are expectations high for new CDL graduates?

we all are inadequate when we start
some days we still are
GOAL is always a good plan

 

Im only a month or so ahead of you, just finishing my orientation. Seems like backing was the weak point off 90% of us here, myself included. Im finally getting to the point were the ones I really butcher are slightly less frequent then the ones that seem ok. Experience is gonna be the key to this industry in my eyes. Everyone was new at some point. If your instructor is worth his salt he should be able to tell you if your ready or help you till you are. You arent expected to be great when you get your first job, thats why they have orientation. It helped hone my skill (not that they are exactly sharp yet) and you also get taught the companies way of doing certain things. Keep a good attitude and remember these folks want to help you become a successful driver, and you will do fine.

 

The goal of training (school) is to get you able to pass the test. Don't kick yourself about your backing. I did so bad in school that I had at least one more week just doing backing all day long......with 4 different instructors helping me....LOL

No company expects you to be perfect at anything. It all comes with time, practice, and patience.

 

Schools exist to teach you just enough to pass the test and get a license. The rest happens later. Most usually go out with a trainer for a few weeks or months. The real learning happens when you are by yourself and continues until you retire.

 

as a recent "graduate" i will say this. as stated on this forum time and time again. the "schools" for the most part all have one thing in common, well two things, 1. they like your money (can you blame them) and 2 they teach you the basics. just enough to pass the exam at the DMV. again, not to sound cliche but, i now have my cdl. am i a truck driver yet? heck no! i went to the dmv very nervous. i would imagine nearly everyone does. im pretty sure the examiner understands you are nervous and are new and your skills obviously arent going to be as good as a seasoned vet.
I had a very nice examiner which helped me relax a bit. stay positive, take your time and try not to overthink it. you're siking yourself out already and you still have a week to go..... stay positive!

look at it like this: there are thousands upon thousands of trucks on the road, i will garantee not a single one of those drivers were born with a gear shifter in their hand.................

 

All that CDL does is make it legal for you to learn how to operate commercial trucks. Nothing on that license says you have mastered every skill . It takes practice, and that takes time , to become a competent truck driver. Just keep trying, get as much driving time as your school will offer, and learn to not get stressed out when confronted with a difficult situation. Stay cool, practice, and you can do just fine.

 

I was.... Wait... Oh you ment, ok not that one Never mind....

 

Like the other poster said, these schools are there just to teach you the basics and prepare you just enough to able to go out in the real world with a trainer. When you finish school by no means are you a professional driver.

You are going to learn more on day one with your trainer then you did the whole three weeks of school. Once you spend a good 11 hours straight behind the wheel you feel a lot more comfortable. Also after a week of hectic, tight, congested backing you will feel a lot better about that too.

It takes practice man, give yourself a break! You've only been at it a short time! Chances are you are doing better than most.