PAM/Driver Solutions Training

Thursday started with another roll call. After that, instructor Wes came in and had us sign a sheet about coupling and uncoupling. Then he took us outside and showed us how to do it with one of the trucks. After that, we went in for a bit more instruction and then a test. I was the only one to make a 100. After the test, they released us. It was noon and we were able to stay and pretrip, stay and practice backing, go on a ride and get in some observation hours, or just leave. My teammate and I chose to start observation. We rode with a 4th weeker who was driving for his first time. He did ok, but it was a bit nerve wracking. Part of the reason was because it made me super nervous for when I get to do it. We rode for 3 hours, then we hit the off-set truck and started that. I did really good 2 of 3 tries. During the 2nd one, I had the truck and trailer at a 90 degree angle before I even realized it. I pulled up and backed it in with no problems. He said I did good for a girl. Finally, we left at about 4:30. We went back to the hotel, then to pick up a rotisserie chicken. She made a salad, deviled eggs, and some corn to go with it. It was dang good eats. After dinner, I packed up and drove home for the weekend. I'll follow up Monday...

Glad you are sticking with it!

You dont know how right Rob is. They say the whole process is the interview for a reason, and lateness will get you sent home. be as early as you possibly can.

hang i there and keep studying that pretrip. you got this!

My girlfriend made me a practice pad, y'all.

Hey that actually looks pretty cool. I have heard that practicing backing with a toy truck can really help you in the real world. Who knows? Sounds like you are having fun and keep the updates coming.

That's pretty slick! Bravo to her for building that.

I forgot to post last night. Got to school on time :) Then we went out for observations. I spent all day in the sleeper berth of a Volvo watching newbies drive. The first one was a woman who did excellent. And it was her first time! The next guy did ok, but not great. Then it was time to head back to the hotel. I hit the sack early because I was so tired.

Offset backing is no joke!!

Backing takes practice and patience. Just take it slow. Eventually you will just get it.

So the day started off with more observation. The guy I rode with was actually the same one I rode with that first time and he has improved drastically. It really gave me more hope for myself, lol. At 12, we had lunch at that church we ate at last week. After lunch, I hit the pad for offsets. Holy Heck, Batman! I didn't do too bad, but I'm a perfectionist, so I got really mad at myself for having to use those pullups. Came back to the hotel a bit early and then went to a fellow student's room for dinner. He is a vegetarian and found out I'm trying to eat healthier, so he invited me and my girls over. He made a veggie rice bowl with a side of kiwi. It was amazing! Then I came back to the room and watched some videos about backing. I think I see where I was going wrong. I am anxious to try it out tomorrow! I only have 1.5 hours left of observations, so that should be knocked out tomorrow, too. I really am enjoying myself and having a good time. The instructors are all really cool and helpful and the other students are great. Thanks for reading!