Changing Status from "Wannabe" to "Student" tomorrow

Hi all,

I've already been posting a bit but I start the truck driver training school tomorrow at Johnston Community College in Smithfield, NC.

If I think it'll be worthwhile to folks, I may post a bit about it as I go along.

 

Thanks to all for the kind words!

Week 1 is done. A couple of days of classes and admin BS, then on to the trucks for range, driving and pre-trips. I'm in a large class that's split in two (about 20 each), alternating days on the road and days on the range. We started on the road our 4th day of class. According to the instructors, once you are fully "qualified" by them, you can go on the road with just another student. You will have earned your full CDL before this point. The instructors say this is the only school they have heard about that does this. It'll be interesting to see.

With one hour of road time, I did fine double-clutching up but struggle with downshifting. Rome wasn't built in a day.
(I confess I have done some double-clutching in my time, in my '59 Willys wagon and in an 85' Pierce Snorkel.) The range is currently divided up into three sections: straight-line backing, coupling and uncoupling, and the obstacle course. I have minimal experience with everything except backing up for coupling, which I am improving on.

I like shifting. It's exhilarating to fly thru the gears and get the truck up to speed. And I got to make a turn the instructor said was gonna be very difficult. With his instructions, I aced it. Gives me a little confidence to know what is possible, rather than it all seeming impossible, as it has sometimes. It seems to be all about angles, speed and time.

Best to you all!