Monday Week #2 at Truck Driving School

by Collin Barnette
(Visalia, CA)

You can follow my first week at the first link and I promise to be more positive and not put such a negative spin on my experiences. I'll bring you the good stuff.

The School being short handed is moving quickly to get another instructor on site from one of the other campuses. We did stand around a bit this morning but it all paid off as we broke up into groups according to our level of accomplishment so far and available instructors.

I am working with a couple of other students to perfect our Air Brake System Check and it is really helping me to help the others. One person behind the wheel while others in the cab read the procedure and point out mistakes. I think I'll be ready to test on this today.

I should say that, as in all areas of life, there are many different types of people at this school. Some have a hard time with what you think would be the simplest things while others seem to fly right through. Joining up with your classmates is a great way to work together reinforcing one another and keeping the interest and and attitudes positive moving the whole process forward.

Some people can back that truck and trailer right into a whole while others are so intimidated that just moving the combination is a big step. I have some experience from way back and felt confident with my skills but, doing it while six or eight people stand and watch is a new and humbling experience. Making friends with my classmates and learning what they are all about really helps to change those criticisms to constructive and playful banter. We all want to see each other succeed.

Practice Practice and then Practice.