NC Truck Driving Training School at Johnston County CC

Things are going great! Just finished our first week in Smithfield.

THURSDAY was my first drive day. It was 3 students with an instructor. We spent the first 2 hours thoroughly going over everything inside the truck after we pretripped. The instructor was very good about answering questions and explaining all the systems and shift points etc. Then the instructor drove for about an hour. He explained everything he was doing. Clutching, rpms, reving, shifting, downshift, mirrors ect.

Then we went to a parking lot. We took a few minutes to stretch our legs and he asked who wanted to go first. No one said anything so I said I would. I was nervous as hell but thought getting it over right away was better than being more nervous in the sitting in the back of the truck watching. I hopped in the seat of a Freightliner 10 speed for the first time ever... I was just about crapping my pants. But I was also excited as well!! We idled around the parking lot doing low gear shifts. Up and back. Then the instructor said that was boring so let's go drive ON THE ROADS! WHAT?, Wait...you sure ?? -is what I was thinking. We went out on highway 70 in Smithfield and I drove for the first time.

I did ok! At first I missed a few shifts but after a little practice I was hitting those shifts pretty good. Had a problem getting some of the downshift. Gotta hold that rev before I clutch it in. I would let up on the accelerator before I clutched it in and miss that shift point. I got better though. I also got to remember what gear I was in! A couple times I had no idea. Grinding a gear also makes everything in your brain disappear! My mouth was drier that sand in the desert!

I drove up and down hwy 70 for about an hour. Then I pulled into a local restaurant and we had lunch. Parked right next to a Swift truck. I felt like running around the restaurant and high fiving everyone! What a thrill! I drove a tractor trailer and didn't hit anything or kill anybody!! Lol

My progress report said 'good first ride. THINK AND RELAX!' I can't wait to drive again. I drive Monday, Wednesday, Friday next week.

On Friday I was on the range. Doing the forward, straight backing, and coupling exercises. Doing pretty good at the forward. Didn't hit any barrels or barricades, just hit an out of bounds line and missed the 12" from curb Mark. Didn't hit the 'curb' though. The coupling excersize is pretty easy. Just have to remember all the steps. The straight back was a bit harder. I KNOW the way to turn to move the back of the trailer till I'm in the truck looking in the mirror then it all gets confusing. I improved as I did it a few times. Gotta really work on that. The other backing exercises we have to do in a few weeks look impossible at this point...but I am going to take each day and learn something and try to get better every day.

I have to say this. The instructor s at this school are increduble. They don't belittle you or yell if you do something wrong. They correct you and encourage you. I have read some horror stories about other schools. There is a woman in our class that is struggling remembering all the info. But the instructors have the patience of a Priest. Evenwhile driving the instructor was patient, respectful and encouraging. I think she missed every single shift. But the instructor stayed cool and calm. Really impressed with that.

So basically a week of firsts, adrenaline rushes, fear and learning! I have some great classmates. Learning which ones are serious and which ones would rather stand around and tell stories....

 

Wow, this week is flying. I dove on Monday again. Did pretty good...getting those upshifts and downshifts down. Getting those revs right!! As long as I keep my cool I do alright. If I get flustered it like getting a big brain wipe though! Just gotta think and keep cool.
All day Tuesday was on the yard. A lot of coupling, straight backing and forward excessive time. Getting better and better.
Wednesday was out in a different truck.Peterbuilt with a 9 speed. Had a rough time switching up. The clutch was so much different.Mr and just a different feel truck. I got better and better and my instructor was great. But the end of the ride I was doing much better. Gotta keep my cool.

I really am learning so much. I'm loving it!!!!!

 

Wow, this week is flying. I dove on Monday again. Did pretty good...getting those upshifts and downshifts down. Getting those revs right!! As long as I keep my cool I do alright. If I get flustered it like getting a big brain wipe though! Just gotta think and keep cool.
All day Tuesday was on the yard. A lot of coupling, straight backing and forward excersize time. Getting better and better.
Wednesday was out in a different truck.Peterbuilt with a 9 speed. Had a rough time switching up. The clutch was so much different. Different gear pattern and just a different feel truck. Missed a few shifts and about melted down. Sweating like a hostage! But my instructor told me to stop the truck k and gather myself. Got my self together and gave it my best. I got better and better and my instructor was great. But the end of the ride I was doing much better. Gotta keep my cool.

I really am learning so much. I'm loving it!!!!!

 

Thursday was another yard day. Pretrip, coupling, straight backing and forward exercises all day. The last 2 1/2 hrs everyday are spent in the classroom. We had our first written test that counted toward our grade. I got all the questions right.
We started digging into the FMCSA green book. Holy shot that's some confusing, convoluted, double speak legalese right there. Someone should write a cliff notes explanation for that book. We also started learning about logs. We will be logging like we are on the job for the last 5 weeks or so,of our time at school. I am blown away by the amount of information we are required to learn. I knew there was more to driving a truck than driving... but wow. Everyday my view of truck drivers grows. I respect and admire all that goes into it everyday. It isn't just turning a key and hitting the road. Between the Pretrip, federal regulations, safety factors, law enforcement, company regulations, crazy traffic and drivers and skill factors, I have a deepening respect for all of you professional drivers.
Friday was back out on the road. All city driving. My last 2 rides were out in the country. WoW!! It was hard enough driving down country ROADS! Add traffic lights, cars passing on the right, zooming in front of you, stop signs, tight turns, cars in the turning lanes, calling out all opposing traffic and low clearances to the instructor, calling out your gauges 3 times during your ride, looking in the mirrors every 5-10 seconds, other trucks.....it's surprising we made it back alive! Learned a lot about setting up turns, defensive driving, and watching out for the 4 wheelers. Very intimidating driving with all those factors to keep track of. Didn't have a bad ride. Just some rookie mistakes. Instructor told me I was going to make a good driver. That I just needed practice and experience. I am very grateful school is 6 more weeks and not 2 more like some schools.
Funny thing is happening though.... as I drive my 4 wheeler home everyday. When I approach an intersection I am thinking about positioning and setting up turns. When on the highway I am thinking about spacing, speed, what others are doing, and awareness of everything going on around me. This e experience is making me a much better driver all around.
Looking forward to Monday and week 3!!!