Starting Over New

Well here I am again, starting over, learning to drive all over again. Spent ten years from about 1970 to 1980 driving most anything with more than four wheels; end dumps, flats, stakes, vans, semi-end dumps. By early 1980, my back hurt, knees, anything that moved ached, and moved to a cubicle, drove a desk chair, became a computer geek, and stayed with it for 22 years. Then bosses come by strongly suggest long term dudes like me take a retirement buy-out, and I'm out the door. Then economy goes south along with savings accounts. Computer industry is dead - I've met programmers and techs who work for minimum wage, if that much. Wow it's a bad out there.
Falling back on my old skills I thought I had, thought I knew how to drive a big rig, I have to think again. I don't know jack...about driving anymore. Could I have forgotten that much?
Well here I am, back in a driving school in West Valley UT, learning to drive again and I'm starting from scratch. Everything! Double clutching (only in school), shift patterns, and man I can't believe I lost so much of my old "skills."
I have to hand to the guys that pick up driving so quickly, whew... for me, it's all new again. Remembering RPM to shift and more importantly, which gear I'm in is fun too. Am I on the high side or low side. See - I'm starting all over again. Arrrgghhhh! Hey I'm digging in and making do with what little I seem to have left in memory old banks. Two weeks of school left, would have been one except flu takes me out for a week. I've probably had about forty minutes of seat time. I'm not the most gifted, but I gotta do this to make house payments. Right?
I'm leaning toward Watkins Shepard for a company, and based on all the postings here, they seem to take care of their people and equipment.
To all those who contribute and share their experiences going from newbie to seasoned driver, thanks to you. Tips about commitment, drive, dedication and making the best of a learning situation is really encouraging for an old guy who kinda "lost his edge," though it's coming back slowly.
To WS posters, thanks, you've added a lot of encouragement to keep on truckin', which is what I did in the 70's. I'm 64, great health, and hitting the road. Love this site and thanks to the seasoned vets offering advice.
Two more weeks of Roadmaster then to WS first week in Dec. This will be fun, and of course a bit scary, and and about learning. Hope to meet you guys on the road in the next two months or so.
Rolling from UT. Hooya...

 

So I'm finding out. Yeah a trooper pulls me over 1971, asks if I've been drinking, say no, I gotta beer here, want one? Ha - LOL. Not really, never asked for a log book, no one cared, not even the company. Punch out when you leave, punch in when you arrive and who cares if you drove 15-18 hours non-stop, I got here didn't I?
Ha...yah that works for me.
Wow Feds have messed it up big time, more rules than a Catholic school. Makes me wonder if this is the right way. A friend says I can make good money driving a bus - as long as no one barfs on the floor or messes the seat....ah fun days of driving. Cops or barf/poop? At least I can get rid of the last two! Ha....Looking forward to a new adventure. Jeeze, even have to take a driving test! What's up with that? Ya mean ya gotta know how first? LOL, well I look forward to the open road and all the papers to fill out. Hasn't changed much really! Four wheelers are full of crazy drivers. Ah well so are some truck cabs too! Yoohoo!
Thanks for the welcome Rambler. Happy trails.

 

I think I'm getting there! Thanks everyone for the welcome mat and warm greetings. Gotta admit, it's a bit scary starting out at this age, again.
Hey Dani, I'd love to have a chat with you folks. Just down the road is cool.

Take Care,
Happy trails to all.

 

Boy talk about lost skills!! I discovered today several things, first I can't shift worth a pound of goose grease, If I had to save my life by backing up, okay send a daffy. Whew! It's actually not a good thing to have my prior training. I know how I once drove and ya know it's annoying when I fall so far under the axles. Ouch! Bent cones, encroached into a no-driving zone. Accckkkk! I have four days (week days) before I test out for CDL, at this rate, ha, I'll age faster than my socks!
Anyone in the local area of Layton, UT interested in a private tutoring process - a couple of hours or so?
Thanks for encouraging remarks. I like trucking and oh yeah it's changed a lot! Okay a little bunk time and I'm at it again tomorrow for a great round of cone crushing, gear grinding and a goal of getting it right consistently!
Take Care all...