well as safe driving techniques for various driving conditions.

DOT and FMCSA requirements for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders

In addition to standard safety training, drivers have to meet certain requirements established by the DOT and FMCSA to receive their CDLs. These include passing: 

• A written test on the rules and regulations that govern commercial driving

• A skills test that evaluates the driver's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)

• A medical examination to make sure that the driver is physically able to operate a CMV

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements

There are additional requirements for first-time commercial drivers, whether they are completely new to commercial truck driving or are looking to upgrade their CDLs. In these cases, the FMCSA has established a set of requirements that are grouped under Entry-Level Driver Training. These requirements include:

• A minimum number of hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training, as well as training on specific safety topics, such as safe driving practices, hazard recognition, and driver wellness

• Ongoing safety training that includes refresher courses on safe driving practices, updates on new regulations, and new safety training topics as they emerge

Key safety topics for truck driver training

The safe operation of a commercial vehicle encompasses a vast array of topics. However, there are several fundamental subjects that should be covered in truck driver training. These include: 

Defensive driving techniques and safe driving habits: Defensive driving is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents on the road. Topics for training should include:

• How to avoid distractions, such as cell phones, while driving

• Strategies for maintaining a safe following distance

• Tips for scanning the road ahead for potential hazards

• Guidelines for sharing the road with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians

• Strategies for handling poor weather conditions and other challenging driving conditions, like construction zones

Hours of service regulations and managing driving conditions: The FMCSA has established hours of service (HOS) regulations to help make sure that drivers are getting enough rest and prevent driver fatigue. Training topics should include:

• An overview of regulations, including at the federal and state level, and any company policies regarding HOS regulations

• Strategies to help reduce fatigue, such as taking regular breaks and taking pre- or mid-drive naps

Cargo securement and hazardous materials handling: Loose cargo is one of the highest risk factors for large truck crashes. For this reason, proper cargo securement is essential to helping ensure safe, incident-free transit. Training programs on this topic should include: 

• Techniques for properly securing cargo

• Regulations related to hazardous materials handling, including labeling, packaging, and emergency response procedures

• Guidelines for handling specialized or fragile cargo

Vehicle inspection and maintenance: According to the FMCSA, maintenance issues—such as failed brakes and tire issues—were a contributing factor in nearly 40% of truck accidents. That’s why checking to make sure that trucks are in good working order  is critical to the safety of drivers and the public. Truck drivertraining programs may cover topics such as:

• Techniques for conducting pre-trip DVIR inspections

• Guidelines for identifying potential mechanical problems or safety concerns

• Strategies for performing routine maintenance tasks, such as checking fluid levels or changing tires

Types of safety training programs for truck drivers

There are several different types of truck driver training that can be delivered in various ways, depending on the preferences of drivers and safety managers. Here is a quick break down:

• In-person training courses: Typically conducted by experienced trainers in a classroom or training facility, in-person training courses provide an interactive learning experience, allowing drivers to ask questions and receive feedback from trainers. Training can be provided by company safety managers, third party trainers that specialize in commercial fleets, or a combination of both.

• Online training and e-learning: As video-based meeting and e-learning technology have improved over the past few years, online training programs have become increasingly popular. With web-based training programs, drivers can guide their own learning and complete courses at their own pace. These programs often provide interactive modules such as quizzes, videos, and other training materials.

Another form of online training is online coaching, where safety managers review incidents and deliver feedback remotely without needing to meet with a driver in person. 

• Proactive driver training: Among the most effective types of coaching is proactive driver training. With this method, safety managers rely on technology to collect data to help drivers improve their safety performance. This often means that training can be delivered faster, even before a manager is alerted to a risky behavior. 

For example, with dash cameras and AI detection, managers can enable mobile self-coaching, where the technology alerts drivers to risky behavior while they are in the cab. This way, drivers can self-coach and correct their driving before a manager is notified. Self-coaching can help drivers feel more ownership over their work and boost morale, both important factors when it comes to driver retention. 

How Samsara can deliver more effective truck driver safety training

Truck driver safety training is undoubtedly important, but the platform you use to support and deliver your training can make a significant difference in safety outcomes. Samsara offers a comprehensive suite of products to support driver training. These include: 

• Samsara AI Dash Cams that can automatically detect risky behaviors and deliver real-time voice coaching. With AI Dash Cams, safety managers can use video-based coaching workflows to deliver timely coaching while a driver is still on the road. This way, managers can make coaching more timely and effective, helping drivers learn when safety information is the most relevant. 

• In-Cab Alerts that allow drivers to self-correct risky behaviors in real-time before a manager is notified. Samsara can nudge drivers on a range of behaviors, including inattentive driving, tailgating, seat belt usage, and mobile usage. 

• Driver Scores Dashboard in the Samsara Driver App that helps to motivate drivers to improve their performance and compete with peers for rewards. Safety managers can get visibility into top performers and incentivize drivers to get to the top of the leaderboard.

To learn more about these products and how Samsara can help your drivers stay safe, read more about our proactive driver coaching tools or reach out for a free trial today.