New Driver Anxiety

Hello ladies, I’m sure you all have seen this many many times but I’m gonna go ahead and ask it again: how do you all cope with new driver anxiety? I have support from so many people but I get so nervous sometimes that it stresses me out. I could really use a confidence booster here because I really do want a successful trucking career.

What is making you specifically nervous?

What is making you specifically nervous?

The simplest answer is that everything you're experiencing is going to be new and different because you ARE new and inexperienced. First day at school; first day at a new job; first time in front of the class giving a book report....everyone gets nervous because of the unknown.

For now, just treat it as one day at a time, and each experience within that day as a new and unknown thing. Nobody started off as the expert or the pro on day one, month one, or year one. It's just going to take time.

Don't hit anything, watch your following distance, take your time, don't be afraid to ask questions. You are starting at the same point every driver of one year, or fifty years driving started: At The Beginning.

I have a strip of paper from a fortune cookie on my truck. I got this from a restaurant on the day I was assigned my first truck. It reads, " Winning starts with beginning."

Thank you so much I needed this. I'm sure the first year is always the hardest I just have to hang on tight. Being a woman especially makes it a little tougher because I almost feel the need to prove myself to the men I work with and show them I'm not an idiot. Thank you so much though I really appreciate the uplifting words

The simplest answer is that everything you're experiencing is going to be new and different because you ARE new and inexperienced. First day at school; first day at a new job; first time in front of the class giving a book report....everyone gets nervous because of the unknown.

For now, just treat it as one day at a time, and each experience within that day as a new and unknown thing. Nobody started off as the expert or the pro on day one, month one, or year one. It's just going to take time.

Don't hit anything, watch your following distance, take your time, don't be afraid to ask questions. You are starting at the same point every driver of one year, or fifty years driving started: At The Beginning.

I have a strip of paper from a fortune cookie on my truck. I got this from a restaurant on the day I was assigned my first truck. It reads, " Winning starts with beginning."

Victoria, I'm living proof you can make it and thrive! I've been trucking a very long time and own both tractor and trailer. Give it time and remember to breathe! People are going to be jerks to truckers. Most of the public can't tell if it's a man or woman at the wheel at first glance anyway. Everyone started somewhere, even the men. When men used to belittle me I told them " There was a time you didn't know where third gear was" and that usually shuts them up! If you want a successful trucking career stick with it. It's going to be hard and we face challenges men don't. Just remember there are ladies out here who have MORE than earned our place in trucking! You got this! Once our anxiety starts to fade you will probably enjoy a sense of accomplishment you've earned, not simply slid into like the guys! Keep trucking girl!

Sophia Owner Operator

Thank you so much I needed this. I'm sure the first year is always the hardest I just have to hang on tight. Being a woman especially makes it a little tougher because I almost feel the need to prove myself to the men I work with and show them I'm not an idiot. Thank you so much though I really appreciate the uplifting words

The simplest answer is that everything you're experiencing is going to be new and different because you ARE new and inexperienced. First day at school; first day at a new job; first time in front of the class giving a book report....everyone gets nervous because of the unknown.

For now, just treat it as one day at a time, and each experience within that day as a new and unknown thing. Nobody started off as the expert or the pro on day one, month one, or year one. It's just going to take time.

Don't hit anything, watch your following distance, take your time, don't be afraid to ask questions. You are starting at the same point every driver of one year, or fifty years driving started: At The Beginning.

I have a strip of paper from a fortune cookie on my truck. I got this from a restaurant on the day I was assigned my first truck. It reads, " Winning starts with beginning."