2 Questions from a newbie.

Thank you for this! It makes me feel a whole lot better!!!

 

I've driven 26' trucks a few times and had no problems. Could back them up in tight places. However driving a tractor and trailer has me concerned. Backing a trailer on a fifth wheel is a totally different experience than a straight truck. Hope my instructors are patient souls.

 

The question was asked why not rest areas. Well, most of them do not have security and drug dealers, hookers, etc tend to pray on rest areas. I've seen so much in my short driving career that I could probably write a book. There are some truck stops that I won't spend the night just for the same reason. I don't like getting woke up at 2 am by a lot lizard banging on my truck, but since Idle Aire has come in, there are a lot less problems because there is someone on site 24/7 and they don't hesitate to call the police when one of the ladies comes on property.

Angel, yes the instructors are patient. As long as you are giving it a real effort, they will work with you.

 

It's funny, but I also thought of driving a truck when I rented a 26' from Uhaul. It must be the gateway drug to trucking. I

t was the first big one that I drove and it scared me too, especially since I liked to change lanes really quick back then. I almost ran a couple of cars off the road on my way from GA to ON, Canada.

Fortunately though, when I got into school for driving, it was easier than you'd think. The maximum allowable width for a tractor is surprisingly narrower than what you think you see when you're looking dead-on at a Peterbilt 379. I think it's a good career choice, and I'm even considering Schneider and being their ###### for a year and then using my credit and going O/O (as long as this trend toward increased fuel surcharges catches on with companies).

As far as the I-5...I've been up that road back in the mid 90s on a road trip. It's absolutely beautiful north of Fresno or so...the prettiest road in probably the entire continent. Good Luck fellow Newb.