Going down steep grades and night driving

Keep your trainer's phone number handy once you are solo. Your dispatcher doesn't know about driving. They have no experience in a truck but many newbies think of them as boss & expert. They look at spreadsheets all day. They've never been inspected at a weigh station. She hasn't picked routes or found a parking space after 2 am. Ask your trainer if you need help with a driving decision. If you talk to a more expericed driver at your company ask if you can call him if you have questions.

 

I'll be honest, there are some hills that I wish had speed limits. No matter what, being passed by a string of trucks going 30 mph faster than you is an uncomfortable feeling.

 

If you aren't nervous and overly cautious, you are a danger to yourself and everyone around you. Take your time learning what your truck can do and it will become second nature. We all experienced this as a rookie in our beginning. Also it helps to talk to fellow drivers OTR while navigating the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Having a CB is crucial when learning the lanes.