What should I make sure I learn?

I love this msg on my q-com , my two weeks ever drive a big truck, this was for a pickup in chicago downtown , no less , take a left, go 4 blocks take a left, go anthor 4 blocks take a left, then back down as you turn a right what the heck kinda directions are those, never mind it was shorthand too boot, but after a call, i was too pickup, back down a one way street backwards , o gee this gonna be fun, not too being scared silly , they never taught me that in school, just general stuff like that ,you learn as you go

 

Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors!!! Be aware, at all times, of what's around you. Those big ol' mirrors, ya know, the West Coast mirrors. You can see a lot in them but you'll get your butt in a crack if you depend on them too much. Those little round mirrors...the one under the big ol' mirror and the one on the fender, those are the ones that can keep your butt out of a crack. Never, ever change lanes (or merge into traffic either) without knowing what's in those two little mirrors.

 

Don't think it's been mentioned before but learn everything you can about your hours of service. I seen a guy get busted once in CO by DOT, guy thought he was smart but the cop determined he was driving while his logs showed he was supposedly on his ten hour break. Guy ended up with a huge fine. Not following the rules can end your career or even put you in jail.

 

Hi...I too am going to school in January.

I suggest...(with no actual trucking experience.)

I went to my local DMV and picked up the CDL manual to study...for the law.

I went to Amazon and bought a couple of books about how to study and practice tests for the CDL writing test.

There are numerous sites on the internet that have free CDL practice test. Taking these over and over and over have built my confidence and taught me a great deal of "knowledge".

What helps me learn the correct answer to these kind of multiple chosen test is to print out the test and mark only the CORRECT answer...black out all the wrong answers and then read over and over the question with the correct answer...this way it eliminates 75% of the possible answers...no need to fill your head with wrong answers...just learn the correct answer and the wrong one will take care of themselves.

Also, I have learned a great deal from posts on this website...THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE POSTED THEIR SUGGESTIONS, INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCES HERE FOR OTHER TO LEARN FROM!!!!

My plan is to gain as much knowledge about the written part as I can before I get to class...so I don't have to stress on trying to learn everything in a few days to past theCDL test, then pickup other information at class.

As far as driving...can't suggest anything for you on that.

Good luck.

Bob

 

Most everyone did not know anything about trucking when they started, but you have the right attitude. Just take in everything you can in school and ask questions and the same goes for when you actually go out on the road. Everyday is a learning experience even for seasoned drivers. Show respect to shippers and receivers even though you may not get it back in return[ A lot of times you will]. Respect will go a long way and don't pay too much mind to the cb rambos out there. They like to give new drivers as well as seasoned ones a hard time[ You will understand what I'm talking about when you get out there]. Just pay attention to what you are doing on the road and when backing, if there are any doubts, get out and look even if you have to do it several times. Better to look than to hit anything. One last thing, do not be afraid to ask drivers that been out there awhile questions. Most will be more than happy to help if they can. Good luck I think you will do fine.

 

Hi Capt. Blight,
Sounds like your still going to Sun Prairie on the 3rd
i liked what Mountain Bob Suggested pick up a CDL Manual and read it a couple of times. It reallly helped me understand what its all about and what these men and woman drivers deal with everyday and that was just with the manual. Can't wait til the 3rd to learn more see you then

 

your here! Spend as much time as you can on here learning about the industry, go on YouTube and watch trucking videos. go to www.yttrucking.com and click "The List" its the complete list of all of us that make trucking videos on YouTube. Learn as much as you can about 1) the trucks/trailers 2) Tricks of the Trade 3) How companies Will bend you over at every opertunity



American Trucker

 

Not a complete list...

 

Get used to bad and disrespectful attitudes. Many of whom are truckers....