Training with a stranger.

It can suck on many levels but then again you can gain what you came for. That all depends on the trainer and how well you interact with them. If you get someone that knows very little then you can expect to take away very little. But if you get someone that really knows how to drive and knows how the truck works then you jump at the opportunity and learn all you can from them.

What I did years ago before the double sleeper came in was to stay to myself as much as needed, never talk about or spread rumors on another driver. Stay neat and clean as much as you can, and always clean up after yourself. That's the part of just living in the truck. Now you have to drive. You'll need to gain the trust of a stranger and show you're safe while driving. That's the tough one. I could never sleep going down the road with someone I didn't know very well. You'll need to prove to the trainer that you're worth his or her time and the same goes for the trainer. If you are not happy with what you get try to change but have a good reason. No matter how much the trainer knows you've got to remember that his or her word is going to be above yours. Try to learn and always go for the end result and that's you in the truck making a living. There's so much more but the best answers right now can come from the trainer. Good luck.

 

one thing nobody has said yet is if you get a good one you'll miss them the first time you take off by yourself.

 

I also appreciate the advice from you guys.

 

I know a lady who trained with J&R.
Her trainer would masturbate in the bunk with the curtain open while she driving.
She complained to dispatch but they laughed her off altogether.
Before long she jumped ship at a truck stop and took the bus home.
Now she has it on her DAC that she abandoned the truck.
She talked to a lawyer about it but she can't prove her case.
It's basically their word against hers.
So much for that idea.

 

Like Djtrype, I have had winners and losers. I spent several years training guys and gals. Yep, even trained women. That can be a problem if you don't set the ground rules early on and maintain a high standard. Either way, the truck was my home and they were guests. I tried to make them feel welcome and comfortable as possible. I would not tolerate sloppiness or lack of hygiene. But along with that, I tried to make the learning fun. The whole process can be a pleasant one with a good trainer and a motivated new driver. It is a dance, and both individuals have to do their part.

I eventually got "burned out" doing the job, so I haven't trained anyone for quite a few years. And I have no desire to do it again.