Trucking As A New Career.

Thanks for the replies, your posts have been helpful. Just an update. I am currently in CDL training school since last week. There are only 4 of us in the class.The school is a training and testing site, so training and state testing are all done in one place. So theres no dealing with the hassles of the DMV. First 2 weeks we are working on pre trip and then we are to pass the states pre trip inspection test before we can begin practicing in the pad. HOWEVER...

One of the instructors took us on the pad one of the days last week. Everyone got a taste of what its like backing the semi, however, I found myself having difficulties shifting. I've never driven a standard before, but I just felt down on myself because the other 3 students were able to successful shift on their first try, and I wasn't. I'll admit, I was a bit afraid, I've never felt anxious or scared before so those emotions were new to me.

It hurt my confidence a bit, but I have to remember this is why I'm in school... to learn. Hopefully I can pick up on the shifting quick when I start training. I really want to do this. I just hope the teachers don't give up on me. Any advice on that would be appreciated.

Welcome aboard and best of luck on your new journey. You should consider starting a journal over in the CDL training diary section so that we can follow along as you track your ups and downs. This is an exciting time and you will be very busy learning. Just be patient and be like a sponge absorbing all that you can and one day it will all come together.

Don't sweat it Bernard, shifting is one of the most difficult things for a rookie to learn, and it's important to remember that it takes time and that you will not be able (or expected) to master it in your short schooling.

CDL testers expect there to be gear grinding and won't usually even mention it unless it is extreme or you stall the truck in traffic. Try to do the best you can, but don't set the expectations too high. It's nothing to beat yourself up over - that's a waste of time.

Personally I struggled with shifting not just in CDL school, but through over a month of on-road training as well. I didn't really get it down until I was solo. I still passed the CDL test and upgrade test to go solo without issue.