Question About Left And Right Turns

I am almost ready to take my permit test. Last night I was watching youtube videos of how to make proper right and left turns. It scared the hell out of me. I know for right turns in one lane, you must position your trailer close to the curb so nobody passes you. Then, you drive the tractor slightly to the left and use some of the opposite lane to turn in, and swing back to the right once you have completed the turn. What these videos never showed is what to do if there is a car in the opposite lane stopped, which wouldn't give you room to make the wide turn.

Same for left turns. If I am making a left turn with two turning lanes onto a double lane road, I stop in the right most turning lane. Then, I move forward until my shoulder is facing the lane divider, and make the turn. My trailer would swing a little bit into the other lane, while I am turning into the right lane.

I am very intimidated about some of these things. I am going to a truck driving school after I get my permit, but could anyone help qualm my fears? Maybe link my to a helpful video? I would really appreciate it, today I have been kind of second guessing myself.

Depends on the brownie when you take your road test. Watch your mirrors through the entire turn. Anticipate obstacles by looking ahead around the turn. Sometimes especially in big city traffic you just have to wait until you have the space needed even if it means sitting through a few green lights. Most schools and companies have adopted one form or another of defensive driving. My company uses the smith system. Google it. Once you've been driving for a little and are comfortable with the trailer you will pick up little trucks that become second nature and make it much easier. Using your mirrors to have a full 360 degrees of your surroundings is key. Hope this helps. Good luck.

There will be questions on the permit test about both turns. You will not have to perform them until road test. Have you studied the high raid training program?High Road Training Program

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

I always add one not related to conversation. Brett's book is an excellent read also.

Doug ask yourself why you want to be a truck driver. No need to share the answer unless you want to but it should be of strong enough conviction to overcome most of your fear, uncertainty, and doubt. The school that you choose will teach you how to operate the truck and trailer through left and right turns, backing, etc. You are intimidated now because of your limited knowledge of driving a rig and perhaps the sheer mass of it. A bit of fear is healthy but not so much that it becomes paralyzing. When the time comes, let the school do their job. The angst will lessen as you learn and gain confidence.

I suggest chilling on the YouTube for a bit. Focus on getting the permit and learning the material needed to pass the exams. Take it one step at a time and try to manage the amount of information you process so you are not overwhelmed.

Like Chris suggested, reading Brett's book Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving is a great idea and will probably benefit you.

The second guessing thing? Well that's back to the "why" of you wanting to become a trucker. If your reasons are genuine, truly compelling it clears your path of any doubt and should fuel your motivation. If not, then drop back and punt, give yourself more time to think about it. It's a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Good luck and let us know how you are progressing and if you have any additional questions.

Thank you, Chris and G town. Yes, I am taking the high road program on this site. I am just about finished with 'driving safetly', and I have already studies some air brakes, double and triples. It's definitely better than just reading the manual. I think I got a little ahead of myself, watching videos on turning and backing before I ever even tried it. I take my permit test next week and I will send an update then!

Thank you, Chris and G town. Yes, I am taking the high road program on this site. I am just about finished with 'driving safetly', and I have already studies some air brakes, double and triples. It's definitely better than just reading the manual. I think I got a little ahead of myself, watching videos on turning and backing before I ever even tried it. I take my permit test next week and I will send an update then!

You're good. Realize when you are learning they teach basic operating skills in a controlled environment before taking you onto public roads. One step at a time...you'll be fine. Good luck!

Here's an idea, look at the trucks you see while driving around. Pay attention to how they turn. Maybe that will help alleviate some of your fears.