Question:
Hello Everyone,
have been a lurker at this forum for a long time...
In a few weeks I'll be starting truck driving school. I do so with reluctance... need your advice. Maybe some of you have experienced similar circumstances?
First off, I traveled OTR w/ my husband for 1 1/2 years. No, not just a tourist... Helped my husband trip plan, pulled tandems, help unload trucks, all the laundry, clean the truck, all shopping, when he didn't feel like getting out of the truck to get something to eat, I would get it for him, would read to him while he drove, he seemed to enjoy that, would always get out of the truck to help guide him when parking or docking (not that he couldn't do it without my help, but it seemed to make his work easier?) Would do anything I could to make my husband's job easier. Times when he made wrong turns and got into tight spots, I'd get out and direct traffic if I had to so that my husband could get that beast turned around in the most efficient manner possible. My husband is an exceptional driver and professional. Nine years driving. Loves it... last of the real cowboys.
Suffice it to say, several things happened and I just started feeling horribly taken for granted. After all, I went through all the OTR hardships that he did... I find OTR trucking to be a job of extremes. For every one thing I could tell you about my passion for it, I could tell you one thing to hate it. Most of my experiences related to trucking were positive. I'm very extroverted and all the truckers I met traveling 48 and Canada were gems. A truely eclectic group that were a joy to converse with.
When I finally concluded that my husband didn't appreciate me on the truck, I said ok, I'm getting off... you go be a gypsy. We have no children, we married late in life. Well, we buy a house in rural America (very rural) and I can't find work!!! It's a freakin' tourist town with only a weekly newspaper!!! Most retired w/ money. My husband loves it. At least when he finally wanders home after 2/3 months. Have done office work all my life. I'm sure that my age is against me as well. It seems that the few good jobs up here are highly sought after and probably go to people known to the employer. Just great... most I can find is part-time and no money!!! OK, the punchline... my husband and I have long since resolved our differences and miss each other. We both feel this is no life. I'm home alone all the time and he's out on the truck alone all the time. We need the extra money... anyway, if something should happen to my husband, I'll be in real trouble. So he thinks I should get my CDL. Team. Ok, solves the money woes... I have a new career... we're together... good. Problem is I'm very intimidated by the truck... sooooooo BIG!!! I have seen my husband get that rig in places that no big truck has any earthy business being in... he's good. I can't imagine that I'll be able to do it, let alone learn in three weeks!!! I have a perfect driver's record... never a moving violation in 33 yrs. I am a passive driver... seems to me that you have to be assertive to be a trucker. My husband assures me that anyone can learn??? The book work doesn't intimidate me... scholastically, I've always excelled. Just the truck, the gears, I'm really scared I'll fail? Read the newbie journal about 4 starting school and only 1 getting a license!!! Yikes! So much money... my husband would be so disappointed if I failed. So would I??? I know my husband will be an excellent trainer... he taught music for 18 years... so I feel fortunate that I'll have a dedicated professional to teach me all the nuances that separate drivers from damn GOOD drivers. Just have to get through school. Do any of you remember if you were intimidated by a combination vehicle? Did the truck seem HUUUUGGGGGGGH to you? Any tricks, advice you can offer because it's imperative I pass. Do most of you feel that anyone can drive a big rig if properly taught? Of course, my husband poo-poo's all my negatives insinuating that it's just a self-confidence, self-esteem issue but he has a personal interest. I need the advice of neutral parties.
I visualize myself in the driver's seat and I think it's so cool. Just, ya' know... "I'm drivin' a BIG TRUCK...woo woo". Parking it seems to be my fear. Can't just keep going down the road forever... like "Wagon Train". Remember, all they seemed to do was keep on wagon training; they never really arrived anywhere? Hemmmm. Well anyway, thanks for your time and consideration reading this probably too long post and I'm looking forward to all your shared experiences and advice.
Be safe and prosperous always.

Answer:
Here's something to think about:
You said you don't trust your husband's assessment of your driving aptitude & ultimate ability because he's got an interest in the outcome?
Boy, does he ever... BOTH YOUR LIVES. If you team, he has to trust you when driving enough that he can sleep while being 100% out of control of the rig. Sounds to me like he's already made up his mind about that, and you "passed." Quite a compliment from someone as accomplished as he is, yes?
DD

Answer:
You appear to lack something many do before they get started, confidence!
Yes, anyone with any sense and a bit of brains can learn to drive a truck, however, not everyone who can get a license should be operating one!
Do you have faith in yourself and your abilities? If not, you better get some before headed into this thing. It is a lot of money and time to invest in something you won't do in the long run. You already know that you like the life on the road so that much is not a problem. You have much of the battle won already since you already know what it's like and you know what you will end up doing. All thats left is getting the license!
As for the backing thing, you could try what a freind of mine did when his wife went on the road with him, she drove on the highways, and he did everything else! Of course tyhis won't prepare you for running on your own, but you could gain the experience in the simple places.
«"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers."»

