Finally Finished Driver Training

Well, just finished my last day of training with CFI. I ended up doing only 20 days instead of 25 and was called in early to test. I do all my testing tomorrow on Friday and if I pass I will be in my own truck.

I have to say, this was by far the most stressful 20 days learning this job that I've ever had in my life. Luckily my trainer was very diligent and thorough with me. I've learned a lot, have nothing but good things to say about my experience at CFI so far.

My backing still needs work and I am going to be a nervous wreck every time I'm out there on my own backing at customers, truck stops etc but I think I can manage. It's a mix bag of excitement and nerves as I inch closer to being on my own. A whole new chapter is starting in my life and I hope I can succeed.

My friend just had a student upgrade early. He delivered his first solo load today. Check your truck thoroughly and report any issues. If you're in Joplin, go to the tractor shop and get fluids, oil, washer, and coolant. Get fuses and Velcro as well. Make sure you have 4 straps, broom, lock, nail puller, and fifth wheel puller. Good luck to you.

Good luck be very safe always double check your routes and carry a road atlas never trust a gps. Talk to other drivers with experience.check weather conditions and if unsure get out and look. Don’t rush once you pass your test their is no such thing as too many pull ups or corrections. As long your safe and put it in correctly you should not worry about what others are feeling take your time. You are the captain on your ship.

Well, just finished my last day of training with CFI. I ended up doing only 20 days instead of 25 and was called in early to test. I do all my testing tomorrow on Friday and if I pass I will be in my own truck.

I have to say, this was by far the most stressful 20 days learning this job that I've ever had in my life. Luckily my trainer was very diligent and thorough with me. I've learned a lot, have nothing but good things to say about my experience at CFI so far.

My backing still needs work and I am going to be a nervous wreck every time I'm out there on my own backing at customers, truck stops etc but I think I can manage. It's a mix bag of excitement and nerves as I inch closer to being on my own. A whole new chapter is starting in my life and I hope I can succeed.

Well, just finished my last day of training with CFI. I ended up doing only 20 days instead of 25 and was called in early to test. I do all my testing tomorrow on Friday and if I pass I will be in my own truck.

I have to say, this was by far the most stressful 20 days learning this job that I've ever had in my life. Luckily my trainer was very diligent and thorough with me. I've learned a lot, have nothing but good things to say about my experience at CFI so far.

My backing still needs work and I am going to be a nervous wreck every time I'm out there on my own backing at customers, truck stops etc but I think I can manage. It's a mix bag of excitement and nerves as I inch closer to being on my own. A whole new chapter is starting in my life and I hope I can succeed.

Well, just finished my last day of training with CFI. I ended up doing only 20 days instead of 25 and was called in early to test. I do all my testing tomorrow on Friday and if I pass I will be in my own truck.

I have to say, this was by far the most stressful 20 days learning this job that I've ever had in my life. Luckily my trainer was very diligent and thorough with me. I've learned a lot, have nothing but good things to say about my experience at CFI so far.

My backing still needs work and I am going to be a nervous wreck every time I'm out there on my own backing at customers, truck stops etc but I think I can manage. It's a mix bag of excitement and nerves as I inch closer to being on my own. A whole new chapter is starting in my life and I hope I can succeed.

Congrats and good luck on your testing tomorrow. As already said. DO NOT rush anything. That is where we screw it up every time.

My friend just had a student upgrade early. He delivered his first solo load today. Check your truck thoroughly and report any issues. If you're in Joplin, go to the tractor shop and get fluids, oil, washer, and coolant. Get fuses and Velcro as well. Make sure you have 4 straps, broom, lock, nail puller, and fifth wheel puller. Good luck to you.

What is a fifth wheel puller?

A long piece of steel tubing. Has a handle "hoop" on one end, then a hook on the other end.

You hook it over the fifth wheel release, then pull it towards yourself.

That's awesome, as others said just take your time. Pretend it's just you and your trainer and relax.

Spaceman this is a 5th wheel puller

We have a few trucks that still use these but all our 18's and newer have the air release. Is that standard now or an option?

Thanks for the information guys! Big Scott, I am in Joplin right now at the La Quinta. Luckily my trainer said he will be here tomorrow when I graduate to make sure I get everything from the shop so that's nice! Tee, PJ, thank you, I am going to try my damndest to not care about what others think or holding people up, I'm going to try to take my time no matter what. I was rushing with my trainer and he taught me to slow the hell down, I was always worried about holding other truckers up or being in the way so I've been working on that!

And yeah, here at CFI they teach us to pull the 5th wheel release lever with the puller. Both hands, one foot on the wheel and pull.

I really am excited and nervous as hell. From my 20 days though, I've come to the realization that I love this job. Literally everything about it I love. The traveling, the freedom, never knowing where you're going to go next. It really doesn't feel like work to me and I can't believe I am about to have a job that is actually enjoyable. I know the honeymoon phase will wear off and it will be day to day work but to be honest I think it's the best and most rewarding work I've ever done.

Once again, thanks for all the tips and positive reinforcement. Will keep ya guys updated :)

My friend just had a student upgrade early. He delivered his first solo load today. Check your truck thoroughly and report any issues. If you're in Joplin, go to the tractor shop and get fluids, oil, washer, and coolant. Get fuses and Velcro as well. Make sure you have 4 straps, broom, lock, nail puller, and fifth wheel puller. Good luck to you.

What is a fifth wheel puller?

It's a door swinger thing for those drivers afraid to get dirty.

Congrats RWD! You've made it through the easy part. Having someone there holding your hand the entire time is stressful but a luxury that will no longer exist. Now it's up to you to train yourself. ALWAYS check & recheck your mirrors. My 2 rookie mistakes were a direct result of me not looking in my mirror while I was turning the wheel. Talk to yourself to remind yourself as get into a routine. The longer you stick with it, the more you relax, the better you will get. I won't use the word easier cause ain't nothing easy about maneuvering 80000 lbs of metal & whatever one is hauling. All it takes is a split second & a careless moment. Obviously you have the skill, now it's just the practice. And do enjoy the honeymoon! Again, congratulations & be safe out here