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
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
What's On An Air Brake Course?
The information flow starts off slowly with a simple air system being built, one component at a time. Each item is introduced, explained and then installed on a working classroom model of an air brake system which you might expect on a vehicle, be it a truck, a bus or a motorhome.
Once the class has an appreciation of the basics, the course moves onto more complex systems like a tractor/trailer combination vehicle. Here we see the interaction between two vehicles, namely the trailer and the vehicle towing it.
To help the student with this new information, there are several practise review quizzes given during the course. Their purpose is twofold: give the student some feedback on their understanding of the material; and help generate questions to clarify areas where they are least comfortable.
Also given on the course is some general information to help the new driver analyze some problems they could encounter while operating air-equipped vehilces, and how to solve them. Note that this is not a maintenance course but a basic understanding of the troubleshooting techniques will help the student get the right help to correct the problem with the least cost.
Once the class has an appreciation of the basics, the course moves onto more complex systems like a tractor/trailer combination vehicle. Here we see the interaction between two vehicles, namely the trailer and the vehicle towing it.
To help the student with this new information, there are several practise review quizzes given during the course. Their purpose is twofold: give the student some feedback on their understanding of the material; and help generate questions to clarify areas where they are least comfortable.
Also given on the course is some general information to help the new driver analyze some problems they could encounter while operating air-equipped vehilces, and how to solve them. Note that this is not a maintenance course but a basic understanding of the troubleshooting techniques will help the student get the right help to correct the problem with the least cost.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Air Brake Program
You may wonder: DO I NEED AN AIR BRAKE ENDORSEMENT? The answer to that question depends on where you live. Many areas require it by their motor vehicle laws... some area don't.
In British Columbia, Canada, it's mandatory. I quick visit to you local DMV will yield all the answers to help you make any decision in this career choice. If you live in BC, save a trip to the DMV and simply call your local driving school and enrol in their next Air Brake Course... they do all the rest for you.
On the scheduled day of the course, you simply attend, pay your tuition fee and acquire the information needed to pass a follow-up knowledge test at the DMV.
It's that easy, and you're done in no time.
Amaze yourself. Sign up today!
In British Columbia, Canada, it's mandatory. I quick visit to you local DMV will yield all the answers to help you make any decision in this career choice. If you live in BC, save a trip to the DMV and simply call your local driving school and enrol in their next Air Brake Course... they do all the rest for you.
On the scheduled day of the course, you simply attend, pay your tuition fee and acquire the information needed to pass a follow-up knowledge test at the DMV.
It's that easy, and you're done in no time.
Amaze yourself. Sign up today!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Where Do You Begin?
Getting into the trucking industry is not as difficult as once thought to be. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you live, the degree of difficulty could range from a simple phone call to a local driving school to a brief visit to your area Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
For most newcomers to trucking, the first step would involve some classroom training like, say, an air brake course or some other truck theory training. Follow-up road training would require the student to obtain a learner's driving permit at the DMV. The classroom sessions vary with different schools as do the fees for attending them. Since the driving lessons involve the use of expensive highway equipment, they are more costly than the classroom sessions but many schools offer a pay-as-you-learn program which makes the financial load more bearable.
All scheduling for courses and equipment including the final road test and, in some cases, extended training lessons are done by most schools with due consideration given to the time constraints and availability for the student. Also, in many cases, schools may provide information on employment opportunities.
For most newcomers to trucking, the first step would involve some classroom training like, say, an air brake course or some other truck theory training. Follow-up road training would require the student to obtain a learner's driving permit at the DMV. The classroom sessions vary with different schools as do the fees for attending them. Since the driving lessons involve the use of expensive highway equipment, they are more costly than the classroom sessions but many schools offer a pay-as-you-learn program which makes the financial load more bearable.
All scheduling for courses and equipment including the final road test and, in some cases, extended training lessons are done by most schools with due consideration given to the time constraints and availability for the student. Also, in many cases, schools may provide information on employment opportunities.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Starting This Trip...
Welcome to a brand new blog site. We are currently in the midst of set-up and layout of information and material that will hopefully be of interest and of help to you or someone you know in the vocation of trucking. To understand such a vital process as trucking it is important to understand the pieces that make up this puzzle.
The information which you will find on this site in the days to come is not necessarily restricted to trucking as it pertains to the freight industry; it may address your question in some specialized field as well.
DISCLAIMER: This blog does not presume to be an answer to your questions on legality AND is intended to be purely informational. For specific legal issues, please consult with the provincial or state authorities in the area concerned.
The information which you will find on this site in the days to come is not necessarily restricted to trucking as it pertains to the freight industry; it may address your question in some specialized field as well.
DISCLAIMER: This blog does not presume to be an answer to your questions on legality AND is intended to be purely informational. For specific legal issues, please consult with the provincial or state authorities in the area concerned.
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