Tips to Become the Best Truck Driving Student and Professional
Updated Jan 24, 2023
Getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) means that you are going back to truck driving school to learn a new trade. If you have worked in your previous industry for 10-20+ years, returning to school can be quite a humbling experience. After all, you’re used to being in charge and knowing your trade. Now it’s time to learn something new all over again. It may not be a position you become used to or comfortable being in, at least at the beginning. However, setting your ego aside can help you open your mind to learning more and be the best you can be at your new job.
Getting the Instruction You Need
Our Basic CDL course will include 160 hours of instruction, and the Advanced CDL course is 600 hours. That will consist of both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Understanding the information presented in these settings is vital to passing your final test and getting your license before starting as a truck driver.
All of the information provided by Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) aims toward helping students pass their road test to earn their licenses and get to work in this new career. Our experienced instructors will also be with you every step of the way, answering any questions you have and ensuring you are successful. Studying, reviewing, and mastering the material presented will also be imperative for a long-term career as a truck driver.
Don’t Let Your Ego Make You Over-Confident
Being a professional truck driver comes with significant responsibilities. You will want to ensure you’re fully prepared before hitting the road. It is easy to think you know it all after your first time behind the wheel of a truck, but this over-confidence means you could miss valuable training opportunities. Use your training time to soak up as much knowledge as possible. Speaking with other professional drivers and trucking staff members is also a great way to hear firsthand what to expect.
Take Your Ego Out, Bring Positivity In
Although seen as a negative for many, failure can be a great learning opportunity. If you’re having trouble with part of a CDL course, take a step back and remember: the questions you missed or the activity you struggled with will stick even better in your mind than the easier tasks. Don’t become frustrated when your truck breaks down or traffic makes you late for a delivery. Remember to get your truck checked and plan alternative routes before rolling out.
Self-Analyze
Are you rolling your eyes or struggling with a part of the class? Understand that you can take action to change these things. To accomplish this, you must realize that you are doing it. When self-analyzing, it’s helpful to pull yourself out of a situation and ask yourself, “Should I do something different here?” Doing this allows you to reevaluate different outcomes for the current situation. When you’re ready to make a decision, the result may be one that was not thought of before.
Final Reminder
Learning and starting a new career is possible at any age, but putting your ego aside is vital to truly digest the information presented. After enrolling at Diesel Driving Academy, remind yourself you are here to learn. It’s okay not to know everything, but have a positive attitude about learning something new and starting your new career. These tips will allow you to quickly advance your new truck driving career!
For further assistance and to enroll in our next available class, fill out the form on the side of this page or contact us. We are here to help and can’t wait to welcome you to our family!