Fear & Nerves : How much is normal?

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on this new career and start CDL training at my local community college in January. Reading through these posts, I see a lot of my fears realized in stories about accidents, FMCSA/DOT issues, being pushed to falsify logs to drive tired, etc...etc... I'm a tough guy and have done a lot of different and dangerous things throughout my life and am up for a challenge, but some of this seems so far beyond reason and control that I am still slightly questioning my decision. I'm not a whiner or a quitter and understand there are plenty of things you have to do in ANY job that you might not agree with or are very hard or nerve racking to deal with. I have been on the management side as well as a grunt. I know how to be a team player...a 'company man'.

So my question is this....

If you didn't grow up in a trucking family (or even if you did), did you experienced guys cliimb into a truck with some level of fear about what the equipment could do to you and many other people if there is a malfunction (on your part or not)? I know a certain amount of nervousness and constant concern SHOULD exist because that's what causes you to be responsible and safe, but at what point (if any) does it become 'natural' and normal? I have been practicing around town in a very large box truck (since I don't have CDL yet), and am much more comfortable with the whole idea than I was 2 months ago, so I feel a lot better about getting out on the road now.

I'm just curious as to what others have experienced.

Thanks for reading.

Kirk

 

Thanks folks. Makes me feel a helluva a lot better. It sounds like I'm normal. My 'fear' is more about caution and respect of the equipment than basic irrational fright. I have a whole new respect for truckers (it was pretty good before), and this site makes it even stronger. Good to think there are so many folks like you behind the wheel.

 

Ha. Yeah Bumpy I get ya. That's a good thing!