Scared nervous and just a big mess!

Well, I just felt that flat out suggesting he picked the wrong industry and that he should rethink his choice after he already stated he knew he wanted to do this was pretty outlandish, that's all I was trying to point out.

And yes, you have way more experience than me. With that said, however, I think it's safe to say that it's likely that I probably remember what it was like to be new better than you since it was more recent lol

I remember when I first started driving, I took 5 days off after being out for a month straight. When I returned to work it felt like I forgot a lot of things, and it took a day or two to get back into the swing of things. At this point, however, I can take off a couple months and start back up like no time has past. It's a constant learning experience still, well after any training periods and CDL tests were completed. It's just way too early to flat out say this guy isn't cut out for the industry.

 

Yessir, I read that and fully agree.

 

It is normal to be nervous. Hopefully you are nervous a little the first time you are in bad weather. It will help you slow down and not drive like some of these idiots on the road do. Just do your best and you will be fine. I passed everything first time when I was 20 years old so you can do it.

Get 2 or 3 years experience then find a good job for the rest of your driving career. I got on at abf freight at 26 years old, been there 9 years exactly today!!!

 

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Don't listen to the negatives. There was a woman in our class with pretty nails, make up to the gill, dressed like a diva.... one that didn't fit the mold. She failed her first two tries and the instructor asked me to help her. She passed her third attempt. That was in 1995. She is still driving today with a clean record.

It's normal to be nervous. I took my test in December with the window rolled down I was sweating so bad. There is a lot on a new driver that focuses on that one moment. Not just the driving but like you said a family to support, etc. The instructor is just another Joe. Don't let him intimidate you. Just be confident and tell yourself you are going to do it.

I know all about the yelling stuff. That's about the poorest way to teach someone something. People like that don't need to teach if they don't have patience.

 

Man; just get in the truck and DRIVE it like you have been trained and instructed to do, even after you PASS your tests an get your CDL the NERVOUSNESS has just really begun. This is a PROCESS we all went through until you have obtained the skills necessary through months of OTR training, then and only then will those fears fade away !

 

Everybody gets nervous at times. Don't worry about it. I might go back to that school and just beg an instructor to give you ten minutes in the truck. All you need is one good ride, and your confidence will come back to you.

There is one little trick I used to use when I would come to work all stressed out. Just do a real slow walk around pre-trip checking all your tires and lights and etc. Walking slowly around the truck breathing some fresh air would relax me better than anything.

 

Drive it like you stole it.

 

Ran over some cones... yep done that.

I didn't get failed though, I did pass for some reason, been driving with no problem since.

Just remember that everyone gets nervous.

 

I wasnt nervous.. just simply wanted to hurry up and get it over with so i could get to work...

My wife tested at the same time and she was freaked...she passed easily ( actually did better than me ) and when the examiner came to the truck to tell her she passed my wife was crying her eyes out.

The examiner had me come to the truck and my wife is sobbing and apologizing for failing the test. When i told her she had passed she immediately jumps out of the truck and starts doing her happy dance....cracked everybody up...