Completely Terrified

Well, I have applied to 2 schools. Knight Transportation and Prime Inc. I'm hoping that I can wait until about February to leave out so that I can have enough money to get my wife through with the bills and myself through surviving on the road and what not. I have got to tell you though that just after filling out the second application I got this feeling of "OMG am I doing the right thing here?" The scariest part of the whole thing is the uncertainty of leaving my desk job for the life on the highway. While I have no doubt that I can do this, I just can't get the butterflies out of my stomach. Obviously I will have plenty of time to study if everything goes the way I hope I can have my permit in hand by the time I leave out. The biggest thing I think I'm worried about is that I'm the smallest guy I know (5'2") and learning to drive a big truck like this is a little scary for me. ( can I reach the clutch pedal?) is all that is going through my mind right now. the closest i've been to driving truck is driving the deuce and a half down I-95 during my time in the guard.

Honestly I'm not even really sure why I'm taking up space on your forum here with this. Maybe just to get it out IDK... I will say this. I AM COMPLETELY TERRIFIED...LOL

Hey Greg, two things here, first, you can leave out when ever you are ready. Don't let a recruiter rush you. They get in a big hurry sometimes because that is how they get paid, basically they are going to get some sort of a commission when you show up. But ultimately the decision on when you are ready to get started rests upon you. They will still need you next month or even next year, so don't let them rush you.

Second, don't let your size be an issue for you. I have seen some little ladies out here moving there Big Rigs across the country who weren't even five feet tall. My friend Daniel B. (one of our moderators here) couldn't weigh a hundred pounds (even with his fishing waders on). When I first met him at a truck stop over in Springfield MO, I pulled into the lot and I was grinning at the little kid who was standing by his dad's big truck and waiving at me as I pulled in, only to get out of my truck and realize it was Daniel B! Ha!, he's gonna kill me now, but I'm just trying to make the point for you that this is a non issue. It will only be an issue if you let it. If you want to do this, then get past that fear and get yourself moving in the right direction.

Hey Greg, two things here, first, you can leave out when ever you are ready. Don't let a recruiter rush you. They get in a big hurry sometimes because that is how they get paid, basically they are going to get some sort of a commission when you show up. But ultimately the decision on when you are ready to get started rests upon you. They will still need you next month or even next year, so don't let them rush you.

Second, don't let your size be an issue for you. I have seen some little ladies out here moving there Big Rigs across the country who weren't even five feet tall. My friend Daniel B. (one of our moderators here) couldn't weigh a hundred pounds (even with his fishing waders on). When I first met him at a truck stop over in Springfield MO, I pulled into the lot and I was grinning at the little kid who was standing by his dad's big truck and waiving at me as I pulled in, only to get out of my truck and realize it was Daniel B! Ha!, he's gonna kill me now, but I'm just trying to make the point for you that this is a non issue. It will only be an issue if you let it. If you want to do this, then get past that fear and get yourself moving in the right direction.

Thanks for that Sir. Many have told me now that my size won't matter however I can't help but think about it. I think the hardest part will be the first time in the seat.

Greg, I'm the booster seat kid that old man Old School is talking about and here's my advice.

Personally, I like to sit up high on my seat. I can't stand barely being able to look over the hood of the truck. But because of this my feet get higher off the ground. Like I did, you'll need to find that sweet spot with the drivers seat. Remember, these seats are fully adjustable. They even have an air bag underneath them that adjusts the height - you name it, it can adjust in a million ways.

I have noticed that I do struggle with pushing down the clutch all the way on Peterbilts. I simply cannot sit high and have enough leg room to push it down all the way. But I don't have that problem with Freightliners. So I would recommend a Freightliner to you because its definitely more comfortable for a short person.

But this in no way, shape, or form will prevent you from being a safe, reliable driver out here! Its a non-issue - you'll adapt!

Greg, everyone goes through the same feelings when they're getting ready to start a career in trucking. It's a combination of excitement and nerves. Driving a rig is one of the coolest things you can do. It's also one of the most challenging and dangerous things you can do. But man is it cool!

Just remember....it's only trucking. It's extremely challenging but there are literally millions of people out there doing it right now. And you know people....if millions of em can do it then obviously you can too. You have all the time in the world to learn the materials long before you even begin your schooling so that portion of it will be effortless for you. That way you can concentrate on learning the driving and backing skills.

There are only two types of people learning to drive a truck....those that are obviously nervous and those who hide it well. If you're not a little nervous then something is broken in your brain. So just try to relax. Our job here at TruckingTruth is to prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead and we do an awesome job of it. Long before you begin your schooling you'll be prepared for the all of the written materials and you'll also be prepared for the ups and downs of the learning process. We've got ya covered.

So keep asking questions here in the forum, keep doing your research, and try like crazy to enjoy the process. You'll get through it just fine.

Thanks for the pep talk fellas. I've got another question though.

How long is a permit good for? The reason I ask is because, after talking to my wife's uncle he suggested I get my permit early and when he is in town he will show me the basics in his truck. He has been driving for over 20 years. Is this a good? obviously I'd be learning to drive bobtail with him.

