Looks like we're heading out tomorrow...

Congratulations!!! Pay attention to everything goin on around you at all times.

 

Congrats as previously said and relax and be calm even in rush hr traffic and always remember to listen

 

Drive safe out there!

 

Congrats. Pay attention and relax. If you are too scared to drive, try and drive as it helps in the long run.

My first day driving I got thrown into Dallas rush hour. It scared the #### out of me, but ever since then traffic has never bothered me.

Also. There is usually a time during your first week where you might not want to keep going. Remember, you have the first 7 days to see if you like it before you have to pay Prime back. Use those 7 days and figure it out.

Everyone goes through a period where they don't want to keep going, just lift your chin up and muscle through it.

If you're still around springfield, shoot me a pm and we can get dinner.

Goodluck, we got plenty of people here who were in your shoes at one point. Any questions, just ask.

Edit: By the way, I was my instructors first student and I did fine come testing.

 

I sure hope you keep us up-to-date on how this goes. We've all heard horror stories about this--hearing a positive one would be mighty fine and it sounds like this has the makings of a good one!

 

You're gonna do fine. This is gonna sound a little yoda-ish but, be one with the truck. You'll feel yourself getting in tune with the way it runs and sounds. After a while it'll feel just like driving your car down the road. At least it was for me. Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

It does get easier..... at first its white knuckle... lol then you learn how the truck goes down the road. You learn how the trailer moves.... its all about learning. Just pay attention to everything. Really hard at first, bit after awhile it will become first nature. A reefer trailer is a lot easier to maneuver than a spread axle lol I've driven both, pulling flatbed now. Also, don't back up unless you have to, if you can pull through, do it. As said before.....RELAX

 

one of the greatest things my instructor did among many was to not have the radio on. We had it on during long driving stretches but during shifting and traffic it was off. Learning to hear the motor and not watching the Tach was big for me in the long run. Helps you "be one with the truck"

Also when he was diriving I sat with him to see how he did it.

Also take it slow mentaly. I would mess up when I tried to rush through the gears or get in a hurry doing anything.

Last. Communicate. My instructor was slow on input. But I would say I feel like I am messing this up or that and he would give great input.

I had an 30 year driver with 8 years instructing. He was into the instruction. He agreed that a new instructor has soemthing to show the company so he will be into it. a lot of the problem ones are tire of trucking and just in it for a check. Here's to hoping your experience is what you need. Oh have fun with it.