Former Teacher Changing Careers And Loving CDL School! Looking For Good Vibes!

Hey everyone, Jim in Philadelphia here. I've decided to hang up the chalk and slide rule after a long career as a math teacher and took the plunge to fulfill a longtime dream of learning how to drive the big rigs. With the help of Uncle Sam's GI Bill (I'm an Army vet who served in Afghanistan in 2010-11), I can afford the course and I'm in it to pass it on the first try, God willing.

I've gone out on the road a few times in the city and on I-95 and feel pretty confident. My tight turns onto city streets are getting better (no curbs, no over the yellow line ruining a driver's day and more) and I'm pretty comfortable handling the vehicle.

Like a lot of newbies, I'm still shaky on those offsets in the yard (forward and reverse.) Getting that perfect straight parallel to the cone setup coming out is tough, and I know without that good setup from the get-go, the reverse isn't going to be so hot. I feel like the reverse offset has so many moving parts that I'm overthinking things and still trying to find that right balance of what to look for along the way back, not to mention how to make adjustments based on what I'm seeing.

Just trying to stay relaxed, go slow and steady, and be willing to stop along the way and think about what has to come next and how to make it happen. So to the fellow students out there, share your thoughts so I know I'm not alone. And to the veterans, share your thoughts and encouragement to help stay zen about this and remind me that you were once in my shoes.

Thanks, guys. Glad to be here.

Go Eagles!!! I'm from the Deptford NJ mall area right across the walt whitman bridge. How ya doin?

Found this sit 10.years ago, been at the same company. Moved to Missouri and only miss the food. Have a pretzel for me please. Lol

Go Eagles!!! I'm from the Deptford NJ mall area right across the walt whitman bridge. How ya doin?

Found this sit 10.years ago, been at the same company. Moved to Missouri and only miss the food. Have a pretzel for me please. Lol

Hey Kearsey! Go Birds!! It's funny there's a guy from Deptford NJ in my CDL class and one of the companies I was looking at as a possible place to start after, God willing, I pass this test, is in Springfield MO.

I'm doing ok. Still struggling a bit with the offset backing. I think I keep cutting in too far on the first "turn all the way to the left" cut and setting myself up for failure. Once I go back hard right and get straight where I can see my trailer wheels and the cone I'm not too bad finishing the job. The box lines aren't painted very well (worn from wear and weather) so it's hard to see when the back tires are on the line coming straight back in.

On the road I'm still a bit iffy making my turns. I've hit a curb turning right twice and I think I'm not going out straight into the intersection far enough. I have to remember to take it slow and keep my head in the mirror watching the trailer tires clear the curb.

Overall it's been a very challenging experience. I've always been more of a "book smart" guy - great in the classroom, multiple degrees, longtime teacher - so this very hands on experience has been a little nerve wracking. We're in our last week of practice and they're starting to set up my class for testing next week. I just hope I can get it down and correct my mistakes by then.

I love your posts and your photos. I can tell you've had a very rewarding career in this industry and I really want to succeed at this. Thanks for your kind words!