Losing confidence

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ClassB, Nov 2, 2012.

  1. ClassB

    ClassB Light Load Member

    250
    341
    Oct 19, 2012
    Syracuse, New York
    0
    Well as I stated in another thread, I go to NTTS on weekends for 10hrs per day. As of last sunday, the Class B students got their permits and were to begin driving. We did backing maneuvers while 1 person did a road ride. Sunday was the first time I've ever been behind the wheel of a standard vehicle. The yard instructor gave me the basics of shifting and clutch work between 1st and reverse. By the time I got on the road ride, I had a basic knowledge of how it should go.

    Now, after the ride, he evaluates you and tells you what you need to work on. My shifting was fine, turning (only a straight truck) and everything else was GOOD. The only problem I'm having is getting the vehicle moving. This whole week I've been beating myself up over it and was hoping I could get some advice from the people whove "been there, done that". I'm hoping I'll get better with each road ride, but I cant help to think this little thing could waste the money I spent for the school and the chance for getting a good job.

    So am I over thinking this too much? Is this type of thing you can only learn from doing it over and over?

    Thanks from the stressed guy. :biggrin_25512:
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Snowshoes

    Snowshoes Heavy Load Member

    878
    664
    Sep 23, 2012
    Pleasant Grove, Utah
    0
    Not sure if I quite understand getting the vehicle moving? Are you simply popping the clutch?
     
    ClassB Thanks this.
  4. CrabbyOlLady

    CrabbyOlLady Bobtail Member

    43
    24
    Nov 2, 2012
    Washington
    0
    I'm new so what I have to say isn't worth much...

    How long did it take you to get the hang of driving for your first license for a car?
    If you think it took awhile to get the basics down of parallel parking etc, then give yourself a bit of room to get used to driving something that isn't a car and doesn't handle like one. If your instructor isn't giving you enough information on how you are doing (or teaching), corner them and ask for their honest assessment with the possibility of a couple hours more time behind the wheel. That will give you some idea of where you land on moving to this type of career.
     
    ClassB Thanks this.
  5. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
    209
    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
    0
    nothing but time equals experience
    none of us were born driving
     
    ClassB Thanks this.
  6. ClassB

    ClassB Light Load Member

    250
    341
    Oct 19, 2012
    Syracuse, New York
    0
    Yes. Keep stalling at lights with a huge line of traffic behind me.

    Thanks. For car, everything came pretty natural. Even driving and maneuvering the box truck came to be quickly.

    Thanks, maybe I'll feel better after these 2 days of driving.
     
  7. Snowshoes

    Snowshoes Heavy Load Member

    878
    664
    Sep 23, 2012
    Pleasant Grove, Utah
    0
    Just take it easy, don't let the line of cars pressure you. Make sure you are in the right gear, do not focus on anything but driving, slowly release the clutch and as you start to roll apply the throttle, you will get the hang of it soon enough
     
    tl385 and ClassB Thank this.
  8. ClassB

    ClassB Light Load Member

    250
    341
    Oct 19, 2012
    Syracuse, New York
    0
    Thanks. He wants us to stop in 3rd gear then put it in 2nd gear after a complete stop.
     
  9. Arkansas Frost

    Arkansas Frost Heavy Load Member

    897
    486
    Aug 2, 2012
    North Little Rock, AR
    0
    Slow down. Don't worry about the traffic so much it gives you a panic attack. But definitely get practice in the yard whenever available. I've driven a standard my whole life and had difficulty at first because driving a truck was unnatural. In a car you shift to speed up or slow down. In a big truck you speed up or slow down to shift. When empty your truck has plenty of torque in third gear to get moving (don't hold me to this some instructors want you to start from first no matter what.) if you press the clutch all the way in and it will not go into gear, ease off of the clutch slightly and you should feel it pop into place. After that it's the truck's turn. Let the clutch the rest of the way out and then accelerate. Good luck. Ask other instructors if you can. Everybody learns and teaches differently. I went through six instructors in school and never ran out of questions.
     
    tl385, ClassB and Snowshoes Thank this.
  10. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    5,769
    5,462
    Sep 14, 2007
    Winston Salem
    0
    You shouldn't need to give it fuel to start. If you are in the right gear it should start from idle. You are even supposed to keep your foot on the brake on a hill until the clutch engages to keep from rolling backwards.
     
    ClassB and T...Street Thank this.
  11. ClassB

    ClassB Light Load Member

    250
    341
    Oct 19, 2012
    Syracuse, New York
    0
    Thanks guys. My girlfriend keeps telling me to slow down, the jitters are definitely kicking my butt.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.