Trying to remain positive... But #### !

Here's a little true story on how mindset can overcome nervousness and fear of failure, especially when it comes to CDL testing.

I had driven a 10-speed KW concrete mixer, which was only Class B CDL, even tho compared to most "semi's" on the road, it has a higher center of gravity, more "fluid/unstable" load, and I usually grossed over 75,000 lbs. Two years later, I wanted to get a Class A CDL after transferring my home state. I attended a 240 hr course at a local truck driving school, and saw that I had gotten very rusty with shifting. Part of this was because I had only floated previously, but now had to learn & do double-clutching for the road test.
During most of training, but especially the day before my state CDL road test, I couldn't shift worth a hoot and I KNEW it was due only to nervousness. I felt that I was being watched like a hawk by the instructor(s) and I subconsciously felt it was because I was a potential risk at damaging their truck/equipment (clutch, trans, etc) and that I was only a "greenhorn borrower" of THEIR truck, which they were allowing me to drive. I also felt nervous because I KNEW I had driven/shifted great in the past, but was feeling "low" for not being able to perform better now.

Day before CDL road test: Shifted/clutched even worse, as I felt the instructors were really expecting my full potential & perfection. And I was failing THEM.

CDL Road Test Day: The state DMV examiner approaches,, old rough-lookin' cuss, and barks commands as mean as a rabid dog. Took me 1/2 second to get the right mindset. As he entered the passenger seat of the cab, instead of feeling subserviant to the examiner, I immediately felt like... Hey fella, I'M the captain of this ship. This is MY truck, and YOU are the guest in MY truck. I KNOW I can drive & shift perfectly, and I will show you, Mr Stone Face Examiner. (Just don't say any of that out loud, lol)
I felt a confidence like never before.
Result: Performed the road test, honestly, like a 20 year veteran. The old man even smirked at the end and said "Pretty fine job, fella,, pretty fine".

Just goes to show how the right mindset and confidence can change ones performance... quite drastically.

 

Back when I started doing this everyone wanted you to have 2 years experience. I was like, How do you get experience when no one will hire you??? I had to spend some time at some really bad, driver abusive places to get the experience I needed.

 

I think most of us have.Thats where the saying(you have to pay your dues)comes into play.I deffinately had my fair share of bad companies.It takes a good yr of crap before things start to flow your way.

 

This is not sarcasm..I was raised on a farm and Dad had us shifting gears before riding a bicycle..After the Military I let my CDL slide until age 35 when I re-took it and flunked.. Do NOT lose your attitude friend..As it will help you with many other things as well.

Your REAL problems will start when you get a Trucking job.Just bein honest heah..

 

It's funny how just the smallest mental thing can screw you up, particularly when it comes to shifting.

I'm currently in a CDL Training program and yesterday we took the trucks on the road for the first time. All three students were doing really well with shifting until we started complimenting each other on the shifts, then It'd just all go to hell. We all laughed about it and recoveries were made. It just does to show that even when you're doing well... on occasion you're going to have a bad moment.

The big thing to remember: Don't panic.

 

Why would I not be serious?
Mary

 

The trucking industry has a turnover rate of 100%. They need you more than you need them. Keep applying. You'll land on your feet just fine.

 

Cause this happens all the time...

 

And I am sure you came out of the womb able to do this..Be quiet if you have nothing meaningful or positive to add.

 

Keep the faith LG. The very first turn I made on my pre-employment road test the examiner said, "umm, how long were your trailers in school?"

"48"

"Yep," he replied, "that was a 48 foot turn, now show me a 53' turn."

Got the job.

And there are lots of firms up in Bethlehem/Allentown looking, you'll find something.