Class starting 25 Oct 11

I am training myself to shift for the CDL tests, but once it is done, I am sure I will be shifting clutchless for the most part. (military trucks used to have standard gears and I had lots of practice in the mountains of Bavaria Germany)

 

First time driving all the way. 9.5 hours and 520 miles down to Mississippi. Shifting is getting smooth, and I am getting used to downshifting with the jake brake on

Smooth driving so far, and getting practice backing and maneuvering. I have a good instructor that finds time to do some alley docking when there's room at the truckstops and drivers are not storming the place...

I have found tht TA's and Petros have nice showers. Flying J is trying but comes in 2nd. Upper bunk is comfortable so far and getting good night sleeps. Never thought sitting on my ### would be so tiring...

 

Driving from Mississippi up to Wisconsin with sweet potatoes. Boy does that loading process really smell bad. Might not eat sweet potatoes for thanksgving this year.

PSD is doing great, and my instructor is very supportive and proactive. I have now been backing into truckstop spots as well as pulling up on scales and getting some close quarters driving on back roads and small towns. It is a confidence booster to get to drive through such diverse areas and scenarios.

I am at 42hrs driving time in 7 days, and will probably be back in SpringMo before Thanksgiving. We have been practicing in a few empty truckstop lots, and the truckers really light up the CB when they see the cones in the lot. Guess they have never seen training done on the road like we do. I do think it is the best training model in the industry, because not only am I getting experience to pass the CDL, but also developing good habits to become a good driver.