Newbie questions

Well I did my training a long time ago at C-1 in Indianapolis, IN. There was a ton of paperwork, make sure you pay attention to the hazardous material course. The driving range was the most fun, but it was 4 drivers to a cab. Once I made it through that and passed. I went home to wait on a trainer from the company I had chosen. I chose my company without any knowledge of the driving world. My suggestion to you is research your choices thoroughly, and don't just settle for the choices they offer. Do your own homework, and ask some drivers on the boards about those companies pros and cons.
After about a month at the house I had a trainer assigned to me. This guy was a good driver and a fair trainer. I have to tell you your first day in the trainer truck will probably wear you out. You are going to be stressed, and your not use to driving long distances. Don't panic it's normal and it does get better. Take sleeping while the truck rolls down the road. Most people can't do it when they first get in a truck, but your body will help you with that after a while. My suggestion to you is when you sleep while they are driving keep a bent knee facing the front of the truck. This will help keep you from falling out of the bunk.
Pay attention to everything the trainer tells you. Especially the logs and paperwork. The logs to help you with the company and DOT if you ever get stopped, and the paperwork is how you will get paid when you have your own truck. Take the time to learn how to read a map and try planning some routes on your own, then see if yours matches up with your trainer. Just a small note here always check your routing or direction to make sure a truck can travel it safely. Some shippers and receivers will give you four wheeler directions and you could find yourself in a tight spot. The good news is now a days they have computer routing through the qualcom this helps a lot, but is not fool proof. Check your clearance on bridges, and pay attention to signs that say "NO TRUCKS!".
Once you get out and get your own truck don't stop learning ever! It will get better and better. Those things you find hard to do will get easier with practice. Stay safe and never let your dispatcher push you to do illegal or dangerous actions. It's your license not theirs, and that training loan thing can always be prorated.L.O.L.

I hope that helps a little......

 

Goat - I can only tell you about my training/school experience because I have no real driving experience. I will leave that to the Professionals here. Before this year, I had been no closer to a tractor-trailer than the next lane on an interstate. I just passed my DOT CDL test (a traumatic experience!) so I'm a complete newb. I went to a tech school and we had classroom/book work (state CDL book, the little green DOT regs book, and Keller's Tractor-trailer textbook); we worked on the range backing/parking manuevers, and went out 3 students at a time with an instructor for road work. Double-clutching is covered extensively here - the transmission on a tractor is not synchronized so you have to watch your RPM's when you shift. Again, read the info that the Pro's have posted, they can explain it best. You have to learn to turn a corner so you don't run over the grass, corners, curbs, and *ahem* a stop sign. Your left leg will get sore, your right arm will get sore, you will wish you had taken tap or ballet because you'll feel so clutzy! You will get mighty dirty learning the truck. 5th wheel grease may or may not come out. (So far, not.) A Truck is a fascinating, huge machine with a lot of power and a driver carries a tremendous amount of public responsibility. You have to be a better, more cautious, more calm driver than you have ever been. There are a tremendous amount of regulations for Commercial Drivers and more all the time. Everything you do behind the wheel of any vehicle will affect your CD license. Listen to your instructors and if you have a question or are not sure about something ASK.

I did a lot of research before I was sure I wanted to do this. Learning to drive was the hardest thing I ever learned - and I'm not even a real driver yet! I am certain that professional drivers earn every single dime they are paid. Please do not think I am being gloomy; only being serious. I think it's a unique lifestyle and will suit me; everyone's reasons are different. Just be smart and make sure you know why you want to do this. Read everything you can on this board; there are people here who have the experience I don't and are graciously willing to share their knowledge.
Good Luck