Profile For Puddle_Jumper

Week 4 annnnnnnnnd done. Thank you all for the support. The last 4 weeks have been a bit rough,,,,but I learned! * Learned to drive a manual transmission * Learned straight backing, cross over backing and parallel parking ( didn't even do this with my car much less a semi with a 48 foot trailer) The hour plus commute each morning and night took more of a toll on me than I thought it would,,,but in the long run,,,it was worth it. I really believe if I can do this,,,,,anyone can if they want it as bad as I did. I tested out yesterday and passed,,,,did I pass with flying colors????? No,,,,,but I passed with plenty of room to spare :) Was I nervous as hell???? Yes I was! That drivers seat was so hot I thought I was hitting early menopause. ha ha And yes,,,,,I still ground some gears..... If you are just starting out in training and you are a little frustrated,,,,,don't give up,,,,it does get better and believe me,,,,it does get easier each time you step into the cab. Wishing you all the best and safe travels :)

Week 2~Day 1: This week is starting off much better. It's like a whole new instructor. Firm, but fair. (Even got to see a smile or two :) Today we got to learn how to drive with a 48 foot trailer on. Shifting is much easier than it is just bob tailing I think,,,,but those corners aren't much fun when you're still trying to figure out how to shift. Not sure what to write to get a bit more advise and support on here, but I do thank you ChickieMonster for taking the time. Like any newbie at this,,,,I am soaking up all the information like a sponge and hoping to come out of this with not only a CDL, but the confidence (not arrogance) that goes with being a successful driver.

Thank you,,,,ChickieMonster! Got a feeling that my instructor has a beef with women in general. Tomorrow is the start of a new week,,,,,,and I'm ready to learn all I can and bite my tongue. Staying positive and keeping my eyes on the prize :)

Started my CDL training last Tuesday (5/31/2016) at a private school. 3 people attending (2 males and 1 female---Me :) Day One: Not too bad,,,,videos, log books and etc. Day Two: Class size down to 2 as one male quit. Not sure I blamed him as the instructor wasn't very nice or helpful when he was struggling to figure out how to make sense of the log book as having never seen one before. I felt badly for the way he was being talked to..... Class mate and I got 3 up shift and downshift runs on the simulator. After lunch we were in a truck and expected to just know how things operate. Instructor wasn't very patient and if you made a mistake or wasn't up to his expectation he kept repeating himself until you couldn't even hear yourself think. Imagine at every turn,,,someone was in your ear saying "Turn, Turn, Turn, Turn, Turn" Etc. I'm not the best at downshifting. But every time my RPM's where down too far I hear "13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13" even though I realize my mistake and am trying to correct it. Not going to lie,,,,after listening to him and getting frustrated,,,,my RPM's would go to 17 and I'm grinding my teeth as much as the gears :( Day three: Dreaded coming to class after yesterday, but here I am. Same scenario as yesterday. Except now I notice my classmate isn't getting hounded like I am,,,,yet we are both making mistakes. I am getting more frustrated and the more he makes me drive,,,the worse my shifting is. Having a real struggle with being in fourth gear at a stop sign and having to shift into fifth gear into the turn. Was always told to never shift into a turn,,,,but here we are. I'm getting better,,,,but mentally wondering if I can tolerate this bully for 3 more weeks.... End of day,,,,now have 72 miles under my belt and now we have a weekly evaluation. I wasn't shocked to see I scored low. Hopefully Monday will be better as we will be under a 48 foot box trailer from now on. Any tips to help this learning process???