Still feel dumb/stupid after graduated from a truck driving school

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by supremeguy, May 17, 2011.

  1. supremeguy

    supremeguy Light Load Member

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    Feb 13, 2011
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    Went to SAGE school and passed the CDL test first try, graduated last week, with PTDI certification, but still feel somewhat stupid and lack of skills.
    Things like getting the CDL permit is really reading and memorizing all those sample questions online and pass the general knowledge+air brake+combination, the pretrip is another memorization process and driving the truck is just getting used to the control.
    I don't think I can consider myself a professional truck driver.
    Am I ready over the road? So the learning process really starts when you get to work for a company right? Not in school?
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2011
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  3. C-MO

    C-MO Bobtail Member

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    Apr 21, 2011
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    I think you are putting to much pressure on yourself, get a job and you will be more at ease everyday.
     
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  4. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    School gives you the basic skills to become a truck driver. The rest is up to you. Your next step is to find a company that will take your knowledge and help you develop those skills. You will hopefully get the training that you need and deserve to become a professional. A lot of becoming a professional is determined by you rather than what you are taught.

    To answer your questions, no, you are not ready to go over the road. And yes, the learning process really begins now.
     
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  5. ronin

    ronin Road Train Member

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    And a good, smart, humble driver is willing to learn something new every day.
     
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  6. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Arlington Heights, IL
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    If you are lucky you will get a good trainer at the company you choose. Then make the most of it.

    Ask to do every back, even those at 3 am after your 11 driving. You will have the advantage of someone back there watching you to make sure you don't hit anything.

    Then, if you go solo, you will be a lot more ready to do it all yourself.

    Congrats on passing the school part. Reminds me of the Bill Murray movie "What About Bob" Baby Steps to being a pro...

    Mikeeee
     
  7. jatwell

    jatwell Light Load Member

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    Apr 26, 2011
    Mansfield, Ohio
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    yeah man these guys got your back, take in the knowledge and advice they are providing you and just keep a positive attitude at all times, in trucking you gotta be able to just roll with the flow and be eager to learn something everyday and soon enough you'll find yourself being a professional. im in the same boat as you almost, paps drives OTR and im waiting to be 21 so i can.. and hes taught me alot of great things, but i cant say you wont find those things around this forum and from fellow drivers you'll meet. you got this. wish you the absolute best of luck, stay SAFE & HEALTHY driver.
     
  8. cameramonkey59

    cameramonkey59 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 20, 2010
    San Antonio, TX
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    I've been on my own now for 6 or 7 weeks and I learn something new everyday.

    Don't be afraid to ask other drivers questions or ask for hints from them. So far I haven't met a driver yet that wasn't willing to help me out when I needed it.
     
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  9. Svoray

    Svoray Medium Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2011
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    The above have said it best.

    I've been out of school 3months and have a really good job but I'm far from what I consider a professional trucker. But, I'm on my way learning and experiencing everything that is needed to become a professional one day. Just relax and start looking for you first company.

    Good luck.
     
  10. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Arlington Heights, IL
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    Just think of those that were not able to make it past the school part even...

    Our company motto, though sometimes they don't believe it, speed is not your friend. Take your time and it will be much easier on the blood pressure.

    Mikeeee
     
  11. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Heck man, I've been out here for 3+ years and I learn something new everyday. REDD has been out here since God made Adam and Eve and he's still learning!!:biggrin_2559:
     
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