RJ: You thought that was "thoughfull?" :lol:

Naw.... that's just my usual off the cuff rant! Uturn said as much in fewer words, and Deus put more thought into HIS reply! I know... cuz I could see the steam coming out of his ears! :wink:

I'll be honest with you. I did about two turns around the yard and then the instructor said, "Let's go! Out there! (like in Star Trek.) I was psyched and READY!! But then, I was also first in line to jump out of a perfectly good airplane when I tried Skydiving! :lol:

I fear NOTHING! (Well.... maybe WOMEN!) That's just ME!

I am ON THE RECORD as saying that trucking is NOT for Wussies! There are too many, IMHO, who think they can do this, but would go to the doctor for a common cold! :roll:

But, almost ANYONE can LEARN to do this... if you have some guts!

I don't know what you're made of... or your wife. But, I remember a post or two of yours and I thought you were worth my time! Heck, according to CFM, I give it away to my company for FREE all the time! :roll:

The fact that you are HERE, reading this forum, doing your research, and asking advice, speaks VOLUMES for you... in MY book!

And YES.... you are being overprotective of your wife! WHEN she gets her CDL, she'll be your equal on the road! (and should be so in your LIFE!) Your life (and perhaps MINE) will depend on her KNOWING that she can do this just as well as YOU.... or ME!

TEAM driving is not, or should not be, a 60/40 split! I don't team with a wife, but trust me.... YOU will always want to "protect her," and SHE will always want to outdo you! TRUE harmony will come when YOU have full RESPECT for her, and SHE no longer feels the need to prove herself to you! (The instructors are SECOND on her list!)

Okay.... NOW I'm getting that "thoughtful" feeling! I better stop while I'm behind! :lol:

Here's an idea! Take her to the local truckstop and let her watch OTHER new drivers doing their thing! If she doesn't say, "Well... I can do better than THAT".... I'll eat my hat!! Sometimes, this is ALL it takes to give someone the confidence they need!

Keep us posted!! I really DO care! (but don't TELL anyone!) :lol:

Hobo

 

I very much remember the first day off the schools "property" and into the real world enviroment. Consisted of a right turn onto a very busy street near Allentown, Pa. RT 309s. The first turn needed the entire road from the driveway out of the school across the road and nearly to the curb on the otherside. (Had to wait for both lanes to clear). Then it was city driving for quite awhile (traffic lights, railroad crossings, overpass and their height signs to read etc). Traffic milling all about the truck and trailer throughout the trip. Plus still learning to properly up and down shift, was adding to the intimidation, and learning curve.

All the replies on the post have been excellent, especially you golfhobo. Well said.
Not much I can add to help, because it was said very well.

What I will add: Get used to scanning the mirrors (all of them) very very frequently when in city traffic. Always know who and what is around your truck and trailer, even when moving straight down the road. Be aware at all times where other vehicles are when around you. Be very aware of where the trailer is tracking at all times. Vigilance ahead of the truck, proper planning on where its going, (thinking ahead), and continuous usage of the mirrors.
Keep in mind the speed limit of the city road and drive at or below it, at all times. Remember you are in an 18wheeler, dont try to drive it like your 4wheeler. Take as much speed off the speed limit that will make you comfortable. Dont hesitate to drive 15 in a 25 if you have to...dont out drive the truck. Other traffic will have to deal with you as you are learning, and even after the completion of CDL school and well into your career.

Another point that just came to mind about city driving. Many of your customers will not be immediately off some 4 lane interstate, at the bottom of the ramp, hang a right, and theres the customer. You will be traveling many city streets, while trying to "search" for the customer, and doing all the above, this will add to the workload. (This could be a positive for team drivers, extra set of eyes to give direction to the customer).
Keep you speed down to a level that you can handle the additional workload of city driving, and extreme vigilance in the mirrors.

Best wishes to the both of you in you training and career.

 

My first was a country roads and hardly anyone around

 

Thanks, Drew! ops: But did you mention the MIRRORS??? :lol:

I have to second this wholeheartedly!! Especially in town!

I have a rule. If you see a car pass you "out of nowhere" and say WOW!! Where did HE come from more than ONCE a week, you are asleep at the wheel and dangerous!!

I can move 80,000 lbs and 53 feet of trailer across 3 lanes or more, at a moments notice, to avoid a possibly dangerous situation.... BECAUSE I always KNOW if those lanes are CLEAR or not!!

I can tell you the number, colors, and makes of every vehicle around me at all times! Especially (as it makes sense) the ones BEHIND me in ANY lane!

Of course, if I drove a 55 mph truck, and spent my life sucking the bumper of the USX or J.B. Hunt truck in front of me..... this would hardly be necessary. But STILL a good idea!

But, I drive a truck that has the ability to pass both trucks and 4wheelers on a consistent basis, and therefore.... I feel an added responsibility to be paying attention!

MOST drivers fear what is ahead of them. But, the REAL danger is what is beside or behind you! If you are not ALWAYS aware of this.... you need to park it and turn in the keys!

And don't get too comfortable with the big "side mirrors!" Learn to use the convex mirrors and the fender mirrors (if you HAVE them.) Picture yourself as seen by the hawks that fly overhead!

Know where you are at ALL times, as related to ALL OTHER TRAFFIC!

And when the traffic becomes more sparse..... pay CLOSER attention! This is when someone will come out of nowhere to pass you! Don't get caught saying, "Wow.... where did HE come from?"

It only takes ONE moment of malaise to cause a fatal accident! You are NOT getting paid to "bump a dock." You are getting paid to DRIVE THE TRUCK safely across this great nation.... without killing anyone!

The sights through your windshield are breathtaking at times! But, the view in your MIRRORS is what makes you a truck driver!!

 

Golfhobo said:

Excellent quote there, big guy!!! 2 thumbs up......(that could make a great signature line)

 

My first experience:
Pulling off the shoulder and onto I-70 near Columbus, OH at night in construction.
Yeah.....A little "hairy" for a newbie getting behind the wheel for the very first time.

No matter what the situation, do not hit anything, and do not let anyone rush you. If they think they can do it better & faster, toss them the keys.

 

There is nothing you can do other than put the miles on. It was 6 months before I had the confidence to not be scared anymore and worried. It just takes time and just pray you survive the learning experience without an incident.

The one thing that has been mentioned over and over here is take your time and don't rush. I've never had anyone bitch at me for waiting or going to slow. There have been maybe 2 times I rushed and I learned quick not to do that again. Both times I realized after it was too late that I just missed hitting that pole or car by inches.

Good luck to you both.