TexasNana
Well-Known Member
To the original poster: I was 50something when I started driving. I team drove with my husband for a company. I and he were new to driving and went through the company's training. I loved it. LOVED it. I'd still be doing it but I love my husband more than driving.
Here's what I'm going to tell you though: it's not a hobby. It's not easy. It's sometimes dirty, messy, gross and embarrassing. You sweat, you break nails, you ruin clothes, you see men urinating at fuel pumps and sometimes other drivers are pigs. And sometimes they're the sweetest, kindest people you'll ever meet.
But nothing can replace the confidence I gained by becoming a good driver. My safety awards are precious to me. The respect given to me by my fleet manager remains priceless. The day I alleyparked that truck in a New Jersey one lane alley while dodging other vehicles was golden. The cop in Chicago that applauded me for my skill and I mean that man stopped and clapped his hands for me then took off his hat and bowed is something I will NEVER forget. Driving through NY, through L.A., through the mountains...girl there is NOTHING this old woman can't do! And I learned that finally at a truck driving academy.
I miss it every single day.
But it's not a time filler, it's a profession and one we must be good at. Because in front of you will be a non attentive driver, who is texting, drinking her coffe and putting on mascara while she drives her kids to school. And when she slams on her brakes or weaves into your lane the only thing that will save her kids' lives is your skill.
But if you want this profession I say go for it! Go to a company not a private school. The companies want to hire older drivers because of the quotas they need to meet. LOL And they want women. They'll be able to send you for training with another female if that is your requirement. Do it full time then go to a schedule where you share a truck with another driver. Several of the companies do this now. You'll be out 8 days then the other driver is out 8 days. Or seven or six depending upon the company.
That's my advice for what it's worth. Oh and one other thing....no matter how hard you work there's going to be some jerk at a truckstop somewhere who thinks women shouldn't be driving. He's going to say something to you about it. He can't help it.....he drank anti-freeze and killed his brain so just laugh it off and go on.
Here's what I'm going to tell you though: it's not a hobby. It's not easy. It's sometimes dirty, messy, gross and embarrassing. You sweat, you break nails, you ruin clothes, you see men urinating at fuel pumps and sometimes other drivers are pigs. And sometimes they're the sweetest, kindest people you'll ever meet.
But nothing can replace the confidence I gained by becoming a good driver. My safety awards are precious to me. The respect given to me by my fleet manager remains priceless. The day I alleyparked that truck in a New Jersey one lane alley while dodging other vehicles was golden. The cop in Chicago that applauded me for my skill and I mean that man stopped and clapped his hands for me then took off his hat and bowed is something I will NEVER forget. Driving through NY, through L.A., through the mountains...girl there is NOTHING this old woman can't do! And I learned that finally at a truck driving academy.
I miss it every single day.
But it's not a time filler, it's a profession and one we must be good at. Because in front of you will be a non attentive driver, who is texting, drinking her coffe and putting on mascara while she drives her kids to school. And when she slams on her brakes or weaves into your lane the only thing that will save her kids' lives is your skill.
But if you want this profession I say go for it! Go to a company not a private school. The companies want to hire older drivers because of the quotas they need to meet. LOL And they want women. They'll be able to send you for training with another female if that is your requirement. Do it full time then go to a schedule where you share a truck with another driver. Several of the companies do this now. You'll be out 8 days then the other driver is out 8 days. Or seven or six depending upon the company.
That's my advice for what it's worth. Oh and one other thing....no matter how hard you work there's going to be some jerk at a truckstop somewhere who thinks women shouldn't be driving. He's going to say something to you about it. He can't help it.....he drank anti-freeze and killed his brain so just laugh it off and go on.
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