Yard Skills

As part of our 160 hours of instruction, students learn a variety of practical yard skills. At our practice yard on Hay Street, students work on backing, coupling & uncoupling, and other vital skills. Our instructors — all experienced truck drivers — provide hands-on training to better prepare students for their CDL driving test as well as their driving career.

Focusing on the Basics

In the real world, every situation and delivery location is different. That’s why we spend half of our practical training time on yard work. In the yard, students learn how a trailer responds and moves in a safe, controlled environment. If students master the basic skills of backing up and parking here, they can have the confidence to handle any unloading or parking situation on the job.

Yard Skills Training Includes:

  • Pre-trip Checklist and Vehicle Inspection: Students are taught the CDL pre-trip inspection per regulations in Federal Motor Carriers Regulations Handbook.
  • Backing Up: Basic principles and rules, as well as save basic backing maneuvers.
  • Coupling & Uncoupling: Students learn how to couple and uncouple a trailer, along with the hazards involved with it.
  • Parking: Students will learn several types of parking in our lot, including parallel parking, offset parking, and straight line parking.
  • Sliding Tandems: Students will receive hands-on training on how to adjust axles on trailers for weight distribution.

Want to learn more about what to expect with the course and find out about tuition assistance? Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions and discover why Shelly Truck Driving School is the place to start your trucking career!

“Fantastic instructors with lots of patience. Dominick and his instructors really know their stuff. All of their trucks are 10 speed transmission which was really helpful. I highly recommend Shelly to learn the right way. Dominick helped me get a job before I even graduated. Top notch school!!!”
— Patty Crowe (Google Review)

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Testimonials

Emily Sensenich (Google Review)

I just passed my CDL road test last week and I couldn’t have done it without Shelley Truck Driving School. All the instructors are super informative and respectful. This school doesn’t even compare to any of the other truck driving school that I looked into. Awesome job guys!

Jim Rowe (Google Review)

Attending this school put me on a path to better my life and allows me to go anywhere and find employment. The instructors at this school are TOP notch and I learned valuable things from everyone of them! I highly recommend this school to anyone thinking of getting their CDL.

Amazing what they do in less than 30 days!

Shawn Burkey (Google Review)

I graduated today and this has been hands down the best experience I’ve had at a school. The instructor’s are top notch and will get you where you need to be! Thank you to everyone at the school for the knowledge and experience. You got the one snowman I’m eastbound and down!

Adam Dudas (Google Review)

The instructors really make this class and school. From the class room to driving to the skills, it has been a very fun learning environment for the past 4 weeks. I ALMOST FORGOT I WAS IN SCHOOL! In my opinion no other school should be considered.

Brian Eckert (Google Review)

This is an amazing school, with top notch instructors. During my time there, I learned from all of the instructors and they each had different things to teach and add to the training. This school not only gets you prepared for the CDL test, but also teaches skills that give you a head start once you are out and working. The patience of these instructors is top tier.

Shel Gray (Google Review)

Shelly was a Great experience for someone like me who was changing careers. They provide a relaxed but focused atmosphere where anyone can learn the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a CDL. You really get the feel that the instructors care about your well-being and goal for getting a CDL. I would recommend this school to anyone looking into getting their CDL.