Finally Started School!

ALL I want is EVERYthing for nothing
and
I want it NOW!

Go git-'em Scooter!

 

That's the American way! And then came the recession. Wonder how that happened. Good luck ScooterDawg.

 

I would expect nothing less AfterShock... hehehehe

Thanks Hometime! I appreciate the well wishes...

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SO today I start out the day jumping in the back of the truck with two other students and the student that drove yesterday. We took off and he did considerably better today..... right up until the point where we were on a 5 lane highway turning left, facing a Swift driver, turning left from the opposing side. Our driver was worried about running head-on into him, so he hesitated, which prompted a comment from the instructor. Then we proceeded onto the next intersection, turning left into a 3 lane road. Our driver cut the turn short, cutting off a 4 wheeler. Then if that wasn't enough, out of nowhere appears a firetruck running red. The instructor told him to stop, the driver stopped (SLAM), and at that point he was totally frazzled. We proceeded on, turned right at an intersection, and he kissed the roadsign on the turn. "Game Over". Really felt sorry for him, but learned alot on that run. Ran the rest of the morning with another driver.

Came back from lunch and was told by the Lead Instructor that I would be in the yard with the rest of the remaining class (the rest were out driving) doing pre-trip inspections, 100ft backups and 45 degree backups. When it came my turn, I was so nervous (never even sat in the driver's seat yet (other than at dealerships)). Fired it up, slipped her in 2nd (Volvo), and coasted forward until the instructor (Victor) told me to stop. Then I backed her up. Stopped. Pulled forward. Stopped. Repeat x3. Then the other students did their turns. I was standing there, sort of by myself, somewhere WAY BEYOND THRILLED, but had to contain my excitement because I was among people that this was old hat. I got to do it again, then we went to the 45's.

And that is where I excelled. Please understand, I am not bragging, because I am FAR from "as good as it gets", but I nailed all 12 attempts on the first try. And we were expected to stop the rear of the trailer within a 12-16 inch area. Thank God for the pinpoint backing exercises from ambulance driving school. In that, we were taught that from the rear of the ambulance bumper step to the center of the rear tire was 6 feet, so you find your target zone, look 6 feet in front of it, find a landmark on the ground, and put your tire next to it. And it worked for the truck too. I was tickled to death. Gave me a real confidence boost!

Anyway, tomorrow will certainly bring another adventure and I can't wait to get started.

Thanks again guys (and gals). I'll be back with more tomorrow night!

 

I bet they knew anyway.

Hmmmmmmm
If I didn't know better, I'd be thinkin' you practiced backin' travel trailers ----- SOMEwhere.

WoW!
They TAUGHT you that in ambulance drivin' school?
ShuX HowdY --- I had to learn how to do that on my own. NObody ever taught me that.
But you ARE correct. That DOES git-'er-done.
You're a smart Dawg.

I'm tickled to hear that.

Good gawd!
What a (great) attitude you have, Scooter.

We'll be here waitin' to hear.

 

I think swifty teaches the 6 foot crunching sound rule...

 

congrats on your getting your permit.I think you'll be okay just keep a positive attitude and keep us informed as you progress through your schooling

 

congrats scooter, and good luck. Sounds like you will do alright, and before you know it you will driving the big truck for real.. Are they teaching you in a sleeper with a 53ft trailer or something else..

 

heheheehe yeah, but I am thinking my instructors would probably frown on the crunching thing hehehehehehehe

 

Thansk Ship! Yeah, I am told attitude is everything in this industry, and frankly, I am enjoying this so much, the positive attitude thing is actually coming naturally!

 

Hey Dragon.... Thanks!!! I sure hope you are right........

I am training in a Freightliner Classic Double Condo w/ a 13 speed Eaton Fuller, and a Volvo 70" Condo with a 10 speed Eaton Fuller. Both are hooked to a 53' Great Dane.
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Well today has come and gone. But there were two highlights....

Remember the guy that I rode with for two days? Well today was his last chance to pass the test. And I felt for him SO MUCH (because he really wants to be a Big Truck Truck Driver (maybe even worse than me)(if that is even possible)). And my heart just hurt for him so badly. He could do the drive, shift the gears, the whole nine yards. But when it came to the word TEST, it seemed like he just FREAKED. Obviously, it was simply a lack of confidence. So I came up with a plan....

I had a YingYang pendant that I had for years that was given to me by a friend. So I took it off the chain and when I got to school, I hunted him down, took him outside, and put it in the palm of his hand. I told him that it was given to me by a Shaman from the mountains of North Carolina, and it was blessed with good luck. Then I told him to put it in his pocket, rub it once when he got in the driver's seat, and GO DRIVE THAT ####### TRUCK! He went in his truck and I got in mine. When I got back to the yard 4 hours later, he was standing there with a huge grin and a big thumbs up. He passed. I swear he was two feet taller than he was when I saw him this morning. I congratulated him and told him to keep the pendant, and whenever he needed it, give it a rub and he would be just fine. We parted as he left to go get his license. You should have seen the look in his eyes.

The other highlight was that I got to ride with the other trainer today and see how he did things and what he expected. He was a great guy. Old timer that had his little tricks. Several of the other students didnt like his harsh mannerisms and quirky ways, but frankly, I was rather impressed and amused. Not taking anything away from the other trainer (whom I hold in high regard), but I learned so much from him as well. One would think (from an outside perspective) that sitting in the back of a truck for ten hours watching others drive would lose its "glitz" and training capabilities, but I picked up on a lot today. No regrets (but my south 40 is a little sore tonight).

I was told that I will probably get behind the wheel in the second half of next week, so I will bide my time and wait for my chance. I think that from what I have observed so far, I should be able to "drive that big truck", but I know it's not going to be easy.

For those of you reading this, but have never driven a truck, it would blow your mind to know how much all these BIG TRUCK TRUCK DRIVERS have to do and know. Certainly has been an eyeopener for me, and if you are getting ready to go to school or even considering it, understand there is a lot more to it than just holding the steering wheel and blowing an airhorn. Hats off to ALL of you drivers!

Well, I am off until Monday, so I'll have more for you then. Hope ya'll are enjoying the posts!