Rookie starting my trucking career. From first thought to hopefully retirement.

Spent Saturday on the pad and doing the CDL road coarse. My instructor had planned ahead and already had a student from this weeks class. Nice to see how far I have come as I split time with the new trainee. I guess the split was 80/20, once I had something down pat, meaning I did it 5 times with no issues he would let the other guy jump in.

I was supposed to take my CDL test this AM. Instructor sent a message via Qualcomm to put me on for Sunday. Got up early, sitting in the conference room, my name was never called. I guess the weekend help sent a message to the tester with the correct truck # but not my ID. We were told, sorry, cannot put you in today, come back tomorrow.

Spent the whole day on the pad and doing the course again. Not a big deal, just more time to practice. I do have to say, the new guy who is working with us is a natural.

Bed to early then test tomorrow.

Of the 11 people testing today we watched as 6 guys failed on the pad. Saw 3 leave on their road test and 2 came back in 5 minutes. I am not sure anyone passed today. That whistle blowing multiple times was ringing all day long.

 

Long delay in the update. First time I have had a chance to sit down for the last week.

Passed all 3 parts on the first try. Once I did my first couple of items on the pre trip inspection I just rattled them all off. Sad though, I was one of two who passed this day. The previous day I found out only 1 passed. I think half was not knowing what to do and the other were nerves. I felt sorry for one guy who I had seen practicing before. They both set him up to fail, left the tandem all the way to the front and forgot to check it. He pointed out very quickly because he did not know.

Passed on monday and right out Tuesday. My trainer has some years behind him so I am being taught very well, although pushed. We bumped heads a little today, nothing big but it happened. We seem to both get frustrated and it just boiled a little.

Sitting waiting for him to get a nap in and laundry. We should hit the road about 1am or so.

 

Also, got to love truck stops. Sitting here and just watched a girl walk into Wendy's attached to Flying J with a thong.

 

I really cannot remember when I sat down last to update. I went on the road with my trainer for my 30,000 mile period. I am actually home at the moment as my trainer took home time.

I have been going non stop since our first week. 3 trips across the country and basically slipping in and out of the driver seat. No complaints, it is exactly what I wanted. At this pace I should be upgrading 3-4 weeks after I get back on the truck.

I know with this little experience I am not built for team. I will say I am learning a ton even though I struggle with my trainer sometimes. He knows it and he struggles with me. I can say it is a give and take and we work through the issues.

He actually asked me today; are you going to take the keys with you? I said, should I, it is your truck. Meaning, it is his truck and why would I need them if I was at home. He said, if you leave them I know you will not be back, I took them. Tough but very fair.

I have spoken too, listened and absorbed many stories and good advice from just speaking to drivers. I pick and choose wisely and try to filter out the BS from super truckers along the way.

I did happen to meet a vet by my home TS who was pleasant to speak with. Gave me his phone # as we live 5 minutes from each other.

Maybe my next update will be me upgrading.