Experienced drivers.. Remember when you were new?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mklong34, Aug 14, 2013.

  1. mklong34

    mklong34 Bobtail Member

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    Im going to be starting CDL school soon and as you could guess... I am full of questions and getting more nervous as the days get closer. I know like with a lot of things you learn from doing and doing and doing over again.. lol. You, the ones that have been through it and can now really call your self a truck driver. What is it *THE LEARNING* curve really like? How long on average did it take for you to not sweat backing into the dock? Changing your undies at the bottom of cabbage patch? or praying before going to hunts point? Is 6 week with a mentor long enough you think?
     
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  3. Ghost Ryder

    Ghost Ryder Road Train Member

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    6 weeks is not nearly long enough. More like 3-5 years.

    I was not comfortable backing until after 2 years as a P/DC driver. When you bump 15+ docks a day, you have no choice but to get good at it.
     
  4. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    Cabbage isn't bad. And Hunt's Point is a breeze. A lot of tales on here and from what you hear from drivers are just that. Tales. You'll have some scary moments for sure. But you'll learn as time goes on that things aren't as what you've been told. Can Cabbage be trying? Sure it can. Just like any other grade. Don't worry. Breathe. Be careful and you'll be fine.
     
  5. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    I aced the big passes and smoked the brakes coming down US70 west into Las Cruces, NM. My trainer laughed and shook his head.
     
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  6. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    I miss running 70/54. Always hit the top facing east right before sunrise. Beautiful spot.
     
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  7. TheRoadWarrior

    TheRoadWarrior rocking-n-rollin again

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    Hunts point was a nitemare in its day and that's no tale. Hookers galore no place to park and theft of your load was not uncommon. Cabbage is a piece of cake now you want an Eticket ride go up to estes in the rocky mountain state park with a tractor trailer that will give u grey hair. Had to deliver up there and dodging motorhomes in your lane with a 1500 ft drop and no guardrail geesh...
     
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  8. Lucar

    Lucar Road Train Member

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    I was comfortable 1 month later after I started.. no schooling, my uncle gave me the truck under cruise control at 65mph one day, jumped out of the seat and called me to climb on the driver's seat and take the wheel.. still, I got my license 2 years later.
    the best advice I ever got from my uncle was, and take this and use it to the extense of the phrase .. "if you are not sure you fit, don't go throw it!"
     
  9. Chewey

    Chewey Light Load Member

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    Six weeks may not be long enough for some but really you have to figure out problems yourself and there is no classroom like the real world. Just remember to not be afraid to ask for advice...take no chances unless you are 90% sure of a good outcome...get out and look..and dont forget to take a deep breath and look out the side windows some...dont see views like that from an office window:biggrin_25524:
     
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  10. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    After 20 years somedays still get you.


    Keeps you safe when you still have a pucker factor
     
  11. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

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    The "learning curve" you speak of should never end. You should always be trying to learn new things, whether in trucking, or life in general. You will become more comfortable as time goes on, but never stop asking questions and learning. The day you think you know everything, and don't have to learn is the beginning of the end....I think most experienced drivers will agree. After 12 years doing this, I still seek advice of others when I'm unsure. I've even asked rookies when in doubt (though I am still a rookie myself)... Good luck
     
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