Problem is, I haven't been behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler since I got my CDL back in October! :shock: Most of the companies I applied for were not hiring drivers without experience at the time. I did have a job driving a straight truck for a paving company, but they laid us off in December when it got too cold.

I've had plenty of time to forget things such as, which air line goes where when I'm hooking up, and other things, I'm sure.

I'm sure most of it will come back to me when I get going, but I could sure use some tips. Hope I get through it OK. I'm kind of hoping I don't have to go with Swift...

When you test for a company, do they want you to pre-trip? Do they want you to hook up a trailer or do they pretty much have things ready to go? I'm a bit nervous...

 

Are you color blind? Red to red, blue to blue, and the electrical plug wont fit anywhere else.

Yes they will want you to hook up and pre trip. They want to see that you know the basics and most important parts. Tell them your situation that you haven't done it in a while and that you are extremely nervous.

I almost threw up on my driver examiner and have done a couple road tests since then when I thought I was going to move. I was so nervous it was hilarious but I aced both. Amazing what are nerves will do to us.

 

Woo hoo! Glad that's over. He said I did good, and that I should get a call from them today or tomorrow.

I found a couple of things that needed attention during the pre-trip. Also, the truck had a Super-10 or whatever you call it. I'd never driven one before, but it wasn't much different than shifting the two-speed axles of my youth.

Driving with someone watching is pretty nerve-wracking, but I only missed a couple of shifts and didn't knock anything over. Hope I get the job.