If you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, then it’s good to know exactly what you’re in for. Trucking is not the easiest career, especially for rookie drivers with a lot to learn.
Making Mistakes
Remember: everyone was a rookie at some point in time. Your fellow drivers, your instructors, your trainers, and even your employers were new once. Everyone makes mistakes. The first year is sure to be full of rookie mishaps. However, the way you handle these common errors will determine whether or not you’re cut out for the job. When things go wrong, be sure to stay calm and maintain a clear mind.
Getting Lost
Even with the latest technology, drivers can still get lost when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Whether you’re in the big city or the Big Rock Candy Mountains, there is always a way out. Don’t panic. That’s the key.
Traveling Through Unfamiliar Territory
If you’re trucking over-the-road, then you’ll be experiencing new and exciting places with all kinds of driving challenges. You will experience new weather, new infrastructure, new road conditions and new terrain. You will learn how to drive through desert sand storms, tropical coastal storms, icy northern passes and snowy mountain roads. You will find that some states handle extreme weather better than others. You may be able to drive through a major blizzard covering half the country, but then hit the Texas border and find that all the roads have been closed due to a single night of freezing weather.
Dealing With the Law
This will be a daily challenge. However, you can make it easy to deal with laws and regulations by keeping a positive attitude and accurate logbook. There will be many police officers, weigh stations and regulations to deal with along the way. If each challenge is faced with an upbeat outlook, then you won’t have any problems.
First-year drivers may have a lot to learn, but remember, everyone makes mistakes and everyone improves over time. It’s all part of the job.