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Alan Saylor's School Journal Male, 55 years young
Introduction
I will be starting my driving career at Western Pacific Truck School in Stockton, California on Monday, May 5, 2003. I was laid off from my Network Administrator job on February 28th. I originally intended to find another computer job, but what I found was that there are far more computer people looking for jobs than there are jobs right now. I'm pretty sure that with my 14 years of experience I would have eventually been able to find a job. However, all the jobs that I could see that I might qualify for would mean quite a pay cut. Also, since I have been driving 1 1/2 to 2 hours *each way* to work and then spending 9 to 12 hours at work.... I can't tell you the number of times on my way to work that I saw a sign on the back of a truck saying "Drivers needed, call 1-800-xxx-xxxx" and been REALLY tempted to call when I got to work. I guess I am like many of you and have been bitten by the driving bug. I've always wished I could spend a time driving the big rigs. Since I am not getting any younger I figured this is the right time to try something new! I don't know that driving a truck will be a forever thing for me, but I am ready for the road now.
Week 1 - May 5 - 9 This week we the primary focus was to study for the written portion of the CDL. We also studied a book called "Bumper to Bumper" for some background information about trucking, how transmissions work, safety, driving techniques, etc. I have to say that I didn't care for the instructor's technique very much. He didn't lecture, or even tell trucking stories. What he did is indicated portions of the CDL manual and the "Bumper to Bumper" book we should underline and study. It was a great method for focusing on the CDL test, but left a lot to be desired if you really wanted to get the background. Well, his method worked for me. On Friday I took the basic CDL test, General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes (and half the California Class C) and passed. I now have my Class A learner's permit.
Week 2 - May 12 - 16 Over the weekend I studied for the endorsement tests. The DMV was closed on Monday, so Tuesday morning I took the tests. Now I have the HazMat, Doubles/Triples, and Tanker endorsements! Making some progress! Several people needed to a couple of tries on some of the tests, but by Wednesday everyone had their permit except one person. When he tried to take the test, the computer showed he had an outstanding ticket in Maryland from 10 years ago. He had to clear that up before he could take the test. A word to the wise: clear up any outstanding tickets from ANY state, no matter how old before trying to get a CDL. They will catch it! He wasn't able to get his permit until Friday.
Since we got out permits we are finally able to get behind the wheel! There are 3 students per truck. We spend half the day in the yard practicing our skills (blind-side parallel park, 45 degree alley dock, straight line backing, and measured stop) and half the day driving. The first day driving was fun! The instructor drove us to an industrial park area. When we got there he put us behind the wheel for an hour each. Our task was to shift. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 3rd, 4th..... Around the block, up and down the gears. It doesn't sound exciting, but by the end our the hour I was sure wore out! Actually all of us in my truck did quite well. We certainly ground a few gears, but we all were able to shift. We surely need to improve, but time will take care of that.
Friday (second day driving) we went into light to medium traffic. Now we not only need to shift, we have to watch the mirrors, stop signs, railroad tracks, and traffic. It's hard not to feel the pressure when there are cars behind you, cross traffic coming and you're trying to make a left turn! Now we need to learn to calm down, slow down and do what we have already learned. Our instructor tells us we will do better at being relaxed on Monday.
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