A Young Woman's Perspective on Driving a Semi

I wont slam you, you are absolutely entitlted to your opinion and I welcome positive and negative feedback. Honesty is what is important. I would like to clarify that I will not be over the road. I will however be a regional driver for at least 6 months meaning I will be gone M-F. I am looking into local jobs as well, as that IS my ultimate goal. A lot of the reason I am doing this is BECAUSE I love my child. I wouldn't be able to take advantage of this without the constant support from my friends and family and they will help me get through the initial 6 months-1 year that I will be gone. I truly do appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

 

Today is Sunday, the day before I begin my CDL course. The day before the day that could begin the change that will change my life. I have read many positive and negative things about trucking and truckers and the like and, contrary to poular belief I have considered them all.

Truth be told, even without yet being a driver, I have learned that trucking is hard. There is so much more to it than he general public really knows. For example, have you ever wondered how drivers stay fit? How they eat? How they sleep? There is a science to living in a space the size of your closet.

I have so much more respect for those already out on the road that I find myself being especially courteous when driving near semi's. If I can be the ONE person that doesn't cut him/her off I have made my point.

At any rate, I have made my decision. Trucking is something I want to do. It is something I am ready to do. Now, the only thing left to do is learn how to do it. I will spend the next three weeks learning and training and practicing everything I can to be prepared to actually drive one of these things. It will be difficult. I will be required to throw out everything I know about driving and relearn it as if I were a teenager getting behind the wheel for the first time. I will dedicate my time to reviewing how to perform checks, how to diagnose problems and how to manuver a 70 foot long vehicle with no guide but two side view mirrors.

To the general public...have you ever considered how difficult that must be? If not, you will find out by reading what I have to say. I pride myself in being honest and as accurate as possible. I am thrilled to begin the learning process, but I have come to the conclusion that the real learning begins not tomorrow, but 3 weeks from now when I get in a truck and get on the road.

Bless those who are already out there pushing on and accpeting the new challeges they are faced with and best of luck to those who are beginning their journey as well.

I'm at peace with my decision and excited to get started. I am determined that NOW is the best time to learn, as my first time out will be over the winter, and if I can learn to drive in the winter I can drive through just about anything.

YAY!!


Don't forget to comment my blog (which IS identical to my posts here)
www.sarastruckingadventure.blogspot.com

 

My first day was INCREDIBLE! I must apologize in advance since I usually so extremely detailed, but today has been a very long day.
We mostly went over rules and regs. state policies and requirements in the morning.
We took two exams, one over the rules and regs...I scored a %94 on that one and then a general knowledge exam that was similar to what is on the permit test provided by the state, on that one I scored a %98. I was very proud of myself.
We spend a lot of free time studying this morning as we will be taking our permit tests at the BMV this week. I am taking mine tomorrow. Only the general knowledge, air-brakes and combination ones. I will save the haz-mat for Wednesday. We went over the pre trip inspection which I think will be the hardest thing to do, remember all of the points I have to point out etc. It wasn't crazy busy, we actually had a good amount of downtime.
Overall, it was a great experience. I am the only woman in the class, but all the guys are simply great. I loved it!