Question:
OK All you sensoned drivers out there. Here is a good question that should help all of us newbies. How do you recommend we start our driving practices. I know some of you can drive 5, 6 or even more hours in one stretch. How show we start out? I have heard driving a couple hours then pulling into a rest area or truck station just to get out and stretch the legs and move around is a good practice.
Drafter
Keep the wheels rolling

Answer:
When you are first learning to drive you should start off driving no more than a couple of hours a day and work your way up. You may feel you can go a lot longer but until you build your driving stamina up the fatigue (road weariness) will build up and continue to build.
No matter what your skill/experience level it is a real good idea to stop every 2-3 hours for a few minutes a stretch your legs, kick the tires, etc. By taking a short break every few hours this will help keep you alert and focused. If however you start to find it hard to concentrate, keep your eyes open etc then you should stop and get some sleep.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
You answered my question precisly. Thanks for the prompt answer. The reason I asked is I am trying to get a feel on how the drivers do this out there. I know the Dispatcher should be your best friend out there but I also know that some of them are slave drivers, lol.
Drafter
Keep the wheels rolling

Answer:
I generally stop every 2-3 hours to use the "facilities" and read the signs at the rest areas.
If I drive too long at one time my legs start to hurt.
If your dispatcher complains, ask him or her how long they sit in one spot without going to the bathroom. That'll shut em up.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane.
Waylon Jennings