Testing Out Next Week

So, my new trainer has been great. I have learned a lot, and though I don't think I am ready, he says I probably could have tested out this week, he gave it another week to be safe.

I have been doing all the driving since the first couple of days with him, and did a lot of the driving even then. The driving he did was in heavy snow when he was racing the clock, and frankly, I was relieved he did.

Monday, I drove 185 miles to his house, then 585 miles. My day started at 5 AM and ended at midnight. We have been running hard as the loads would let us. I have been to MA, RI, NH, VT, and of course, NY.

Next week, I think he is going to sit in the bunk while I run. As he said, he is going to let me screw up. Yes, I'm nervous. Then, Saturday, it's off to WI to test out. Hopefully I pass and get my own truck. I'm not sure what happens if I don't pass. I think normally they offer a couple weeks more training, but with my issues with the first trainer, they may cut the cord. I spent a week unlearning everything he taught me.

I definitely learned I hate MA traffic, and those tiny RI street signs.

Grumpy

Keep up the good work you'll e there before you know it. Just remember to breathe. Just think of all that you have learned, and what all you need practice with. And focus on the things you need practice with. I know time sometimes doesn't let us focus on them, try when you have a moment when your in the bunk. Think about how you have made the trailer turn, and why it needs to turn this way or that. I had a really tough one today, ut then I remembered exactly how the back end had to get passed the pallet of rock salt on my blind side and not hit the trailer on my sight side. Plus not hit on coming traffic in both directions. As I watched the trailer make it move, I though maybe just maybe I'm starting to get this. But it takes practice and sometimes in training you don't have the time to practice as you need.

Sorry to be long winded, but I think I was trying to convey to you that the more you practice the more it seems like we have done our do diligence to achieve some goals. When I did fuel tankers we might back up maybe 10-15 feet max. So it has been just as nerve racking to me as it is to all the other rookies.

So go get this that you have strived for. Kick its a**.

Raptor

Thanks, Raptor.

I do need backing practice, and also knowing when I need to buttonhook, or just go deep, etc. I guess next week I will find out.

Just remember the ONLY thing different from what you did in orientation is the road test. Instead of staying out in the country, you are going into Stevens Point. Since you are used to the NE, the tight turns and narrow streets won’t be a big deal for you. There are a few really messed up turns on the road course that you will have to go slow and think your way thru. Otherwise you are taking out a sign or two.

On the bright side you wouldn’t be the first to take out those particular signs. Wolding knows exactly how much they cost to replace. I am sure the Point has a pre filled out invoice ready every week. Just in case.

Good luck, remember to take your time and relax as much as possible. Most people do not think they are ready but then surprise themselves

Hey Grumpy, none of us are really ready for going solo, but we never will be if we've always got that trainer right there with us. There's a progression to all of this and you'll crawl before you walk, just like you'll walk before you run. You're gonna have a few moments and says where you'll be wondering, "What have I got myself into?"

You'll survive, but it will take some grit. Congratulations on your progress!

Hey Grumpy, none of us are really ready for going solo, but we never will be if we've always got that trainer right there with us. There's a progression to all of this and you'll crawl before you walk, just like you'll walk before you run. You're gonna have a few moments and says where you'll be wondering, "What have I got myself into?"

You'll survive, but it will take some grit. Congratulations on your progress!

Thanks everyone. And yeah, I have already questioned what the he** was I thinking a few times, LOL

Shoot man, don't even sweat it. It's a piece of cake. Nothing different from what you been doing. Go at it like its just another day. Pfft no biggie.

When it comes to turns take as much space as you can. That's my feeling about it anyway. Never hurts to have more then you need, but having less can really screw you up.

After everything you've had to go through you deserve this. Once you pass you'll wonder why you were so nervous about it to begin with.