So after three months of CDL class and many more months before that researching and waiting for this day to get here I finally took my skills and road test today and passed. So once I get over to the DMV and pay the fee I'll officially have my CDL-A license.
I also realized something really important today as well and that is this is just the beginning and certainly not the end. Frankly I found the test itself to be nerve wracking. While I turned in a passable performance and returned myself, the tester and the truck to the yard w/ out having an accident or ending up in a ditch it was obvious I need more practice shifting, and lane keeping and watching the mirrors, etc., etc. Frankly I'm not sure I would have passed me and at the end of the test I found myself thinking, "Jeeze, I'm glad I don't have to do that again!"
I know much of this will get better w/ practice and seat time that comes from doing the job but now I'm wondering about the things that I don't know that I don't know? I want to be a good professional truck driver and not just some yahoo that mindlessly drives a truck. So what I'm looking for is wisdom or suggestions from people who have been doing this a little while and can look back and say, "I wish I had known then what I know now when I was starting out in my first year".
Passed my CDL skills / road test today AND learned something important . . .
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MYSTYKRACER, Dec 5, 2019.
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What's the problem? Full speed ahead. You have one distinct advantage over us old timers, this site. I'd have killed for a site like this years ago. We had to do everything by trial and error. It's just, back then, mistakes weren't so costly. I believe you are over thinking this, it's not flying the space shuttle. Any questions, we're glad to help, common sense is the biggest thing, and it's normal to be apprehensive on a new adventure, but trust me, it's one of the easier jobs in life, you'll be fine.
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Wait till you run your 1st load out on the big road and you're 79,900lbs, not 30k lol.
Oh and whatever company you hire onto, dont wear your stupid ##### reflective vest while getting fuel, in the truck stop or driving down the road. Especially if you're pulling a dry van. -
I guess the biggest thing is I feel like even though we were tout enough to pass the test we didn't get really enough seat time on the road. I just don't like that "fish out of water" feeling but I guess that will diminish over time.tscottme, jamespmack, Lepton1 and 2 others Thank this. -
Which company will you be with?
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I also applied w/ Freymiller and Crete just as a back up. Talked to recruiters from both who also said to get back to them once I got my license. -
Are you in the Houston area? You can #### near throw a rock and hit a trucking co lol.
I was over there since yesterday and traffic today almost gave me Forrest Whittaker eye.tscottme, jamespmack, spindrift and 3 others Thank this. -
And yeah, I'd never take a local gig here, sitting in Houston traffic all day w/ a big truck seems like a special kind of torture! -
Either of those tanker outfits is a winner; congratulations!
tscottme, Lepton1, FlaSwampRat and 1 other person Thank this. -
I'll probably be over there next week again, I'll hit you up if I have some extra time.
Lepton1 and MYSTYKRACER Thank this.
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