Moving on Up

Today was my last day in the black truck. Starting Friday, I will be in the white truck with driving with one of the instucters helping me get use to the truck that I will perfom my test in. My instucter told me today that I will be going for my drivers test next Thursday. I am sooo excited. Hopefully, I will be starting to train with Shane at Old Dominion the following Tuesday. I am excited to work with Shane, make double the money, and still be here for my kids.

End of Week 3 Learning

So Friday was the end of three weeks of me learning how to drive a big rig. Last week, I started driving on the road and learning how to drive and make turns and stop. Friday, when I was almost done with my turn driving, my instructor told me that he had just tested me on my driving skills and I passed. This means that starting tomorrow I will be moving into the truck that I will be testing in so I can get use to the truck before I test with it. So, it should be next Thursday when i go and take my CDL test. I am so excited. I can not wait to go and work with my hubby.

On the Highway

Yesterday I was finally able to go past first gear in the truck. We wer taught how to double clutch and go up to fifth gear. Today, I was able to get on the freeway and shift to 10th gear. It was very exciting. The last couple of days I have felt like I am sooo close to getting my license. A week ago I felt like it was going to be a while before I got the hang of it. And now I feel totally different. Things are looking up.

One of the drivers that Shane was training, Shelby, was doing so well that the company allowed her to cut her training down a week. So now her and her husband have hit the road. So if you are reading this Shelby, good luck and be safe. I will soon see you out there.

180 Hours

To get a job I had to complete at least 180 hrs training. Today I reached that goal. I have been so proud of myself. My husband took me to work last Sunday and helped me practice on my pre-trip and air-brake test. He also gave me some advice about how to back up my truck and trailer and once I started doing what he said, I have been nailing the majority of my backing manuvers. They are going to retest me this Friday.

The only problem that I have had is I had an issue with a male up there. But, I went immieately to the owner and his son. They immediately took action and the guy is being kicked out. My buddy, Larry, knows about the situation and he has been watching over me and refuses to allow me to walk alone.

My training so far has been very positive. All the instructors have been very patient with teaching me. I often hear people talking about how they think the instuctors are holding them back by not letting them go test at the DDS. But, I don't see what the company would gain by doing that. For instance I paid 1700 to be taught. Whether I was able to finish the course in 3 weeks or 3 months it is still the same price. In fact, the longer I stay the less profit the company makes because I am taking up time they could use on another student, using gas, wearing down tires, etc. Then I watch these same guys standing around and talking when they are suppose to be practicing their pre-trip stuff or they are still doing bad on their yard manuvers. The guy who is being kicked out in the morning has been there for 600 hrs now. That is about 4 months, when he should probably been done in less than 2 months.

Wish me luck for my testing Friday.

Week 2 on the Yard

Today was the last day of week two of me practicing on the yard. I was doing pretty good practicing parallel parking and alley docking. I am getting more use to maneuvering the trucks around. I was doing great with the alley docking. Even better than all the guys. Today the school decided to test us on our maneuvering skills and I totally failed it. I knew I would because I already knew that I needed more practicing certain moves. I was feeling a little frustrated but everyone around me was very encouraging and supportive. I know I can do this, I just need a little more time with a lot of practice.

End of Week 2

So yesterday, I finish week two of school. Yesterday, I had a really good day. I finally was able to perform my off-setting maneuvers and I also parallel parked for the first time. I get the next three days off. I will take full advantage of it and rest a lot. The sun and heat really made me exhausted throughout the week.

This is a pic of me with my buddy, Larry. He helps me when i don't understand and he lifts my spirits and cheers me on when I am feeling frustrated.

Hopefully, I will finish school in two weeks.

Day 4 on the Yard

Today was my 4th day on the yard practicing maneuvers around the yard. I have been having trouble with one of my backing up maneuvers. It is confusing to me cause everything is backwards compared to using a car. I technically only have a week and a haft left of school but if I need to take more time, I can. I don't have to go take my driver's test until I feel I am ready and the school feels I'm ready.

The heat has been terrible but I have been drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen, and eating light so I don't get sick. I think I might actually get a tan which is usually almost impossible for me to get.