Originally Posted by JLKKLJ777

I think it is wonderful that you are considering a career in truck driving! This industry does in fact need MORE women drivers in the drivers seat of big trucks. I say this based on my observations of the past 16+ years; Women have a tendency to be more receptive to training, more careful in general, and less aggressive over all.

The fact that you love to travel is a definite plus in your favor. Your lack of actual experience in a large vehicle is common and easily taken care of. By all means take a course. Based on your comment about the money you may want to consider one of the larger training companies. They will put you through their school and send you out with a trainer for several weeks to make sure you are ready to fly solo.

Based on the fact you have good map reading skills you will actually be ahead of the game in many respects. You would be surprised just how many people have no idea how to read a map or navigate around a city.

You will learn situational awareness as you go. You will begin to notice more and more as time goes by. I am referring to signage specifically directed at commercial vehicles. Again many motorists are oblivious to these signs and simply over look them, many never even register seeing them at all.

As far as maneuvering a big truck, this will come with time, patience, and practice. NO-ONE was born with a steering wheel in their hand or blessed with the ability to drive a truck without some kind of training.

You stated you have no ties, no partner, no family. This is another plus for you. The hardest part of this job is adapting to the long hours of solitude and loneliness. Lots of newbies get "homesick" and miss their friends, families, pets, etc.

I would encourage you to enter this industry asap. There will always be room for new drivers especially in the otr sector.