Need Advice On Going Out OTR With A Trainer

Next week after Xmas, I'm going out with my road trainer. I want this to be a positive experience for both of us. I know my trainer is giving up his privacy in order to share his knowledge and experience with me. What should I be aware of to have a great relationship? What bugs trainers? What are your pet peeves? How can I go the extra mile?

Be clean. Be polite. Respect his space. Hustle when doing duties other than driving. Ask questions when you have them. If you think you need extra help in an area, ask. Relax. Listen and learn. CFI trains as a solo driver. I am in the passenger seat while my trainee drives. I correct him as needed. We do not team.

Proactive communication and a clear understanding of expectations, your’s and their’s.

Good luck.

My trainer would ask me to do things that I didn't immediately understand why. Instead of asking I just did what he told me to do. Usually he'd explain himself after. If he didn't I would ask him about it. Unless you're being asked to do something illegal or unsafe, just do what your trainer asks of you and ask your questions later.

When I started training new drivers years ago I had a list of rules for the truck. It started out with a couple of pages (hand written) nothing formal. over the course of a couple of years it ended up getting much shorter, and it became one rule.

You need to listen. When you quit listening, I am done training you.

Just listen

My last trainee, I insisted she be removed from my truck and placed with someone else. Bluntly, she was a pig/slob, didn't want to listen, and refused to practice blindside backing and our company's test out process requires the ability to blindside back.

There wasn't really anything I could do to help her, so both our time was being wasted. She should have tested out yesterday and been home in her own truck for Christmas, but since she lost several days of training waiting on another trainer to be able pick her up and their Christmas hometime, no telling when she'll test out. Who knows if she's even still with the company. If they (the trainee) don't care, then why should I.

Don't disrespect your trainers truck. We aren't maids, and we aren't alarm clocks. Be up and ready to go as soon as the 10 hour break is complete. Take a proactive interest in your training. If the trainer is driving, pay attention. Play on your phone during your 10 hour break, not during work time. Do as much as possible, because you need to be prepared to do it all solo in a very short time. Training lasts such a short time and there is so much that has to be covered.

Thank you for all the good advice. As always, I learn a lot from all you experienced drivers and those who are trainers. In my fantasy world, I would like to be such a good trainee that my trainer asks if I would like to go team. Actually, has that happened to anyone???????

It happens all the time, but not for the reason you're thinking.

Bruce K.-

This was a very good question to ask.

Moderators-

These were very helpful answers. I will definitely keep them in mind.

Susan-

Sorry you had such a difficult trainee. You don't seem the type to get P***** off easy. She must have tried your patience.

Raptor

Raptor, sadly there are fewer "good" trainees then the other variety, but the ones who are really interested in learning are a joy to have on the truck.

Nope, I would never ever consider teaming with a new driver. I think the real learning comes from being on your own without someone else sitting beside you for reassurance. I tell them "get out of my truck and go get your own" haha.. :-)

Yes, it takes a great deal to upset me, but after a certain point, I'm done wasting my time. Lol I get told I'm rude. No, I don't yell, get too excited, and won't argue, but I do tell them as nicely as possible, without beating around the bush, what they need to work on to be able to pass their upgrade testing. Some people simply cannot handle or don't want to hear the truth. When they do well I absolutely tell them that too.