Student Driver Who get's nervous while driving!!!

Well I remember the first time I drove back in the 80's; I had just received my chauffeur's license becuase a friend of the family offered me a driving job. Trained me in about a days worth in a Kenworth W900 with an 18 speed and then sent me on my way with a load of split rail fence. My first trip was down 79 to 19 South followed by SANDSTONE MOUNTAIN...#### I was scared sheetless. It was what he said when I called him that blew my mind "you still alive after Sandstone, then you will be alright." Drove for him on many occasions for 2 years before leaving at the ole lady's request. It was a dandy way to learn....

 

BTW, my point was; we all get scared and being afraid has some good aspects. At least you know that you have to respect the truck, the road and the drivers around you. Just take your time and do not rush.

 

I was the same way when I first started. When you get a feel of the truck and have more confidence in yourself being able to control the truck it'll become second nature.

 

This was me exactly. I just graduated a few weeks ago. During training I would get so mad at myself when I couldn't nail a downshift that the mad would start override the nervousness. One time I actually threw both hands in the air I was so frustrated. (Don't do that!)
Everyone kept telling me that I was doing much better than I thought. That must have been true because I aced the driving test. I bet you'll do the same.
Deep breaths!

 

I am still in school till March 27 and I analyze what I did when driving each day by driving the route again in my car. This helps me see what I did really good at and what I need to do differently. It especially helps to see what your strengths and weaknesses are for the day. I hope this tip helps you. If you aren't able to drive it then at least write the trip on paper and analyze it that way. Being nervous just means you care! Try to relax & good luck!

 

The guy that posted about not "concentrating" overmuch and just "doing" was correct, to a point. Not advocating the don't worry about it approach, but the more you stress about it, the bigger the problem makes itself. Downshifting is important and you need to learn how to do it, BUT it will come to you. I was really, really bad at it at first. Also took me almost 6 mo before I would "float" gears. Do you or did you by chance ever drive a stick before driving the truck?

 

Good luck and keep at it. Take a few deep breaths before driving and dont worry about the what ifs when it comes to the downshifting. Take your time and think about improvement ..Once its over and you get the hang of it your gonna wonder why you were so hard on yourself. Perfection comes with time my friend..