Entry-Level Driver Training: Special Rigs

This course is designed to describe the most common special rigs, their handling characteristics, and some of the special skills required to operate them.

Course Overview

A "special rig" is any combination vehicle that differs from the standard tractor and dry freight trailer with five axles and up to 18 wheels.

This course is designed to describe the most common special rigs, their handling characteristics, and some of the special skills required to operate them.

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Describe the various types of multiple articulation vehicles and the unique hazards each present
  • Recognize the characteristics that constitute an oversize vehicle
  • Discuss how to safely operate high center of gravity vehicles
  • Identify what type of loads are naturally unstable while driving and how to minimize instability
  • Explain what makes a special cargo vehicle different than a standard tractor-trailer
  • Discuss hazards associated with construction vehicles and how to stay safe

Course Topics

Multiple Articulation Vehicles

  • Doubles
  • Coupling Doubles
  • Driving Doubles Safely
  • Turning, Parking, & Backing Doubles
  • Triples

Oversize Vehicles

Low-Clearance Vehicles

Vehicles with Unstable Loads

  • Dry Bulk Tankers
  • Liquid Tankers
  • Livestock Trailers
  • Refrigerated Trailers

Special Cargo Vehicles

  • Pole Trailers
  • Auto Transporters

Construction Vehicles

  • Dump Trucks
  • Cement/Ready Mix Trucks