And So It Begins...

[Pitter]

Well folks, I got through day 3 of my community college course and let me tell you, my head is swimming. I feel like I'm in an 8-week course to be an electrical engineer. Sheesh. Day 1 was primarily orientation; a lot of rules and regs gone over, introductions made (including the class). I figured the first week would be all academics but surprise, surprise, surprise, they're gonna let us drive nearly immediately. Half the class will go on the road tomorrow, my half on Monday, the 12th. My bunch will work on the training field doing straight line backing exercises, coupling/uncoupling exercises and a forward/zig-zag exercise. I got my hands on the straight line backing today and actually nailed it the first time. Better to be lucky than good I guess. I'm still nervous and still wondering if I can possibly ever get it all down but I figure if I take it one day at a time, I'll fight thru. I just don't like feeling overwhelmed like I do. I've messed with the pre-trip inspection some and today we covered transmissions (9 and 10 speeds) and whew, there's a lot to absorb. I've admitted to being a stick novice and just about everybody says what you guys do: No habits are better than bad habits. I guess Monday I'll learn what my good habits ought to be.
I kind of feel like I'm back in basic training and with that being the case, guess I'll take the Forrest Gump approach: "Pitt, what are you doing in my truck driving school?!". "Whatever you tell me to driver instructor!!". I'll try and keep you posted.

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

Farmtastic Pitter,

WELCOME,

Ahhh, good ole Goldsboro. I've spent some time there in a 1/2 way house in the not so pleasant west side of town.

9 and 10 speed trannies--cool.
The best 9 speed I've ever operated was in a '95 Pete 379 with a CAT. A REVERSE 9 speed and for someone like me that was used to the standard Eaton-Fuller and Meritor 10 speed, well what a change.
There's also a Super 10 yet for some this type is more hassle.
I PREFER a Manual Trans to an "auto"shift. The Manual is just more fun especially in tight places and traffic.

As to the Class you're undertaking, just remember to BE EASY ON YOUR SELF!!
There is nothing more wrong than trying to push yourself through something you're not acquiring right away, just take it easy on YOU!!
I remember my Driver Training School experiences and they were cool, aggravating irritating and annoying to the instructors, yet hilarious, informative, enjoyable, rewarding and I'm glad I was able to do it.

When applying Brakes just remember that you don't need anywhere near the pressure on the pedal as say in a Hydraulic Brake system.
If you apply that much pressure you and the steering column will be very friendly.

USE ALL THE ROOM AVAILABLE for maneuvering.
Pay attention to the 90 degree backing practice or elling the Combo as this WILL AT SOME POINT be useful in your future.
There are sooo many new drivers out there that have NO IDEA what this entails among other aspects of Driving.
When in doubt about Backing, just practice GOAL or Get Out And Look! This alone saves a lot of unnecessary paperwork and quite possibly your job!

Enjoy your time in the School and take care and remember EVERY DRIVER STARTED WHERE YOU ARE NOW!!

~EGuvNC~

[pro1driver]

continued success to you. keep us posted as when ever you're able to.

[bubbadog121]

Originally Posted by Pitter

Well folks, I got through day 3 of my community college course and let me tell you, my head is swimming. I feel like I'm in an 8-week course to be an electrical engineer. Sheesh. Day 1 was primarily orientation; a lot of rules and regs gone over, introductions made (including the class). I figured the first week would be all academics but surprise, surprise, surprise, they're gonna let us drive nearly immediately. Half the class will go on the road tomorrow, my half on Monday, the 12th. My bunch will work on the training field doing straight line backing exercises, coupling/uncoupling exercises and a forward/zig-zag exercise. I got my hands on the straight line backing today and actually nailed it the first time. Better to be lucky than good I guess. I'm still nervous and still wondering if I can possibly ever get it all down but I figure if I take it one day at a time, I'll fight thru. I just don't like feeling overwhelmed like I do. I've messed with the pre-trip inspection some and today we covered transmissions (9 and 10 speeds) and whew, there's a lot to absorb. I've admitted to being a stick novice and just about everybody says what you guys do: No habits are better than bad habits. I guess Monday I'll learn what my good habits ought to be.
I kind of feel like I'm back in basic training and with that being the case, guess I'll take the Forrest Gump approach: "Pitt, what are you doing in my truck driving school?!". "Whatever you tell me to driver instructor!!". I'll try and keep you posted.

I remember my training daze at Schneider.
I wanted to quit a couple of times but glad I didn't.
Yes, I felt overwhelmed as well.
The two biggest areas that folks seem to have a problem with is shifting and backing.

Be patient with yourself

[Pitter]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I'm still with it; drove today for the second time and improved from my first foray Monday. Maybe you do get better as you do it more often. All of my fellow newbies seem to have their own little difficulties; one keeps messing up the switch to high gear, one wants to goose the accelerator rather than do a steady rev and you can just call me Reverend because it seems like I rev all the flippin time. Hopefully Friday will see a betterment for us all. Anyway, I'll be packing up the computer tonight so it may be a bit before I can get to the base and use a library computer. But return I shall with updates either good or bad. You guys be safe out there!

[Soundman]

Pitter - Are you counting the hours now until finishing up next Friday? How's it going? I start on the 30th.