Two weeks to learn to drive

**PayCheck** · 07.10.2012

Originally Posted by Zoltan1a

I now know why truckers have such potty mouths because boy is it easy to get frustrated with these things. I did not curse a great deal until I started this school now I want to curse and yell at that trailer

Give it a little time and you'll start inventing new curse words and new ways to use them.

**Zoltan1a** · 07.11.2012

Finally figured out to back into the alley dock

**jgremlin** · 07.12.2012

Originally Posted by Zoltan1a

I now know why truckers have such potty mouths because boy is it easy to get frustrated with these things. I did not curse a great deal until I started this school now I want to curse and yell at that trailer

Hours in the seat. There is no substitute for hours in the seat. Once you get your first job and start spending 10 hours/day behind the wheel, you will be amazed at how fast you get to the point where you don't think twice about doing things that seemed impossible just a few month earlier.

Oh and if you haven't heard it already, when backing, hold the bottom of the wheel (the part closest to your belly) and push the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. Makes it tons easier when you do it that way.

**Zoltan1a** · 07.12.2012

ill give it a try next time we practice backing. We are now working on double clutching and I am a bit surprised that is not nearly as hard as I had imagined.

**changeoflife** · 07.13.2012

Originally Posted by Zoltan1a

We are now working on double clutching and I am a bit surprised that is not nearly as hard as I had imagined.

When you have no experience almost everything looks difficult. When I first sat in the drivers seat my left leg was shaking uncontrollably from the nerves and I didn't think I'd ever get the shift timing down. You'll be surprised how fast you get comfortable enough to pass the DMV road test. The next big test is getting hired and going out with a trainer. Which, for me, is the beginning of next week... here come those nerves again! Wish me luck!

Good luck to you! You'll do fine.

**Pmracing** · 07.13.2012

Yes I was not terribly nervous, but more so when the trainer was watching me since he was grading me!

Then after he recommended me for the upgrade to first seat driver, the nerves started during the final road test!

Once that was past, and I was on my own it was less strain. I knew I could take all the time I needed, as long as loads were not late. That was, till I had to roll into the TS after 8pm and try to grab that last spot, in the dark, in the narrow space, between those big shiny O/O rigs!

Mikeeee

**Zoltan1a** · 07.14.2012

I feel your pain. I started driving on the streets yesterday and that was an exciting experience to say the least. I am mainly getting caught up going from 9 to 8. I keep getting caught up in 6

**Pmracing** · 07.14.2012

Originally Posted by Zoltan1a

I feel your pain. I started driving on the streets yesterday and that was an exciting experience to say the least. I am mainly getting caught up going from 9 to 8. I keep getting caught up in 6

If you loosen your grib on the shifter you can feel the soft wall between the ...

6 and 8 positions. It feels kind of rubbery. If you were to let go of the stick, out of gear. It settles between 2 and 8.

Mikeeee

**Zoltan1a** · 07.14.2012

I will feel for it next time and be more gentle with the shifter.

**nicnat2** · 07.14.2012

I went to Swest school too and they are the best...great bunch of people. I agree on loosening the grip on shifter too...heck i usually use just use a couple fingers to slide it into gear...it's a feel thing...Nice and easy..no forcing needed. When you get on the road with a trainer, they will teach you how to drive and you don't have to worry about that until you're there....I for one don't curb my tires and it's a rarity if it ever happens....I had a lot of loads to San Fran and L.A. where the streets aren't so friendly to 53' trlrs either...