Answer:
Are you able to sleep in a moving truck?
D.
- Arguing over the Internet is like competing in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still a retard.-
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Answer:
Learning to back into tight places is an "art" that comes with practice. Lots of it.
I practiced in a nearby vacant supermarket lot. Used those large, yellow Schnieder Barrels.
Practiced with tandems to all the way to the rear, then middle then all the way forward.
Set cones in front with barely enough swing room for tractor. Every time I hit a barrel, figured I'd hit a wall, another trailer or tractor.
Very frustrating. Worth the effort. Pays off.
Just don't get so darn confident that you can be talking on your cell phone while backing in like I so many drivers doing.
You may be a 3 week wonder and pass all the tests, both written and driving, but it's out on the road where the real test is.
With your background, I think you'll be a very good driver. Age has its advantages. Not so much in a hurry as when we were younger.
Remember the story of the old bull and young bull? Old Bull says "we will WALK down the hill, not run and get ALL the cows."
"A check is in the mail"
"Trust Me, I'm from the Government and am here to help you"
“We get trucks that big in here all the time."

Answer:
Originally posted by Avenue Blues:
Problem is I'm very intimidated by the truck... sooooooo BIG!!!
Nothing to be intimidated by, especially modern trucks that aren't much more difficult to control than a Cadillac (though not nearly as cushy).
I am now intimidated by compact cars-UGH, so close to the ground, no substantial metal between me and the SUV next to me, very claustrophobic!
I have seen my husband get that rig in places that no big truck has any earthy business being in... he's good.
Yeah, but he wasn't always. Someday you can be just as good or better.
I can't imagine that I'll be able to do it, let alone learn in three weeks!!!
3 weeks is just the basics. I personally didn't feel lie I hit the "groove" until about 2 years into it. Heck, i am still learning and getting better-driving is a lifetime of practice.
I have a perfect driver's record... never a moving violation in 33 yrs. I am a passive driver... seems to me that you have to be assertive to be a trucker.
Sometimes you do have to be assertive, especially in rush hour traffic in any one of your choice of metropolitan areas. Because rarely will you be given a break, certainly not by 4 wheelers. Those times, you just have to take what you want.
My husband assures me that anyone can learn???
Seeing some of the monkeys that masquerade as truckers out there is proof of that!
The book work doesn't intimidate me... scholastically, I've always excelled. Just the truck, the gears, I'm really scared I'll fail?
Fail what? You are allowed to retake the state CDL exam as many times as necessary in most states. Trucking schools only train you as much as they need to in order for you to pass the DOT test.
If you have any semblance of coordination, logic, and common sense, you'll do fine. Again, if some of these yahoos out there driving trucks can do it, you most certainly can.
Read the newbie journal about 4 starting school and only 1 getting a license!!!
Keep in mind the caliber of many of those newbie wannabes.Trucking is a last resort to them because they are literally too stupid to do anything else. And some are even too stupid to drive a truck!
Do any of you remember if you were intimidated by a combination vehicle?
I was not intimidated. Because in new situations, i tell myself that if any of the people doing that now can do it, then there is no reason that I cannot. They have nothing that I don't have, except a head start.
Did the truck seem HUUUUGGGGGGGH to you?
Only after I park it and get out and look at it from a distance, then I think "that is one long SOB!" I guess I was more apprehensive about it than I am now, more concerned that I wouldn't judge a corner right and cut it too close or something. Anymore, I dono't feel it to be much different than driving my Lincoln, only my Lincoln is far more comfortable! except when backing-I can't back up anything that doesn't have a trailer attached. My wife laughs at me because I always turn the steering wheel the wrong way (the way I would turn it had I a trailer hooked to me) when backing the 4 wheeler out of the drive.
Do most of you feel that anyone can drive a big rig if properly taught?
Most definately.
Of course, my husband poo-poo's all my negatives insinuating that it's just a self-confidence, self-esteem issue but he has a personal interest. I need the advice of neutral parties.
Well, he knows you right? I would tend to agree based on what yo have posted here. Were you this apprehensive when you learned to drive a car?
Parking it seems to be my fear. Can't just keep going down the road forever...
At first, you will be terrible at parking, and everyone will know you are a rookie. No big whoop. All it takes is practice, and caution. heck, we all still have those days where we can't back up to save our lives.
Be safe and prosperous always.
Well, this is trucking, so I will just settle with safe. the prosperous part is more elusive.
@#*!%$^@!
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@#*!%$^@!

