Wanting To Become A Truck Driver...

Hi...my name is Tiff....I am a 37 year old woman who is very interested in truck driving!!! I want to become a truck driver, but I am very very scared! I LOVE THE OPEN ROAD! My mother in law is a truck driver and I just came home from a week on the road with her. I learned alot while being out there with her. Also, I was very very happy while out there too. I hate my current job and want to do something that I love. The only thing that has me nervous is actually driving a truck that big!! LOL....My mother in law told me that once u start driving,,,the truck doesnt feel as big as it looks! Well.....what do i do?? I REALLY WANT THIS BUT I AM SCARED!!!

Tiffany, I was a bit scared too - but more excited.

Try to surround yourself with trucks more often. Go trucking with your mother in law but when she's not driving sit in the drivers seat and just ask like you're driving. You'll get more and more comfortable to the size of the vehicle.

There's really nothing magical we can say. Just go to school for it and at first it will be extremely frightening. But the fear will turn into excitement. I was shaking when I got behind the wheel the first time but after that first time I started craving it, I wanted to drive it more and more.

Make sure this is for you. It's a tough lifestyle that not everyone can handle. But if you think you're up for it then jump in head first. You won't go anywhere being afraid and it's just going to hold your back. Go to school with your head held high, shoulders raised, and be confident that you can do this!

THANK YOU, DANIEL!!!!!! That helped alot!!! I am going to do this....I have a GREAT support system!!!! I am excited!!! I cant contain myself! :)

Tiffany it is a big step to do this. I am somewhat in the same boat as you as far as not liking my job any longer. Decided that trucking just seems to fit into place for me. So as of next Feb 1. I will have quit my job. And I am lined up to start CDL training with Prime on Feb 11.

If you are not scared.... you need your head examined! How is that Brett puts it? You are pulling a building with wheels on it or something like that. You should a healthy amount of fear with that much weight and power under your buttocks. Anyway, I know I am a little (O.K. A LOT!) intimidate about driving one of these big trucks. School is approaching fast. I am waiting for the call to get my physical done. It will become very real then. A couple of months from now, I will be sitting in one of those monsters for the first time. Guess what I am going to do?

Take a deep breathe. Release. Pay attention to my instructor. Learn as much as possible very quickly. Hit the road!

What was the famous quote????

“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”: FDR’s First Inaugural Address

Tiffany,

I think we are all scared in one way or another even if we are not willing to admit it. Fear can be your friend if you embrace it in te correct way. If your initial fear makes you more aware of your surrounding and helps make you understand the reality that if you are not on your A game a all times you put others at serious risk. Think of it like when you first learned to drive a 4 wheeler. Initially it is a big vehicle capable of causing more damage than a bicycle and less than a truck. Then you move from a car to a full size pickup. Now you mover to a tractor. Once you get used to the size it is not much different.

Hi Tiff!!! Welcome to TT!! It's weird, but I'm glad to hear about your fear!!! I was like that in the beginning, but now that I have met these wonderful people here on TT and I have joined a few groups on FB...I can't wait to get out there!

I'm telling you to GO FOR IT!!! I did make the mistake of being hesitant about going to school....Jeff and I talked about this many, many nights. This is something he wanted to do and I was up for it, just scared of driving something THAT BIG!!! LOL I love the open road, jumping from one place to another, and I have literally always worked like a "RENTED MULE", so the hard work will not be a stranger!

Go to the Ladies Forum and read JanaBanana's posts...I love following her..StarCar is awesome...she has the best advice for lady truckers....RedGator is cool, but she is a busy lady. I love reading everyone's posts...whether serious or funny! I'm very excited to read your updates...so just because you jump on here and ask a question does not mean you are to leave and never return!!! hahahaha You found the BEST FORUM AND THE FRIENDLIEST TRUCKERS here....so stay connected!!

Good Luck to you!!!

#PeaceOut

~Free

Thank you so much, Free! I just dont know what to do!!! I have to figure out how to go to school and pay my bills too! I would have to quit my current job to be able to go to school! UGH! so many decisions to make!!!

You will figure it out....write EVERYTHING on paper and then go from there. It's easier when you have it in front of you. You can still do it....just get organized! Talk to you M-I-L....she could help you with organizing...I'm sure.

"If there is a will, there is a way"

I know this is a crazy question....but does anyone have any ideas on how in the world i can go to school and pay my bills too???? I cannot keep my current job and go to school too.....this is one thing that has me worried.....