How about some tips from trainers on how to be a good trainee..

If I were a trainer...
I'd have my students backing alot, every time we were waiting for a load or at a terminal or anytime there was an opportunity to practice their back ins, not just 45s but all situations of backing, my favorite style of backing is a hook shot and when they get good enough to do a double hook shot, they can have my blessing
.... That's where I would start and I know there's more to it but this is the area most new drivers have a problem with
.... I use to have this problem also myself at first but I think as the driver becomes more comfortable with backing, he becomes a better driver altogether

 

Be willing to learn, don't come in acting like you know everything already. There is no such thing as a dumb question. Respect the trainers truck, you will be sharing this space together, but it's his/her house. If they have rules, abide by them, a good trainer will let you know what's expected of you from the start. On the other hand, don't let a trainer disrespect you, or just use you as an extra log book. There are some good training programs out there, if you do your research you will find them. Good luck!

 

Never trained but one thing comes to mind.

What you learn in school and what happens in the real world can be 2 very different things. Don't 'tell' the trainer why they are doing it wrong.

That doesn't mean don't question them and it sure doesn't mean take everything they do as the right way to do things. Just remember you're there to learn what you can from them and apply it to what you already know.

Though it would be nice if all trainers were perfect reading a little on this forum makes it obvious they are not.

 

If you have down time beyond your ten hour break, use this time for education. Read the owner's manual for the truck. Become very familiar with the Qualcomm/Peoplenet or whatever system is onboard. Even read industry magazines. Help yourself as much as you can. Your trainer has a short time to do a big job.

 

Put both hands on the wheel. don't tailgate. About 70% of student ride with 1 hand on the wheel like they already got it down. Once they blown a steer then they realize they need both hands on the wheel. when students tailgate then ask me if they could pass I say no. you're tailgating, you can't even see what's in front of him maybe a convoy of trucks. Those 2 are my pet peeves

 

sevenmph is spot on with this...you can learn a lot from an owners manual.

Hold your trainer accountable as well...in a professional way.

 

The first thing I see students do wrong is they show up for orientation not ready to work. They show up to orientation THEN have to go home to take care of business, THEN come back and wait for a trainer. THEN, they need a vacation. We are not on vacation. A good trainer is going to work you...do you understand? His job is turn you into a driver. A steeringwheelholder is NOT a driver. What is a Driver? A Driver is a person that can drive anything through any sort of weather or terrain. Not saying that you have to. I am saying that you have to be able to.

So you are in a trainer's truck to become a driver. So get all preconceived notions that you can drive out of your head. Should make it easier for you to learn now. Are you ready to work?

I drive straight through. I don't stop until the day is done. Not saying that you have to do the same. In order for me to put in long days, I have to be comfortable at the beginning. Get up, take a piss. Take a big ol dump...gravity feed it if necessary. Get rid of any potential mudslides. 1 bottled water, and maybe a pack of peanut butter crackers and some gum. I can't eat heavy before driving. Slim fast works wonders for me on the days where I have to load and drag chains and tarps. It's not heavy, takes a few seconds to chug down, and it will help curb the hunger pangs.

Your company should give you the green and white federal regs book. READ IT.LEARN IT. Your trainer should explain it. You may realize that some trucking companies will pay you for what you know instead of what you do.

Be sure to travel light. A pack of tees, 4-5 pair of jeans, pack of socks, 2 pair gloves, shower stuff in 1 duffle bag, and a pillow, a sweatshirt (coat in the winter) wrapped up in a sleeping bag. Time is extremely important in the trucking game. Whenever you get the time, set up a little bag with a change of clothes. Some times, you have to be quick to get a shower in. Always having your gear ready to go gives you the edge.

Last year, I got on a GreyHound bus to go pick up a motorcycle. While on the bus, we stopped at a truckstop. Had a female driver sitting next to me. The bus driver said that this would be a 10 minute stop and for people not to try to order food out of the restaurant because he would leave on time and the next bus wasn't going to be through there for 24 hours. I got off the bus, did number one, got me some peanut butter crackers and a bottled water, got right back on the bus. The female driver wasn't in her seat. The bus driver hopped on, closed the door and left. She missed the bus, but all of her gear was still on the bus. What does this have to do with trucking?
Well, we see quite a few new people say that they CANT SLEEP, DIDNT GET ENOUGH SLEEP, or are TIRED. Remember, you are running the trainer's schedule, not yours. You stop for the day, don't trash around in the drivers lounge. Don't stay on the phone. No video games. Don't sit at the lunch counter for hours on end. You should be able to grab a shower and dinner and be back in the truck in under an hour. If you have trouble sleeping while the truck is moving, hen you have to give yourself every opportunity available to get good sleep. Remember, you have to be ready to work. We are not on vacation.

 

Respect the boundaries and rules of the trainer's truck. Listen to what the trainer says. These are two big ones.