your rookie mistakes
 

I'm starting this thread so tha drivers can share the mistakes they. Made when they first got into driving. Hopefully it will help out the new drivers but be entertaing as well.

First big mistake, I passed my HGV 1. Next big mistake, using it.

I acted on a boyhood dream, without thinking it through.
I wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed then, either.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...ph-01-june.gif

Your boyhood dream was eating paste? :D

Can't you tell? Ever hear his views on politics? :)

More than anything my biggest rookie mistake was not understanding the world I had just stepped into. I thought truck-driving was about stopping for breakfast at a nice diner on a regular basis and getting to know the pretty lady behind the counter just a little. Lunch out of a box is fine. For dinner, of course it pays to make sure you're getting some decent nutrition and a little ambiance never hurt.

Hahahahahaha at me. It's more like grab an egg mcmuffin instead of a breakfast burrito because you'd have to sauce the burrito and that takes precious time. Sure lunch is out of a box but you might have to put it together while you're rolling. A nutritious dinner? hahahaha

why do cheese puffs and coffee come to mind?? haha

following my childhood dream atleast i didnt go in to farming

That's why I have my breakfast for dinner most of the time. I think I actually had "breakfast" at the correct time maybe 5 times in the past 12 years. Breakfast and lunch are usually whatever snacks I can reach from the drivers seat while rolling down the road.

whats breakfast?

Is that for breakfast, lunch, dinner or yes? :)

Biggest mistake was believing anything the recruiter told me about all the extras I'd get paid for or the miles I'd get.

Second was buying a CB.

@ Mal...I always eat breakfast for dinner.

breakfast is the only thing a truck stop can cook (hot turkey sandminches (i spell it that way) too) .

CB's are good on the road but at truck stops "stoooopid"

Biggest mistake? not getting my authority right away! so much better with it!:D

.....

no... actually, maybe my first mistake was I taught myself.
I studied the state pamphlet and passed the exams for class A, tanker and hazmat endorsements.
I studied one day, took the exams the next day.

I got a relative of mine to show me the basics with a couple hours of backing and shifting.
I was able to get a state evaluator at a local Star Rental where they will rent the rig and insure you for the exam...$250.
I flunked the first try... did all the practical exams in the yard, but couldn't handle the shifting on the road exam.

Went and practiced shifting a little more and took the exam again... $250 and passed. Total CDL $500 ... calling me a driver now... priceless. lol

Self-taught is hard to do now due to insurance. I got my Chauffer liscense in 1977 but had to go to school 2 years ago when I went back to driving.

Biggest Rookie mistake I made was getting together with my EX-wife. However when it came to OTR Driving Biggest one I made would have had to have been going to work for a Bottom Feeding company instead with a shiny Large Car insead of going where my heart said was a better company.