Student Expectations & Code of Conduct

TDT - Expectations for Students, Staff, and Visitors

We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and respectful training environment so that all students have the opportunity to succeed.  As such the following rules, policies, and procedures are in place to ensure that we can provide an ultimately successful experience for all.

Clothing, Dress, Hygiene & Cleanliness

The truck training industry requires being in close confines with others.  As such obviously soiled or dirty or smelly clothing is unacceptable for any training event or behind-the-wheel session.  We understand that a little dirt happens from time to time, but coming directly from a farm in your work boots covered in animal excrement is unacceptable.  We require that students be clean and hygienic both in the classroom and in behind-the-wheel classes.  

TDT requires that all persons regardless of gender identity wear proper safety boots or shoes, long pants or appropriate length shorts, and shirts that fully cover the person's upper body at all times.

Additionally, we strongly encourage the use of safety vests, gloves, masks, safety helmets or hardhats, and other appropriate safety gear to the event to be worn by all individuals attending or auditing the training when appropriate.  We will do our best to be dressed professionally, please do the same.

TDT wants to create a respectful and distraction-free learning environment.  As such we don't allow students to wear clothing with what might be viewed by a reasonable person as political, supporting a political position, former office holder or candidate for office.  We also don't allow clothing that may be offensive, revealing, or sexual in nature at our training.  We understand what free speech is and respect student's rights to express themselves, however, we have found that the fewer distractions in a learning environment the better the outcome for all students.  If you have questions about whether what you are wearing or want to wear is appropriate, it probably isn't.  We operate on the principle of "what would your grandmother say if she saw that?" about clothing, dress, hygiene, and cleanliness.  

General Demeanor, Swearing or Verbal Abuse / Aggressiveness / Respectful Learning Environment and Weapons

Our trainers have heard nearly every dirty joke around folks, but we are here to provide you with our knowledge, information, and experience and as such we'd ask that you check your attitude at the door.  We will not tolerate verbal abuse against our instructors or other students in the class.  We will not tolerate aggressive behaviors towards anyone and will not tolerate anyone who does not promote a respectful learning environment.  

We don't take likely jokes regarding someone's mental abilities, social status, gender identity or their political beliefs.  Because we operate under the authority of the FMCSA we are required to conform to federal standards regarding discrimination. Discrimination or inappropriate jokes don't have a place in a learning environment.  We'd ask that you respect our attempts to ensure that all feel safe and respected in the class.  

Discussions that include things such as governmental overreach, political positions and other potentially divisive issues have no place in a respectful learning environment.  We'd ask that you focus on the training at hand and assist the other students in the class with their desire to learn and succeed.   

We also believe that students should ask questions so that they are informed.  Classmates may find the question silly or already know the answer to another student's question or line of questioning - as such we appreciate your input, but please be sure to share your knowledge respectfully.  

TDT is a weapons-free property and employer.  We do not allow individuals to carry or possess weapons (legal or otherwise) including guns, knives, knuckles, and other devices used for self-protection, while they are attending our training.  We believe in the Second Amendment, but weapons have no place in our learning environment.  We ask that you secure them at your residence prior to attending our training.  

We operate on the principle of "What would your grandmother say if she heard that?" Please be respectful of the other students in the class.  They are paying just as much as you for this training. 

Smoking, Use of Tobacco Products or E-Cigs

Smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or the use of E-cigs or other Tobacco products (including chew) is prohibited while attending TDT-sponsored events.  Students are expected that if they wish to partake in any of these habits they do so long before the class begins, on scheduled breaks or following the completion of the training.

There is no smoking, tobacco use or e-cig use allowed when TDT Safety Training instructors or facilitators are in student-provided vehicles.  There is no smoking, tobacco use, or e-cig use allowed when TDT provides the vehicle during behind-the-wheel training.  

Alcohol, Prescription Drugs, and Illegal Drug Use

TDT is a drug-free employer and educator.  We routinely test our staff for the presence of multiple drugs.  As there is no federally acceptable level of THC for commercial drivers we subscribe to the belief that THC is a drug and as such is not acceptable to be under the influence or have recent use of THC. 

Prescription drugs can be as harmful to decision-making ability as illegal drugs or alcohol.  As such if you are taking medications that may alter your perception of time, and events or diminish your reaction time we'd encourage you to consider taking the training at another point in time when you do not need the prescription drugs in your system.  

Alcohol and illegal drug usage will not be tolerated by our instructors.  If there is any suspicion regarding your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely or if we suspect you may be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol we will contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities and will permanently ban you from taking classes through our systems.  Students who arrive intoxicated, appearing intoxicated or under the influence of any substance will not receive a refund. 

Timeliness, Promptness, and Being Prepared to Learn

TDT’s staff, instructors, and equipment are part of a very large ‘puzzle’ that requires all the parts to fit together at the right time, the right place, and in the right order to function effectively for all students.  Students who routinely are late to appointments, fail to show up (no-shows) or cancel with less than 72 hours' notice cause disruption to our operations.  While TDT operates on a first-come-first-served basis generally for appointments, we do not maintain a waiting list of people wanting appointments.  

We require that students notify us by phone or text if they will be late or unable to attend a training session.  Failing to notify our staff of your planned absence may result in forfeiture of the hours that were scheduled or a no-show fee, based on the lateness of the notification.  

We require that when students arrive they are prepared to learn, are well-rested, and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs (see previous section).  If an instructor is concerned about a student’s ability to conduct themselves or learn, they have the authority to cancel a lesson, before or during if they feel that a student’s condition is impaired for any reason (including being sleepy, tired or not paying attention) and that student will forfeit the rest of the hours scheduled that day.  If a student is dismissed from training for any of these conditions, they must wait a minimum of 24 hours before they are allowed to return to our facility and operate our equipment. We expect that during that time period students will rest and sleep.  

Updated 5/28/2024