what is the hardest skill to learn?

It's putting up with Dispatchers, nobody can teach you.

 

For me it was backing! I'm left handed so I always had to stop and think, ok, now which way do I want to go! LOL Always, Always, GET OUT AND LOOK (GOAL)

 

Patients ....

 

The biggest problem I've had at school is keeping my big mouth shut, but I did volunteer for more backing maneuvers on Saturday. We're not doing serpentine and I'm happy about that. One good thing about Illinois.

 

anyone can drive a truck straight..... backing is something different

 

Backing, and you will still suck at it when you leave school. Takes a while to master. The biggest problem I see new drivers having is the set up. They will set up wrong and just keep trying to hit the hole. You know within the first ten feet whether or not your set up is right. If its wrong, set up again and again till you get that right. Once its right the trailer just slides right in. I mess my set up all the time, but once I see its wrong I do it again, I dont force it.

 

Getting free coffee at truck stops.

 

Amen to that! That is my one biggest stressor is the backing! When I got finished with my trainer, I started teaming with my hubby, well, lets just say that I still suck at backing! He's got over 40 years experience, so, I didn't do myself any favors in letting him back for me all the time. I've been out of the truck since last July due to an accident, was not ever going to get back into a truck again, but time has a way of helping get through it, but NOW I have to start all over again with the whole backing issue, and believe me, I'm going to be doing a lot of practice backing every chance I get! LOL

 

None!!!!!!!!!

If you learn to be patient with yourself....Realize that given time and patience....You can do anything!!!!!!!