When am I no longer considered a new driver?

If I am doing all of the above, and some other things not listed here, where does that place a driver on the list of hierarchy of driver scale?

 

I run for a company that has very well maintained equipment... But that hasnt always been the case... And Regardless, even brand new equipment can have major mechanical problems 2 miles down the road from the dealer.

I carry brake cans, alternator, belts, hoses, electrical supplies, lights, valve stem valves, idler pulleys, filters, airline fittings, and some other stuff... And I know how to replace everything I carry and some stuff that I don't carry.

 

A lot of companies do not want the driver to have a pair of pliers or a screw driver in the truck, and for very good reason.
I used to have a letter in my shop that explained roadway drivers were not considered to be qualified to check their own oil, they would pay me to drive 18 miles to where they took their break to check their oil when one of them wanted to bs with the waitress a few minutes longer.

 

That’s what you do around this part of the country

 

This is a subject that makes people angry. I have actually sat with my mouth open in awe watching a guy go off about company drivers working on a truck. I have saved myself a lot of time by a quick look. I used to go by our shop and get bulbs and wipers. I got Oil for the APU and have been known to change a tire. The average wait for service is close to 2 hours and can be as long as 3 or 4, and can turn into eternity if the road mechanic doesn't have the proper parts. Same with reefers.

My father taught me a lot about what to look for when the truck won't go.

 

I'm with you 100% on doing something yourself in lieu of waiting on someone else. That said, I must confess my wrench turning abilities are pretty limited. Lights, glad hands / glad hand seals / light electrical is about my limit.

Hey, but as a former combat medic I'm can patch up mechanics. I had a blow out in Wyoming and the metal strands wrapped all around the wheel (super single). The Love's mobile truck shows up to change it and instead of just cutting the strands, he tries to pry them off with that 3 or 4 foot long pole they use to take the tire off the rim. It snapped up and smacked him right in the mouth and his tooth came straight through his lip. I cleaned and patched it up and told him he needed to get stitches, but only after he changed my tire! lol

 

Westerners not as sweet as Kentuckians??