Part 2: Behind the Wheel

In Part One of my journey toward earning a Class A CDL, I passed my permit tests, completed my DOT physical, started learning pre-trip inspection and load securement, and was getting ready for the part I had been waiting for most, getting behind the wheel.

Well, I'm behind the wheel now. And I'm having a blast!

The past couple of weeks at CNS Driver Training Center have been exciting, challenging and probably the most eye-opening part of this experience so far. Every day I'm getting a little more comfortable around the truck, learning something new and building toward one thing that is now coming up very quickly, test day.

This Is Definitely Not Driving a Car

One of my biggest takeaways from behind-the-wheel training is something that probably seems obvious: a commercial truck does not drive like a car.

But knowing that and experiencing it are two very different things.

Everything requires more thought. The size of the vehicle, your turns, your stopping distance, where the trailer is going and what's happening around you all matter.

It has given me an even greater appreciation for the professional drivers we share the road with every day.

When you're driving your car and you're behind a truck that's taking a little longer to make a turn, accelerate or maneuver through a tight area, there's a reason.

These vehicles deserve patience and respect—and so do the people operating them.

Practice, Practice, Practice

My training days have been filled with repetition, because that's how these skills start becoming familiar.

I've been practicing my pre-trip inspection every day, working through the different components of the tractor and trailer and preparing to demonstrate that knowledge during my test.

Then there are the skills.

I've spent a lot of time practicing maneuvers, including trailer offset backing (parallel parking. Learning to control where that trailer goes while backing has certainly been an experience. Small movements can make a big difference, and you're constantly learning when to make an adjustment and when to leave things alone.

We've also spent time out on the road, putting everything together in real-world driving situations.

Each part of the training builds on the last. Things that required a lot of thought at the beginning are slowly starting to feel more natural.

Before the Truck, the Simulator

I also had the opportunity to spend time using CNS's truck simulator, which was one of the coolest parts of the training.

The simulator gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with operating a commercial vehicle before doing the same thing in an actual truck. You can begin getting comfortable with the controls, the size and feel of the vehicle, and different driving situations in a controlled environment.

Then you get into the real truck and start applying it.

It's a great training tool, and it was another part of this process I didn't really appreciate until I experienced it myself.

More People Are Along for the Ride Than I Expected

Something else surprised me during this journey: how many people have been following along and rooting for me, other than my kids.

I've had support from my colleagues at PMTA, PMTA members, CNS instructors and staff, and the other students going through training alongside me.

Sometimes it's encouragement. Sometimes it's advice. And sometimes it's simply someone asking, "How's it going?"

I've really enjoyed those conversations.

Trucking is an industry built around people, and throughout this experience I've felt like there has been a community around me that wants to see me succeed.

That's made this experience even better.

Documenting the Journey

CNS has continued filming my training, which has added another interesting dimension to the whole experience.

It's cool having cameras around while I'm learning to drive a truck, but I've especially enjoyed the interviews CNS has done with me throughout the process.

They've given me a chance to stop after different milestones and think about what just happened—what I learned, what surprised me, what was difficult and how I'm feeling about what comes next.

Normally, you might finish a day of training, head home and immediately start thinking about tomorrow. Having someone ask you questions about the experience forces you to reflect on it while it's still fresh.

I'm glad I'll have that record of the journey when this is all over.

Test Day Is Coming

And now it's almost here.

At the end of this week and next week, everything I've been working on comes together for my Class A CDL skills test.

Pre-trip.

Skills and Control.

On-road driving.

I've practiced them. I've made mistakes. I've gotten better. And I've learned a tremendous amount in a relatively short period of time.

I'm excited, I feel ready and yes, I'm nervous.

But I think being a little nervous about something you've worked hard for is probably a good thing.

When I started this journey, getting my CDL felt like something that was a long way down the road. Now I'm sitting behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer and test day is only days away.

Whatever happens, this experience has already changed the way I look at professional truck drivers and the industry I represent.

But there's still one really important thing left to do.

Pass that test.

Next up: Test Day.