Driving So Many Miles

Does it get easier over time to drive so many miles day in and day out. The average person doesn't sit behind the wheel for hours and days. I assume it becomes second nature to drive that many miles and you learn how to push yourself without dangering yourself or others.

Being able to drive for long periods requires stamina. As with anything else it can take a while to build up. By our very makeup humans were not meant to sit still for hours on end. Its a learned behavior and being a driver you are going well beyond what we normally consider a acceptable amount of being stationary. So you have to train your body to go against itself. It will get easier over time but now you have to start adjusting other things like caloric intake which can be a lot harder to do.

Welcome aboard Tom and excellent question!

It does indeed get easier over time, but personally I drove for 15 years and I hated driving more than about 2-3 hours without at least a 5 minute break to get out and stretch. It's miraculous what even 5 minutes will do - makes you feel like a million bucks.

Unfortunately most people are running electronic logs now and the 14 hour rule makes it tough to take breaks the way we used to. I used paper logs so I could just make up anything I wanted to. Nowadays you can't.

But everything will get easier with time. The learning curve in the beginning of your trucking career is borderline insanity. You have to learn a million things at once and adjust to a whole new life at the same time. It's a lot to take in. Once you reach about the 6-12 month point in your career you'll be a whole lot better. You'll adjust to life on the road, you'll understand the trucking industry better, and you'll make a lot fewer mistakes.

We have an awesome Truck Driver's Career Guide which is a must-read for anyone considering a career in trucking. Read through it thoroughly. You'll learn a lot.

It does indeed get easier over time, but personally I drove for 15 years and I hated driving more than about 2-3 hours without at least a 5 minute break to get out and stretch. It's miraculous what even 5 minutes will do - makes you feel like a million bucks.

Unfortunately most people are running electronic logs now and the 14 hour rule makes it tough to take breaks the way we used to. I used paper logs so I could just make up anything I wanted to. Nowadays you can't.

I thought with the new regulations, drivers are suppose to stop every 2 to 3 hours. Am I wrong on that or do I misunderstand the regulations?

I thought with the new regulations, drivers are suppose to stop every 2 to 3 hours. Am I wrong on that or do I misunderstand the regulations?

The new regulation is that you have to take a full continuous 30 minutes in the first 8 hours of driving. It's not that hard to do. I thought it would be a pain to schedule it but I try do a 30 after five hours and I am good. You have to have at least four hours driving before you take the break or it won't give you the rest of your driving day. A little confusing but after you figure it out it's really no problem.

Driving long days does get easier as you gain experience. I have only been solo for about 8 months. I go out for 5 weeks at a time and take my five days off. At the end of the 5 weeks I am burnt but it works for me. You will have to find out how much time works for you. Everyone is different.

Be safe and above all be patient.

Before I became a driver I hated driving 5 minutes up the road. Now I drive 660 miles a day without blinking. Proper rest is key.

Thanks for the info. Didn't know anything about the 30 minute rule. It is a little confusing, but something else to get used to.

Taking the 30 minute doesn't mean you can't take other breaks if needed. IF you are on schedule. I mean, the call of nature doesn't follow DOT regulations.

Before I became a driver I hated driving 5 minutes up the road. Now I drive 660 miles a day without blinking.

Man, your eyes must get really DRY!!

Thanks for the info. Didn't know anything about the 30 minute rule. It is a little confusing, but something else to get used to.

I see you've just gotten the ball rolling on our High Road Training Program. Once you get to the logbook section you'll understand it all really well.