Question:
Here's my 6th week at truck driving school finished Friday, October 4, 2002.
Monday:
Passed the tanker, doubles-triples, and hazmat endorsements - I aced them!!! FINALLY, that's outta the way!
Watched a video on semi-conscience--being aware of hazards. Our instructor emphasized (as he always does) seeing all you can, more than you need.
Practiced on the rodeo course.
Tuesday:
The class reviewed the need to control speed for awareness prepeartion for a maneuver. NEVER assume things are the same; every turn (maneuver) is a new one.
Watched a video on fatigue. Instructor's been very repetitious of speed management, visual searching, mirror usage. Went through more of the textbook. Learn to watch for hazards as a second-nature to driving.
Drove the cabover for the first time. (Wow, that baby can turn!)
Drove the circuit and practiced backing.
Wednesday:
Reviewed and reminded ourselves of safety. Watched a video on safety (getting in and out of the truck, landing area, and docks.) Be aware.
Went over post-trip forms. Went through some of the mechanics that we will be able to do (change light bulbs, headlights, add water dryer, change fuses, etc.) Knowing our personal responsibility to observe and report preventive maintenance (the instructor not only was a driver, but he owns his own company with about 4 trucks, so he give us both sides of the show.)
Worked on textbook. Drove the circuit and rodeo.
Thursday:
Review of the rodeo (10 close-quarter maneuvers we have to do and pass a test on.) Proper positioning, strong emphasis on observing obsticles of the course; treat them as if they were people, cars, etc.
Instructor spent time with us in the shop going over different components of the engine and various systems, identifying parts on various trucks and engines we have.
Worked on the rodeo.
Friday:
Short day--instructor's gone to the Twin Cities to get some donated stuff for the shop.
Spent the day practicing the rodeo.
Well, till next week!
For the road,
Starkman

Answer:
Sounds like a good school. Nice that they put safety first.
What companies you interested in after you graduate?

Answer:
way to go, sounds like your moving full steam ahead!!!!

Answer:
Sounds like you're doing fine, keep it up! It constantly amazes me about the "see more than you need to- we'll be driving and hubby can spot bears 10 minutes before I do!
Dianarama

Answer:
Hey there, Skiffman,
Well, I'm not to sure, to tell you the truth, where I want to work. I don't want to do OTR because I have a family, and I'm not sure what there is around here that I'm interested in. We (my family and I) could end up moving also, so it's up in the air at the moment.
My teacher has a lot of contacts here locally as well as with some bigger companies. That's going to be a plus also. Hek, he runs his own company, too, with 4 trucks (resonably local), so I may try to work for him. We'll see.
Hey Dianarama,
Me spotting things (more than what's necessary)? COFFEE SHOPS! Good ones, though; gormet style! I can spot 'em miles away! But it will be good to spot the deer and bear too--"HEY, GET OFF THE ROAD, VARMENT!"
For the road,
Starkman

Answer:
Way to go Starkman. Congratulations. Now enjoy the drive!

Answer:
Good goin' Starkman! Sounds like you've got better videos than we do. The one they're showing us in the 4th qtr safety meeting is titled, "Backing By Sight, Not By Sound".
Swear to God....
Quote: "... COFFEE SHOPS! Good ones, though; gormet style! I can spot 'em miles away ..."
Mee too! The problem is figuring out how to pull into one without taking it's little roof off!