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A driver who wishes to operate a longer combination vehicle (LCV) must take and successfully complete an LCV driver-training program. The program must provide the knowledge and skills necessary to operate an LCV.
Scope
These requirements apply to those who wish to operate an LCV.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 380 Subpart B — LCV driver-training program
Key definitions
- Longer combination vehicle (LCV): Any combination of a truck-tractor and two or more trailers or semi-trailers, which operate on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways with a gross vehicle weight greater than 80,000 pounds.
- Longer combination vehicle (LCV) double: An LCV consisting of a truck-tractor in combination with two trailers and/or semitrailers.
- Longer combination vehicle (LCV) triple: An LCV consisting of a truck-tractor in combination with three trailers and/or semitrailers.
Summary of requirements
The training must include the following general categories of instruction:
- Orientation,
- Basic operation,
- Safe operating practices,
- Advanced operations, and
- Non-driving activities.
The training must include the topics as outlined in Appendix F to Part 380 and behind-the-wheel instruction that is designed to provide an opportunity to develop the skills outlined under the proficiency development unit of the training program.
LCV doubles. To qualify for the training necessary to operate an LCV double, a driver-student must, during the six months immediately preceding application for training, have:
- A valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a double/triple trailer endorsement;
- At least six months experience driving a Class A vehicle and an employer’s written statement verifying this fact;
- No more than one driver’s license;
- No suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a CDL;
- No convictions for a major offense as defined in 383.51(b) while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV);
- No convictions for railroad-highway grade crossing offenses (383.51(d)) while operating a CMV;
- No convictions for violating an out-of-service order (383.51(e));
- No more than one conviction for a serious traffic violation as defined in 383.5 while operating a CMV; and
- No convictions for violation of a state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control arising in connection with any traffic crash while operating a CMV.
Driver-students who meet the preliminary requirements and successfully complete an LCV doubles training program will be issued a certificate, indicating they are qualified to operate an LCV double.
LCV triples. To qualify for the training necessary to operate an LCV triple, a driver-student must, during the six months immediately preceding application for training, meet the same criteria as listed for LCV doubles.
In addition, the driver-student must, during the six months immediately preceding application for training, have experience operating a:
- Class A truck-tractor/semi-trailer combination as described in 383.91; or
- Class A truck-tractor/semi-trailer/trailer combination that operates at a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds or less.
Evidence of this driving experience must be in an employer’s written statement.
Driver-students who meet the preliminary requirements and successfully complete an LCV triples training program will be issued a certificate indicating they are qualified to operate an LCV triple.
Record retention. A copy of the Driver-Training Certificate, issued to a student who successfully completes LCV driver training, must be provided to the student’s employer to be filed in the driver qualification file.