A career as a commercial truck driver can open up
opportunities to make money, build skills, and have a stable life on the road.
A huge part of a truck driving career is the training you go through to get
your Class A driver's license. When you sign up for classes, one of the main
options you have to choose from is one-on-one sessions or group lessons.
You may feel more drawn to private lessons, but you can
learn a lot from group-based truck driving lessons. Learn about the advantages
and why you should consider group lessons as you aim to pass the DMV test and
obtain your Class A license.
1. Learn From the Mistakes of Others
Hands-on learning is crucial to a successful truck driving
career, but you will also build a lot of skills and knowledge through observing
others. Through group training, drivers will take turns learning how to
maneuver a truck and operate the large vehicle. Pay close attention to the
driver and mistakes they make.
When a driver makes a mistake, you can find out tips that
apply to your own driving. For example, a driver could make a mistake that
wasn't a part of the regular training. An instructor will likely correct the
mistake while you observe. Learning how to correct those mistakes early on will
often prevent the need to learn them once you get your license and go out on
your own.
Also, take the time to pay attention and build up your
skills even when you're not on the road. The extra time watching other drivers
in training lots can lead to more time and experience around big rig trucks.
Observing and watching others will not increase your time behind the wheel, but
the exposure to specific skills will only help when you do drive.
2. Make Trucking Friends
Trucking is a specific industry, and you can quickly build
up allies as you go through class with other students. Making truck friends
will help you build bonds and share experiences, especially as you all embark
on a trucking career at the same time.
Connections with fellow students could help you down the
line. For example, some may have information on available trucking jobs. You
could find long-distance trucking jobs or short-haul jobs that keep you in the
local area.
In some cases, jobs may seek truckers with a co-driver. If
you made close friends with another trucking student, then you may have the
opportunity to travel the road together and already have someone you know to
hit the open road with.
Or if you travel alone on the road, you can reach out to
other drivers to share in your experience, communicate, and know someone else
is out there going through the same experience as you.
3. Receive Honesty and Support
Going to class with other students can help you progress
with your skills as a trucker through honesty and support. For example, other
students might vocally tell you what skills you lack and what you need to
improve upon when behind the wheel. Take any criticism with an open mind, and
use the advice to become a better driver.
The support part may often come in off-hours. You may meet
up with students to discuss driving, study together, and enhance your knowledge
of a truck. A big part of the driver's test is the truck inspection, and
working with other students can help your master the test section that takes
place when a truck is parked.
When you start at a trucking driving school, take time to
talk with other students and get to know each other better. The more
communication you have, the more honest other students will be about your
skills while providing support at the same time.
For more information on our truck driving school and group
sessions, contact us at Commercial
Trucking School. Our training can help you further your career and lead to
many job opportunities in the world of truck driving.
