Is it hard to learn to drive a truck?

It is simply paying attention/studying the materials. Then repetition, practice, repetition, practice.

 

Learning to drive the truck is pretty easy for almost everyone. There are a few skills used in driving the truck that give most people some difficulty at first (back the trailer and shifting gears) but if you follow instructions and do what they say you/anyone can do it. Most people's trouble comes from not listening and not doing what they are told. Those people seem more interested in telling everyone around them why they are having trouble or something else. It's a skill. Anyone can learn it. The hard part is learning the skills and being to be away from home and solve problems with little help from your company.

 

You'll do fine but it will be hard to beat that Prius driving experience!!!

 

there are indeed a "few" things that are hard to catch onto

1) you will be sitting up higher

2) you will NOT get as good fuel mileage, as your Prius

3) when you go back to your car, you will feel like you are driving a clown car...SMALL

4) you will NOT be able to get rolling as fast in a truck, as in your car

5) you cannot AND SHOULD NOT use any drive thru window

6) many trucks have automatics, DEMAND that you learn on a stick, and TEST on a stick at the DMV

7) your driving record says a lot about you, and your habits, so start NOW being extra careful

8) the backing of a truck... DEMANDS that you PAY ATTENTION and USE your mirrors.

9) staying centered in your lane IS PARAMOUNT to safe driving

10) you will be driving, when you should be sleeping, you will be eating when you should be driving, you will be sleeping when you should be eating.....in other words, EXPECT a 24 hour work clock.

11) if that Prius of yours is pink with purple polka dots, run now.......turn in your man card....and ask to only drive Volvo's...

 

It is harder to get used to the lifestyle of a trucker.

 

Learning to drive an 18 wheeler for me was extremely stressful, but it did not take a long time. While I was out with a driving instructor I only spent about a total of 3 hours behind the wheel learning to make turns and shift properly enough to pass the driving test. But it felt like a very long 3 hours. My back sweated badly and forehead also. There's a lot you need to keep in mind while you are driving those things. But once you get the muscle memory for it, it's no big deal for the most part.

You can start studying for the CDL written exam now, today on your own. You can starting developing some good truck driver habits like reading all road signage while you are driving. That way when you are in the truck learning to drive it, there's a little bit less to worry about because you have already been doing it.

Backing up those semi's is the hardest part and it's a bit of an artform. And while I have definitely improved since I started, sometimes it's still hit or miss. lol

 

I agree with you. Driving is the easy part.

 

Take a look at the geezers that drive truck. I told myself many times if they can do it I can.