Answer:
Should this post be on the newbies forum?

Answer:
No one can teach you in three weeks what nine years has taught your husband but you have great insight as to what you are getting into after being on the road for a year and a half with him.You will do just fine out there and with hubby's experience and patience(you mentioned he was a music teacher and he surely had students play the same piece over and over until it was right)It should'nt be too long before you gain some confidence in your own abilities as a driver.I wish you all the best and I say go for it.
The Governor.
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Arguing with a truck driver is like wrestling with a pig in the mud;Sooner or later you figure out the pig enjoys it.

Answer:
First off. You need to decide FOR YOU if this is something you want to do. If the answer is yes then go for it. If it is something you are doing for your husband then you are going to be miserable and make everything a lot harder on yourself.
If you do go for it, and are going through an independant school find yourself a good one. There are schools out there that offer a lot of hands on time with the truck, and several that will allow you to repeat the course if need be until you pass the state skills tests.
Yes trucks are big, but the truth is they almost drive themselves. All you have to do is get it pointed in the right direction, stay alert, and pay attention to what is going on around you. Not all that different from driving a car really.....granted a 75 foot car....but they are fairly easy to handle.
As pointed out no one, contrary to the belief and attitude of some, was born being able to make a truck dance. It takes time and practice. With you running team with your husband you have an advantage of being able to learn at a slower pace than other new drivers. If you find yourself in a tight spot trying to get into somewhere your husband can take over. Eventually with some practice you will be able to do it too......if you really want to.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
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Answer:
Diesel Dog: What a nice thing to say... never really thought about that... although I've often heard him joke "I drive; She sleeps - She drives; I drink coffee" I know he was just kidding; He knows I'm a good and cautious driver.
Rammon: I have faith in my abilities and have always done an exceptional job at anything I have chosen to do. Part of my nature is to strive for excellence. BUT, a person can't do too much harm to themselves or anyone else driving a pen.
I am in awe of professional drivers. Yes, I've heard almost all the negatives about truckers. Stupid, lazy, anyone can do it, etc. OK, not much physical work for most, but the mental work is an incredible challenge as most of you know. Takes a unique individual to deal with the stresses of the road. As I said before a job of extremes. Out on the interstate... no traffic... plenty of time to deliver the load... weather just perfect... drop-dead scenery... Can't imagine an easier and more terrific way to earn a living. Sure... Jersey traffic (oh my God!) ... road rage... 80,000 lbs... snow... Donner's Pass... someone burning their brakes behind you... hot rubber smells great...
Well, all of you know that both of these lists are endless. The glass is always half full or half empty.
Met many women who drive just as you discribed. Not an option. If anyone is to do a job, man or woman, they should not depend on another to do it for them. My opinion. Yes, team has its advantages and it will be much easier for me to learn because hubby will be there to get me out of tight predicaments, BUT, I will be a truck driver. I will learn all aspects of being a damn good driver and will handle the job as well as my husband. No one ever did my work for me and I'm afraid I'm a little too old to start passing the buck.
Dubya: Can sleep on a fence post with two dated refers running on either side. -->
Skogie: Yes, will practice given any opportunity and I will never be over confident. That's when problems seem to find a person?
Governer: Wonderful vote of confidence!
Uturn 2001: Something I want to do? Good question... multifactorial as to arriving at this junction in my life. Need a new career. As I have been confined to an office for many, many years, the freedom of the open road has its appeal. Before I met my husband I had a friend who is an OTR driver and I always secretly yearned for the experience. Guess I'm a gypsy at heart. As much as I admired what he did, I just couldn't imagine that I could do it? Was just so intimidated by that BIG, AWESOME, machine. At my age gender conditioning may be what is overshadowing my thought processes? Many like myself were raised with much fear and pigeon-holed standards. Clearly defined roles. This is a topic that could go on forever? Hemmm. Women; delicate, house, children, nest-builders, etc. Men; never met one that was intimidated by ANYTHING TOO BIG --> just a little ribald humor -->
Highwayman: Apprehensive about driving a car? Yep... some crazy %$*^@(! out there on the road... gets worse by the minute.
Met traffic... you bet... this is what separates the drivers from the BIG DOGS!
Newbie article... same advice by husband... says I shouldn't read such things for the same reasons you give. Have to learn to better filter information.
Silverdollar: Yes, I can decern the differences of each forum. I wanted the advice of experts and veterans. If you take notice, many more visit this column than the other. I made the right choice.
Thanks again, all of you, feeling better already about my choice. Will keep you apprised of my progress.
Be safe and prosperous always...