Tips For Minimizing Time In Training

Alexander one of the fundamental skills most every rookie must learn is keeping a heavily loaded trailer between the painted lines. It’s called lane control. High speed, lane control. Without this very rudimentary, skill you are a disaster waiting to happen.

Ask anyone on here with experience; true, real-world lane control is learned while road training and takes time, patience and care. Your school did not teach you this...they can’t. I can give you more examples, but this one is arguably the best.

Slow down. Your pooch can wait.

This is my very first post, I've been here for months taking it all in before CDL school.

Like you, I excelled at CDL school but like some of the guys have said here before me that's not even close to reality.

My trainer has been great, from day one he has been teaching me about everything, not just driving the truck. He tells me driving is only 30% of this business. You need to learn all the other things like planning your day, budgeting your clocks, properly doing a pretrip to ensure you are safe and avoiding getting cited because you didn't take the time. So many other things I can't even remember. But I'm keeping a journal as you should. Too much information...

I'm starting my 4th week with my trainer, I'm currently on the top bunk trying to get some sleep but as you will soon find out it's not easy sleeping next to a noisy refer. Those things are everywhere... No disrespect to refer guys but how the heck do you guys sleep.? LoL I wouldn't want to cut my time with my trainer short, sure I want to get my truck and go solo but it's tough out there. This past week we saw 3 guys that ended up in the ditch next to the road, last week we saw 2 trucks on their side do to high winds. It is dangerous as heck, the moment I start feeling comfortable behind the wheel I see something like that. Take yotu time, you and your four legged freindship will be happier and safer.

Don't rush anything out here. It's not worth it. If you doubt yourself, double check your self. This work doesn't tire your body it drains your brain. So many things to look at, worry about, check this, check that- OH yeah and finding a place to park and shut down.

I'm tired, Be safe out there.

And do yourself a favor, listen to these people. I have, and so far they have been spot on.