Week One Of Truck Driving School

I started my CDL classes last Monday. The first couple of days were filled with physicals, drug tests, and a bombardment of information! It was pretty fascinating! On Wednesday, I went to DOT to take my tests to get my CDL Learner's Permit, which I passed with flying colors. Thursday morning, I get a call from one of the trainers telling me and a few others to follow him outside to the yard, which we all did. He wen't over pre-trip inspections, then told us to climb in the cab. Ok, this will be cool! I've never even been in a big-rig before! He drives us down to a nearby shopping center with roads all around the center, along with businesses scattered around the shopping center. He had one of the guys that is ahead of me on our class schedule to take the wheel and drive around a bit. It was great watching how he shifted, set up for turns, etc. This went on for a couple of hours, and I was soaking in every bit of info I could get!

Then, our trainer decides he's going to throw the "new guys" to the wolves! Sink or swim!!! Holy Moly! I've never even sat in one of these things, much less driven one! I figured starting out, we'd be in a huge parking lot with some cones or something! I don't want to run over grandma heading to the grocery store! Well, it actually went pretty well! Took me a bit to get used to the lag time with air-brakes, but after a few stops I had the hang of it. Shifting up thru the gears comes easy to me. Downshifting is a whole different story! I just can't seem to get the hang of it!

After lunch, a few of us were called out to the yard again, and we all loaded up. We headed on down to the same shopping center area (very little traffic) and a couple of guys drove a bit. Now it's my turn again, and he sends me right out into heavy traffic! The "pucker factor" was mighty high! I got through it without running anyone over, or taking down any street signs during my turns, but I have to say, THAT was pretty intense!!!

So, tomorrow I will begin Week Two, and hopefully get plenty of chances to work on my downshifting. Thanks so much for this website! I've learned SO much about the industry, and most importantly, what to expect!

Randy, i can totally understand! Downshifting was my great nemesis too lol. If i can offer advice, i found i was bumping the rpms too high when i was going to downshift. I found a lighter touch was better. Maybe 1100 give or take unless going to a lower gear. And DO NOT TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR TO SOON lol. Going for eighth gear, at 35mph. No sooner. 6th gear, 15mph No sooner. Speed had a lot to do with proper downshifting. Try progressive shifting if they will let you. Eighth to sixth, sixth to fourth etc. Of course talk to your instructor before doing anything. I don't know what their policies are. Nowadays a use coast shifting from sixth to third... Clutch in, truck in gear. (6th) as i slow down, just pop it into fifth, fourth, third, brake fully. Things you will pick up on as you go. Believe me, i was so incredibly frustrated about downshifting, but it comes. Truly.