Driver Confidence

Hello all,

I'm checking back in, I've been solo for about two weeks now and things are going well. However I've noticed that there are times where I feel like I didn't get enough training or the right kind of training, and that messes with my confidence as a driver. I've had two occasions where I found myself and my rig in a place where I probably shouldn't have been. These were parking lots, I was in them because I got lost, and I didn't trip plan properly, and my judgement for space relations wasn't the best (it's improving). I found that I had to stop and get out and look around me and figure out a way out, I also used google maps to scope out where I had space to maneuver.

Since, I've done my best to correct my boo boos, I've done so by scoping out a place before I get there, and seeing where I can maneuver or at least stop to call for directions. But my concern about this is, is whether or not this stuff is normal for a new driver, or is this lack of training?

Another thing I'd like to bring to light is my backing, it's so so at this point. I feel like I'm starting to see how exactly I need to set up but sometimes it takes a couple trys and I'm just plain slow about it. But I've concluded that I need to back at every opportunity that presents its self for practice. I made this decision after trying to get into a pull through spot and nearly getting stuck, I was able to get out of it by wiggling the tractor around, and eventually I bought myself some space but it was embarrassing and entirely too close to other trucks for comfort.

Again, I love this job, for me it's a lot of fun but I just feel like a total rookie. I feel like I've gotten into more tight places though than I should have. I go slow though and I haven't hit anything, and I'm not afraid to get out of my trucks 10 times to look, that's been my saving grace. Does all of this sound right for a rookie driver? Or am I doing something wrong here, I wanna know if I have a lack training issue, or if this is just normal inexperience that I need to learn my way out of one step at a time.

Thanks, Dan

I am only in CDL school at this point, but based on everything I've read and heard, it sounds like you are experiencing normal rookie problems! Give it some time and patience and it will all come together.

Best of luck and keep trying and practicing every chance you get!

Sounds like rookie stuff to me. Don't let it get you down. Even drivers out there that have been driving for 20 years aren't perfect all the time. Good luck,

Hello all,

I'm checking back in, I've been solo for about two weeks now and things are going well. However I've noticed that there are times where I feel like I didn't get enough training or the right kind of training, and that messes with my confidence as a driver. I've had two occasions where I found myself and my rig in a place where I probably shouldn't have been. These were parking lots, I was in them because I got lost, and I didn't trip plan properly, and my judgement for space relations wasn't the best (it's improving). I found that I had to stop and get out and look around me and figure out a way out, I also used google maps to scope out where I had space to maneuver.

Since, I've done my best to correct my boo boos, I've done so by scoping out a place before I get there, and seeing where I can maneuver or at least stop to call for directions. But my concern about this is, is whether or not this stuff is normal for a new driver, or is this lack of training?

Another thing I'd like to bring to light is my backing, it's so so at this point. I feel like I'm starting to see how exactly I need to set up but sometimes it takes a couple trys and I'm just plain slow about it. But I've concluded that I need to back at every opportunity that presents its self for practice. I made this decision after trying to get into a pull through spot and nearly getting stuck, I was able to get out of it by wiggling the tractor around, and eventually I bought myself some space but it was embarrassing and entirely too close to other trucks for comfort.

Again, I love this job, for me it's a lot of fun but I just feel like a total rookie. I feel like I've gotten into more tight places though than I should have. I go slow though and I haven't hit anything, and I'm not afraid to get out of my trucks 10 times to look, that's been my saving grace. Does all of this sound right for a rookie driver? Or am I doing something wrong here, I wanna know if I have a lack training issue, or if this is just normal inexperience that I need to learn my way out of one step at a time.

Thanks, Dan

Yep. Sounds right to me. Especially the part about pre-scoping-out a location and backing every chance you get. I find myself purposely backing into truck stop parking spots because the places that I think would be easy are the worst.

Sounds about right... Pull throughs are tricky. The key is to make sure you have enough room to get your trailer lined up with your tractor.. If the back row is full I won't do it but if you can use the empty spots go right ahead and remember its like the fuel island gotta stay wide then turn into it to get the trailer lined up...

Google maps works really good before you get close to where your going.... Don't wait till its too late....

Your doing great keep up the good work and go slow so you don't hit anything...

You know I am not quite sure it's all rookie stuff ladies and gentlemen. Sure you are going to improve over time and feel a bit more confident every load you carry everyday you behind the wheel. Soon your trip planning will be second nature and your backing will begin to flow. You'll begin to feel more confident everyday. Sounds great right?

After my first year on the road I still get that little uneasiness now and then. I still have days where the truck just won't do what I want it to do! It humbles me at times and aggravated me other times. Yes I will admit i still get that knot it my stomach. I still get a little paranoid ( I call him Herb). Yes Herb is with me part of the day sometimes just to say hello. Herb means a lot to me he keeps me on my toes, he makes me look over my shoulder, check the rear views twice. Yes Herb is alright by me because Herb keeps me safe. Everyone should have a Herb, he keeps us from being overconfident and careless. It looks like to me you have already found him. He has kept you safe so you make him your best friend.

"Go to the head of the class, Dan!"

Why? Because you realize you still have things to learn. No one gets into their first truck knowing everything there is to know to be an experienced driver.

You're like every rookie. Just don't hit anything! I started getting more comfortable a few months into my driving career. After the first year or so I got even more comfortable, and to this day I might feel comfortable handling a rig, but there is ALWAYS something else to learn.

Being comfortable comes with experience, just don't let that confidence turn into bravado by becoming a brazen super trucker, or apathy by becoming careless.

Sounds normal to me. Your experiences are exactly what I'm going through. I haven't had what I would call a routine day since I started this adventure.

Again, I love this job, for me it's a lot of fun but I just feel like a total rookie.

News flash: you ARE a total rookie!

Like everyone else said, this is totally normal, don't even sweat it. I'm 9 months in and there are still days when I feel like you do.