Was Anybody Nervous Or Afraid When They First Started Trucking?

Welcome!!

I just started my 2nd month solo. I was very nervous and had some major growing pains especially in the first 2 weeks. a month later:

* Ranked #4 out of 184 drivers for safety metrics in Netradyne(Driver I) in May, #2 in June so far. * Getting some nice 800-950 miles runs as a Regional Driver * Last week booked 2300 miles Monday-Friday

I am NOT tooting my own horn, I list these stats because there is no way you will be more of a nervous wreck than I was starting out and look what taking things slow, managing following distance and doing the right things and staying out of your own head can do.

Here are my best suggestions as you go out with your trainer and when you become a successful solo driver (notice I said WHEN not if)

* Make safe choices on the road and do not let other motorists, customers or ANYONE affect your demeanor to make good decision. Remember the mental cadence F.A.C.T (Focused, Alert, Calm, Trying your best).

*NEVER go ANYWHERE without using Google Earth or Trucker Path to evaluate WHERE you can enter a facility. Don't be like me any pull into employee parking lots or alternate entrances to then play Jackknife Jenga for an hour!!

*Push yourself physically to build driving stamina but know your limits. Your trainer will be looking for self awareness.

*Realize that everyone before and after you will learn the same way, trial and error. As long as you don't have any major accidents or destroy freight, your employer understands you are new, learning, and will make your fair share of mistakes.

*Don't stress out over backing! Repetition is the mother of all skills. Ask the receiving office how most truckers back in if you can't figure out a good strategy. Never be afraid to ask questions as most folks are happy to help you.

Best of success bud!!!

Hello all. My name is Nate and I am from Columbus Ohio. I'm in CDL school and haven't started driving anything yet. Driving and being on the open road is something that I've always loved doing. I have a few family members that were truck drivers and always considered it when I was growing up. As a young adult I drove box trucks for a little bit, but being stupid I crashed one, and fortunately, nobody or anything besides the bumper got hurt. A few years have gone by and I'm a little older now and more responsible. I've never really been afraid of driving. I have chronic PTSD. Now that I am getting ready to drive, I find myself being slightly terrified of the trucks and the thought of potentially hurting someone. I'm now as cautious of a driver as can be, and I don't take any risks, but for some reason find myself thinking about the old accident and am developing a fear of the trucks before I even get in them, both for their size, and their potential to hurt others. I am determined to overcome this fear, and make a career out of doing something that could potentially be so rewarding for both me and my family. I was wondering if anybody has ever been in a similar situation, could offer any advice, or just any experience. Thank you for whoever took the time to read and respond to this.

Hey man, like everyone else said, that’s normal. And it’s good to respect the machine and respect the road. I say go for it but make sure your healthy fear doesn’t turn into a paralyzing fear, know what I mean? I’ve seen people be nervous and handle it well. I’ve also seen people be nervous and stiffen up and forget what they’re doing and have a hard time even keeping it in the lane because of it (this particular person even had over a year of experience so they definitely knew how to control the vehicle).

Keep it to a healthy respect and you shouldn’t have any issues but remember that controlling your emotions and controlling the truck is paramount out here so don’t let those fears and emotions get out of control