Start Training The 3rd Of January. Very Nervous!

Hi guys and gals,I'm new to the forum. I will be heading to training the 3rd of January. I am very excited as this is something I have always wanted to do,but at the same time I am so worried about my wife and family,and being away. They are supportive, but Ive never been away from my wife. Anyway,wanted to say hello,amd maybe looking for some reassurence. Thanks, Greg

Hey Greg I start training on the last week of janurary with swift. I am nervous as well. I’m not married just nervous about the whole process !We got this brother ! Wish you many blessings on you and your family

Hello Greg, welcome to our forum!

Each of us was nervous to ship out on that bus not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into - It's a very common battle we each have struggled with. It doesn't help that everywhere you look online truckers are bad-mouthing the industry. I certainly can't predict how you'll do, but I do know it takes a great deal of Commitment to succeed at this.

Both you and your wife will need to be committed to it if you make it work. Keep in mind there's going to be roller coaster like emotions driving you nuts during the training period and your first few months of solo driving. That's the crucial time period which usually wipes people out if they can't muster the commitment needed.

If you just can't get accustomed to the wonderful lifestyle of an Over The Road truck driver, then at least hang in there for that critical one year anniversary date. At that point most local type driving jobs will be able to consider hiring you. Then you can be home in the evenings.

One more thing. There are some very fine flat bed companies that get their drivers home on the weekends. Look into TMC, Maverick, and McElroy.

Greg, Welcome. I too will be heading to school with SWIFT in Idaho on the 3rd of Jan. Crazy emotions already. If you haven't been studying the High Road training program on this site, may I suggest ya get on it. It has been a priceless training tool for me and others. Currently working on the weights and balance segment and just finished the HOS segment. I could not imagine going into training without prior study of this program.

I only live 1.5hrs away from the academy. I was up that way yesterday and swung in and spoke with a student when he was on a smoke break. Looked over the training field. Actually walked in on the class ( what a bone head) everyone was so focused on their studies that no one even noticed me, not even the instructors. I live so close that I'm just going to take my camper up and live in it for the duration of training. The RV park is only 5min away from the academy. At least my wife can come up and see me on Sundays. Good luck to us.

Hi guys and gals,I'm new to the forum. I will be heading to training the 3rd of January. I am very excited as this is something I have always wanted to do,but at the same time I am so worried about my wife and family,and being away. They are supportive, but Ive never been away from my wife. Anyway,wanted to say hello,amd maybe looking for some reassurence. Thanks, Greg

Thanks guys,I wish you guys the best also,maybe we will cross paths in the near future. Thanks for the comments and the tips.

I'm trying really hard to not get to worried about everything, but it is difficult getting into something like this, so many variables,so much unknown. I'm working my way through the cdl training here on this site,and doing ok, but does anyone have any other pointers on what I should be studying up on prior to going to training? Thanks in advance,I am thankful I have found you guys.

We have a ton of materials here that will help you prepare for this.

I highly recommend that you take the time to listen to some of Our Podcasts. They are well done, and specially designed to help new drivers get into this unscathed.

You also need to check out the following links and spend some time reading these things. There is a wealth of great information here.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Study that High Road program hard. That's the stuff you're going to need to know for the written exams and for doing your job out there.

I think the most important thing to do when you're entering something as difficult and complex as trucking is to focus on yourself and what you can do to learn more and be a better driver. Try like crazy not to think about the unknowns and the number of variables because it can certainly be overwhelming.

Everyone is very nervous early in their career. That's totally normal. The harder you study and the better you prepare yourself the more confident you will be and the easier it will be to control your nerves.

One moment at a time, one day at a time. Don't analyze the big picture too much, don't try to take it all in at once. Focus on the here and now and prepare yourself well. You'll be fine.