New Beginnings Chapter One(Houston Community College

Thanks for the update. I'm sure you'll get the air brake section next time! I would also be chomping at the bit to get inside the truck. Have a great day.

Scot

Yes! I finally passed my air brakes test yesterday. And I have my Class A permit. Sorry for the late update but nothing interesting has really been happening in class. For the past couple of days we've had recruiters come from Stevens and Werner. But other than that we have not gotten in the trucks and learned any maneuvers out of the other 6 students in my class 1 has his license and 4 of us have our permits. I believe the instructor is waiting for us all to have our permits before we begin the learning process of maneuvering the trucks, but we haven't even gone over the pre trip of the truck. Well the class hasn't. but I have thanks to trucking truth and a couple of other websites and sources I use. The high road training is good and I also found trucker country pretty good as far as studying for written exams. I'm going to study for my endorsements that way. I have kind of already settled for Schneider as far as my first company but I am still looking and different companies with long term opportunities also. I just want to say for anybody starting out. Stay focused, study,learn, and be patient. everyday is a learning experience. Well Thank you for reading and I'll catch you guys soon with another update!

Hey guys! Im sorry its been so long since I've updated you on my progress I appreciate your patience and also your eyes and advice. Recently here in Houston we had a horrible flood (as you may have heard or seen) which delayed school for two weeks. However we have been back at it for the past two weeks. I am trying to stay focused and learn the maneuvers. I'm not too bad on the offset with my 1 pull up and still working on the parallel parking I found out Monday that my test day is 10/19/2017. I am naturally nervous when it comes to exams and test and interviews and things like that so I'm praying I can shake all my nerves until after the test. Just wanted to stop by and give you guys a quick update. I enjoy reading your diaries and any advice or encouragement or prayers is always appreciated. Thanks and much love trucking truth fam!

Glad your ok down there and congrats on making it this far.

As for backing, this is just my opinion and what worked for me. You've got enough of the off-set down you can put that behind you and focus solely on parallel. Off-set is just parallel on easy mode. If following your reference points, it's as simple as paint by numbers. Just make sure you take your time and stop at each change in direction of your steer tires. Just make sure you take your time and listen to your instructors. Use your get out and looks. Get at as many times as you need to while in class. Lastly, relax, have fun and don't OVER think it. Laugh at each cone hit like it's a comedy of the new person who just got something with his (or her) car. Helps bring humor to relax while keeping a constant reminder that could have been an actual car.

Best Wishes and I'm sure you'll do fine.

Man! I appreciate that. If I could just calm down and breathe I will be fine! Its crazy that I know that but when time comes for me to do it its easier said than done.Yesterday The instructor took me out on the street and its like I panicked so much that I stalled the truck 3 times(on the road. I just couldn't seem to get the panic and nerves away. I forgot the gears and road speeds, drove super slow from his point of view), and on top of that the truck cut off 3 times in the middle of the street, it was just a nightmare. I wont blame the fact that I have been on the road twice including yesterday because we do get the opportunity to practice shifting around the yard all evening when we arrive. But I know that played a part in it as well. But I blame myself for not being completely focused on the task and letting doubt and nerves get the best of me. Like my instructor mentioned yesterday You just have to keep it together for a good 30-45 minutes and it will be over. I know I'm not the only one who has experienced the feeling of damn why cant I just get this!!My ultimate goal is to be a driver and I wont stop until that dream is a reality. And that's a FACT JACK!!! one thing is for sure I will not give up and I will not quit. I am going to get my cdl by any means. Once again I appreciate your words of encouragement and advice.

Glad your ok down there and congrats on making it this far.

As for backing, this is just my opinion and what worked for me. You've got enough of the off-set down you can put that behind you and focus solely on parallel. Off-set is just parallel on easy mode. If following your reference points, it's as simple as paint by numbers. Just make sure you take your time and stop at each change in direction of your steer tires. Just make sure you take your time and listen to your instructors. Use your get out and looks. Get at as many times as you need to while in class. Lastly, relax, have fun and don't OVER think it. Laugh at each cone hit like it's a comedy of the new person who just got something with his (or her) car. Helps bring humor to relax while keeping a constant reminder that could have been an actual car.

Best Wishes and I'm sure you'll do fine.

That's the go getter attitude to have. Don't think of it as testing, think of it as practicing. As for stalling, it happens. With practice it'll happen less and less. Keep up the good work.

Forgive me for not updating you guys it has been a crazy week. I tested October 19,2017. My test was scheduled at 8:00am at the school. I arrived about 30 minutes before the test and realized that I had just enough time to do a quick pretrip. I was so nervous I cant even begin to tell you. Luckily I passed my pre-trip, airbrakes test, and backing. However on my road exam about 10 minutes into driving I stalled at a light for jumping off the clutch in third gear. Out of the 7 people in my class only 1 guy successfully completed the exam and gain his cdl. Anyways I retest 10/31/2017 @3:00pm. I will update you guys soon thanks for reading

Nice job passing the first 2 sections! Don't let it get you down there are many people who it takes a couple times to pass. At least you know what you did wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. I'm guessing you were just nervous.

You got this!!!

Thanks Rob! I appreciate that. I have an issue starting from third gear. I have tried to correct it but it just hasn't clicked but that wont slow me down every time I get on the practice range after I go around the entire track I stop and try to start in 3rd without hopping off the clutch or stalling the vehicle. I'm getting better but I think I'm still going to take my instructors advice and just start in 1st or second gear. then upshift while I gain momentum. Nervous isn't the word for how I felt in that driver seat. Lol I was horrified. but You're right now I know what I did wrong and I am more confident. I will get it this time. I appreciate the encouraging words again Rob!

Nice job passing the first 2 sections! Don't let it get you down there are many people who it takes a couple times to pass. At least you know what you did wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. I'm guessing you were just nervous.

You got this!!!

Danielle there is nothing in the CDL road test requiring a driver to start from a dead stop in third gear. If you are more comfortable starting in second, don't hesitate.

Good luck!