YouCanDriveBigTrucks

YouCanDriveBigTrucks
...just follow your dream!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

It Seems SO Scarey!

Okay, you've got this driver's manual from your local DMV office and, after looking through a bit of it you get this lump in your throat. Can I really do this? I've never even driven a stick-shift car before and now I'm toying with the idea of operating a big rig.
Relax! It's only scarey when you think of it. It's not nearly that bad when you are actually DOING it. Besides, there will always be a trained professional driving instructor next to you. Just carry on with your original goal... getting that licence upgrade.
STEP 1: Read the manual to prepare for the knowledge test at DMV.
STEP 2: Do the test at DMV office and get your learner's permit.
STEP 3: Start your lessons with a reputable driving school.

That last step is the fun part. You'll go out with the instructor and learn all about doing a pre-trip inspection of the rig. It has to be deemed safe for the road every day it's out there. You'll learn how the gear-shifting process works. Then, you'll start off slowly on backroads, out of traffic, and gradually work your way into the mainstream.
You'll look in the rear-view mirror and see your "Rookie" status way back there in the dust.
Congratulations! You have become a truck driver. Now you have to practice to become a "good" truck driver

Friday, February 12, 2010

Preparing for Learner's Driving Permit Test

No one likes tests but sometimes they're the means to an end. In the case of getting a licence to operate big trucks, it is a mandatory step, even if we don't enjoy that step.
The DMV office in your area will likely have a supply of manuals on hand which will give you all the information you need to prepare for the test. Once you have this resource you can decide on a study schedule. You should have a fairly neutral area to study this material; a room conducive to concentration. The less distractions you have, the better you will absorb the material, making the whole process much more meaningful.
Jot down some notes on a pad of paper to form an abbreviated version of the material you have just read. This is good material for reviews when you have a few minutes of spare time. Have a friend ask you some review questions; it helps to give you confidence if you can answer them easily.
Another study resource for your area may be available on the internet. In British Columbia there is a website at www.yourlibrary.ca where you can test your knowledge level at your leisure. At the end of each test session you can have the answers checked to get feedback to see if you're understanding things okay.
Once you get into it you will find that it's not so bad.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Upgrading Your Driver's Licence

Most people who have at one time had the desire to drive big rigs make their dream a reality. Once you get into it, it's surprisingly easy to complete the program. There are some basics required first though.
To operate the big rigs as a student, you need to get a learner's permit. This is done at your local DMV office by simply completing a computerized knowledge test which is based on the basics of trucking. This test can be done on a "challenge" basis or you may choose to prepare for it by first acquiring a manual from the DMV office receptionist.
In either case, once the test is completed successfully, arrangements can be made at a licenced driving school to begin your lessons. Qualified driving instructors will take you through all the facets of trucking ranging from performing pre-trip vehicle inspections to the final qualifying road test.
This is usually the next step after first having completed the Air Brake Program.