I think that varies from state to state so you're better off checking with your state to be sure.

Greg, we usually recommend that you go ahead and get your permit before you go to school, and there is no better way to prepare for it than working your way through the High Road Training Program.

It will take you some time to get through all that stuff, but it is well worth the commitment and it will help you greatly.

As far as how long your permit lasts, that is dependent on the rules in your state. I know in Texas it lasts until your current drivers license expires. This is something you will need to call and ask the DMV about for your particular state.

Here are the particular sections you will need to go through in the High Road Training Program to gain the knowledge to get your permit.

-Rules and Regulations

-Driving Safely

-Transporting Cargo Safely

-Air Brakes

-Combination Vehicles

-Pre-trip Inspection

-Driving Exam

Also let me caution you about two things when learning from your wife's uncle. First, this is not a substitute for going to a driving school, so don't think if you get it all down you can just go and get your license with his truck. You will completely jeopardize your chances at getting hired by taking that approach. In this day and age you must have a training certificate from a school showing a minimum of 160 hours of training for anyone tho hire you.

The second thing is that you may have to completely re-learn some things when you do go to school. None of the professional drivers I know drive their trucks in the manner that the DMV will be looking for come testing day. Your wife's uncle will certainly be showing you how to "float" the gears (shifting without using the clutch), we all drive our trucks that way, but the tester is going to want you to be double clutching for your test, and they will fail you if you are not double clutching.

Just a couple of "heads up" things for you to consider. I see no reason for you not to avail yourself of this opportunity, just keep in mind those two pointers.

Well, I have applied to 2 schools. Knight Transportation and Prime Inc. I'm hoping that I can wait until about February to leave out so that I can have enough money to get my wife through with the bills and myself through surviving on the road and what not. I have got to tell you though that just after filling out the second application I got this feeling of "OMG am I doing the right thing here?" The scariest part of the whole thing is the uncertainty of leaving my desk job for the life on the highway. While I have no doubt that I can do this, I just can't get the butterflies out of my stomach. Obviously I will have plenty of time to study if everything goes the way I hope I can have my permit in hand by the time I leave out. The biggest thing I think I'm worried about is that I'm the smallest guy I know (5'2") and learning to drive a big truck like this is a little scary for me. ( can I reach the clutch pedal?) is all that is going through my mind right now. the closest i've been to driving truck is driving the deuce and a half down I-95 during my time in the guard.

Honestly I'm not even really sure why I'm taking up space on your forum here with this. Maybe just to get it out IDK... I will say this. I AM COMPLETELY TERRIFIED...LOL

Hi Greg and welcome! If it helps any, I was there too and maybe still a little bit. Changing careers or embarking on a lifestyle change does take courage. I believe if you can drive a deuce and a half down I-95, you'll be capable of moving a 53' trailer down the highway. I left my miserable career in IT for an adventure and a risk. Good for you for taking on the challenge!

Greg, we usually recommend that you go ahead and get your permit before you go to school, and there is no better way to prepare for it than working your way through the High Road Training Program.

It will take you some time to get through all that stuff, but it is well worth the commitment and it will help you greatly.

As far as how long your permit lasts, that is dependent on the rules in your state. I know in Texas it lasts until your current drivers license expires. This is something you will need to call and ask the DMV about for your particular state.

Here are the particular sections you will need to go through in the High Road Training Program to gain the knowledge to get your permit.

-Rules and Regulations

-Driving Safely

-Transporting Cargo Safely

-Air Brakes

-Combination Vehicles

-Pre-trip Inspection

-Driving Exam

Also let me caution you about two things when learning from your wife's uncle. First, this is not a substitute for going to a driving school, so don't think if you get it all down you can just go and get your license with his truck. You will completely jeopardize your chances at getting hired by taking that approach. In this day and age you must have a training certificate from a school showing a minimum of 160 hours of training for anyone tho hire you.

The second thing is that you may have to completely re-learn some things when you do go to school. None of the professional drivers I know drive their trucks in the manner that the DMV will be looking for come testing day. Your wife's uncle will certainly be showing you how to "float" the gears (shifting without using the clutch), we all drive our trucks that way, but the tester is going to want you to be double clutching for your test, and they will fail you if you are not double clutching.

Just a couple of "heads up" things for you to consider. I see no reason for you not to avail yourself of this opportunity, just keep in mind those two pointers.

By no means would I ever consider taking my test without the proper training. I guess what I was thinking was to have him teach me how double clutching works and maybe helping me study the pre trip inspections. There are a few guys that I know in the industry that have told me to just go get my permit and license and they would get me a job with them and my response is simply, " I want at least one year OTR and the proper training before I just go out there in a Big Rig." I was just thinking that with her Uncle I need to be very specific on what I want him to teach me because like you said I don't want to be learning how to float the clutch just yet. I'm sure that will come with time.

I never do anything halfway and I want to be the best I can be at what I do so for me the schooling is a no brainer. I have been studying both the High Road Training and the DMV book. I want to be as prepared as possible for this career before I make this leap. You guys continue to be a huge help. And I am very thankful for that.