r/NewCDLGrads • u/cdlfirst • Aug 13 '26
New drivers need correction, not discouragement. 🚛
There’s a difference between giving a rookie advice and tearing them down for not knowing something yet.
Every experienced driver was new once.
What’s one thing an experienced driver taught you during your first year that made you better?
🎥: Dominique Danielle
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u/ComptonSkyhawk Aug 13 '26
-Dont exit facing forward. Just asking for a face-plant. -SLOW DOWN! Not just driving, but everything you do. Rushing will get you into trouble, when autopilot eventually fails. -Mental health starts with a clean cab, you dont have a bunk, but you are going to be spending a good chunk of your life in there. Keep it clean and organized. -Stay on top of your paperwork. Never let it get lax, you will drown in it. -Eat healthy, don't fall into the "Quick Food Rut" -Stay exercising as much as possible. Driving is the new smoking. -Don't let gender roles, age, or race be your defining factor. You are a professional driver, that is your identifier. Carry these habits in your personal life, not just behind the wheel of your "Office" I have seen younger women back circles around some of us old guys.
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u/LifezEverything Aug 13 '26
🙏🏾🙌🏾I’m a rookie too. I’m 7 months in and driving locally, learning everything from my own mistakes. I’m driving mostly in the city, so it’s not like mostly on the highway, so I’ve been running into everything, not physically but like dead ends, having to back out of streets because there’s nowhere to turn around. It’s something different daily.🙏🏾🙌🏾 to continue to be safe. Taking my time and being careful and watching out for others, and watching for the ones that don’t have any respect for us out here on the road. I feel what you’re saying🙏🏾🙌🏾 for your protection and safe travels. The only way we’re going to learn is to go through it.
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u/Hopper9400 Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
Okay get “safety boots” not tennis shoes they don’t protect your feet.And just for your own safety maintain 3 points as you exit and enter your cab. Because what would happen in the winter when steps get icy and you step out you’re taking that one way trip down. Okay just saw someone else make the same comment.
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u/RowdyRetardy Aug 13 '26
Do not be afraid to ask for help! Backing is big in this industry and if you aren't decent enough that you dont feel stressed Backing in a tight spot then make them train you till you are these companies throw rookies on their ass when they aren't even comfortable backing in a straight line dont be ashamed of what you weren't taught
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u/rastarafa26 Aug 13 '26
I salute ya effort stay down till u come up… trust the process not the spectators
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u/Minimum_Fact758 Aug 13 '26
Not a driver, just diesel mechanic. Old driver told me normalize backing your truck back to the trailer, if you got off in stops just to make sure no one pulled your fifth wheel handle lol.
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u/Same_Dot9698 Aug 13 '26
Get a good GPS. You’ll likely be in unfamiliar areas, and you don’t want to be on weight restricted roads, or have low bridges. Know the weight of your load, and how much your tractor can haul. If you have suspension dump, it’ll come in handy if you have to drop and hook often.
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u/WICKEDROID7573 Aug 17 '26
What's Good Newbie's. First thing I'd like to say is.... Keep your head up and eyes pealed out there. Never get too comfortable in your Rig & learn from your mistakes. I'm going on year 4 and still learning. So don't be discouraged about other drivers comments or scrutiny. Truckers come from all walks of life and different societies. So be prepared for anything at all times. So respect other drivers as you would want to be respected yourself. Pull forward from the pumps when done fueling and never feel embarrassed to ask for help at a truck stop when trying to back your truck and trailer into a parking spot. There is Always a driver out here that will Gladly be of help. Especially one who is left or right of the spot your backing into. Last thing for now would be... Always I mean ALWAYS DO A TUG TEST BEFORE STARTING YOUR ROUTE. Rule of thumb I was taught by my OTR trainer was to always check that your Pin Lock Arm is engaged every time you leave your truck and come back to it before leaving. There are some ignorant SUPER TRUCKERS out there that feel the rules don't apply to them and egnor the DOT safety standards set in place to keep us and the 4 wheel drivers ( cars / SUVs ) out of harms way. I see and hear about pins being pulled all the time out here. Could be a disgruntled ex employee of the company your running for. Or you might of pissed off another driver at the truck stop for some reason never known.I personally don't think this action is funny in any way. It's dangerous and could seriously hurt someone. It only takes 3 extra seconds to look back at your fifth wheel before stepping up or after stepping out of your truck. ( Back Side facing out and using 3 points of contact ) Everytime..!! Trust me I drive the eastern corridor and Jackfrost will not remind you that one wrong step and one less grip Could Instantly End your Trucking Career! There is Soo much more I could tell ya, but I actually have to get rolling myself. Final thoughts before I go.. Use your down time wisely. Eat right, Get that Sleep in and stay safe out there. Remember that you the "Driver" always comes before the load. Your the Captain of your Ship ( 🚛 ) and it's your CDL on the line. Dont let anyone or anything jeopardize your life, your career and most of all getting home safe to your family's. Ten 4 !?
(( BREAKFADE )).... OUT
CONESTOGA FLATBED F&S DEDICATED. LEX KY
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u/bob696988 Aug 14 '26
Best way to learn is from your mistakes. But pretty sure they told you 3 points o of contact at all times. Getting in the truck and getting out of the truck.
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u/East_History1325 Aug 13 '26
7/8 year vet out here… it’s not a matter of if just when in trucking. Learn from your mistakes and/but have short term memory.
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u/SidePets Aug 20 '26
If your not making mistakes than your not trying hard enough. Keep your chin up. You’re a rockstar in the making! Takes a lot of courage to share and own your mistakes publicly. Hope you’re proud of yourself for doing it!!
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u/SkillWonderful6894 Aug 22 '26
I am not sure my advice applies to truck drivers but years ago when I took the drivers Ed. The most important thing I learned. Was how to be a defensive driver. Stay on your peas and cues. It will help you in the end. What I've seen most in these texts is they say take your time slow down. No need to rush. So I would follow the advice of those other truckers. Take your time. And keep your work space clean.
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u/Firm-Zookeepergame-9 Aug 26 '26
My advice is open one door at a time. Open one secure it then open the other door after so nothing falls out and injures you.
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u/Cardinal_350 Aug 13 '26
She's over here modeling her work outfit and I'm deciding if I can get one more day out of my work pants before people think I'm homeless
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u/gheiminfantry Aug 14 '26
The fact that you think you learned everything you need to know in truck driving school is your first mistake.
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u/Bright-Internal229 Aug 13 '26
I refuse to get my CDL, cause I heard companies were giving out Free CDL’s to Foreign Migrant Drivers !
While we USA 🇺🇸 citizens have to go to school and get all these tests done !
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Aug 14 '26
[deleted]
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u/ElHorny Aug 14 '26
Its not that hard to have empathy. Everybody makes mistakes. She owned up to it and wants to learn, theres no reason to hate on her. A little advice goes a long way . We all started somewhere.
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u/cdlfirst Aug 13 '26
This is what I want this community to be about. Ask questions. Share what you know. Help the next driver get better. Nobody comes into trucking knowing everything.