Nervous about life on the road

Wers you nervous the first time you drove a four wheeler in drivers ed? Were you nervous taking your first road test?

The anser ro those two questions is likely yes, but now you are probably as comfortable as can be in a car. Same thing applies to trucks. It's really not nerves as much as it is about your comfort zone, you expanded it to include driving a car, you will get comforta le soon and expand your zone some more.

 

Don't worry, pretty soon you'll feel more comfortable driving a big truck than driving your car. (really!) Just remember that you'll never stop learning. Keep that frame of mind and you'll be fine. The most dangerous guys out here are the 6 mos. to 1year folks that think they've got it all figured out. Don't be like that. (remember, never stop learning) You'll start seeing things unfold in front of you before they actually do. That can actually keep you safe, as long as you expect it. In three million miles, I've probably been cut off maybe 2 or 3 times, really. Don't let yourself get in that situation and it won't happen. Be safe, have fun, be patient!....What school you going to? You were asking a couple weeks back about not going to a school, glad you changed your mind.

 

You wrote you are nervous about driving the big truck on the road... not life on the road, right? Let me tell you, there's nobody more nervous (and anxious) than me. When I started CDL school (although I really wanted to try this), I was sooooo freaking nervous that I had upset stomach, diarrhea, heart pounding, fast breathing, an awful uneasy feeling inside my body as the adrenaline would keep rushing my veins constantly... This kept going on and on for months... during my 6 months of CDL school and it continued for a long while after I started working. I still get nervous sometimes... But I really enjoy driving the truck and LOVE THE ROAD!!
Now, my answer to your question is, DO IT! There's no other way. You will have to go through your fear and do it afraid. Do it for a while till you realized if you really like it or not. Don't let the fear discourage you. Fear sometimes makes things seem 100 times worse than what they really are. Let faith be your weapon against fear. Believe in yourself... You will not be the first one to make mistakes... but learn. Learn as much as you can, every opportunity you have. Your fear will help you to be cautious and not overconfident which is good. When too nervous, try to breath slowly, take it easy (easy does it), take your time, don't rush. Avoid negative thoughts and too much self criticism. When driving or backing, focus on what you are doing, don't let interference from others disturb your attention. You will be ok. All the best.

 

It's normal to be nervous. I went to truck driving school in the winter. With the window down I was still sweating. That's why you have someone beside you to get you through it. It will go away after a couple weeks as you learn and build confidence. Just don't build over confidence.

Like a 16 year old learning and when they get comfortable they start hot rodding because they think they know it all. The same goes with trucking. I see way too many 1-2 year drivers way over confident.

 

i feel ya. i am nervous about driving the big rigs, but you have to view this as another opportunity to drive another piece of machinery. that is how i am looking at it. so yeah, it is good to be nervous. the thing is when i started doing the research for this next step in my life, i gained a whole new respect for those driving the big monsters. i truly believe if they made people study all aspects of highway driving (everything from motorcycles, cars and 18 wheelers) people would be more understanding of the road. good luck to you. we are in the same newbie boat.

 

When you get out there, you'll see other people screwing up worse than you. It'll make you feel better.

 

Oh great, now we get to talk about feelings. I was nervous also when I first started out. Then one day at a truck stop we all got together in my sleeper and had a slumber party. We did each others hair and had pillow fights. And then we all cried and cried.

 

Nothing wrong with being a little nervous, just don't let it get the best of you. Remember what you've learned, don't worry about what others think, be courteous & respectful on the road and truck stops, pay attention at all times and understand that you will gain confidence as time goes on. I was on a 6/3 split and every week when I got out of that truck I felt good about what I learned through my experience and every time I got back in for another run, I felt more confident about my ability to get the job done. Driving one of these things is a big responsibility, therefore a good feeling of accomplishment when get the hang of it. No substitute for time & practice. Keep a good attitude & you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

Remember the only stupid question is the one that never gets asked. You will have LOTS of questions, on here you can find lots of answers. If you can't find it, just ask. If you aren't comfortable doing something, say exactly what you mean. Don't take it to heart when dispatch gets all bent out of shape because you will be late for an appointment for reasons beyond your control. Communication is key.