Your exciting new career on the road awaits you, and truck driving school will teach you everything you need to know about handling a big rig and passing the CDL exam. But there’s still a bit of a learning curve with regard to on-the-job training. Many veteran truckers remember their first year as being the most challenging, but once they got past this learning curve, life as a trucker became easier and more rewarding.
Partnering With a Driver Trainer
Once you’ve graduated from truck driving school and you have a CDL, you’ll be partnered with a driver trainer to finish your big rig training. You may take short trips with your trainer or you might be gone from home for several weeks at a time. Either way, it’s a lot of time to spend in a small space with someone you’ve just met. Do your best to keep the conversation pleasant and positive, even if the two of you have clashing personalities. Remember that this is an opportunity to learn from a driver who has years of experience on the road. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and request feedback on how you’ve handled different situations.
Minimizing Your Risk of Accidents
Accidents are particularly common during the first year. Make it your goal to get through your first year accident-free. Most accidents are indeed preventable. Just pay close attention to the road and to traffic, keep your speed reasonable, and always pull over if you feel yourself getting drowsy.
Adjusting to Life on the Road
Your driver trainer will show you the ins and outs of life on the road, including how to make the most of each truck stop visit. Feel free to ask questions about how your trainer sticks to a budget, stays in touch with family, exercises, or keeps mentally engaged during long trips.
The small class sizes at Yuma Truck Driving School enable you to focus on the coursework and enjoy informative exchanges with the instructors and your peers. We’ll show you everything you need to successfully navigate your first year, and every year after that. Call (888) 647-3239 to ask about our CDL training programs in Yuma, AZ.
