7 Starter Tips for New Drivers

Companies are constantly looking for new drivers to hire, but they are often looking for truck drivers who are already experienced and have been on the road for a while. However, there are also plenty of people out there who are considering making a switch to career in transportation, but the idea of buying a truck and having to take care of it professionally, can be daunting.  Here at Donau, we know that buying your first truck and going on the road can be a challenging experience and we are always ready to help our customers. That’s why we have prepared a list with some important pieces of advice. These tips will help a new driver to prepare for the daily life of being on the road for long periods of time, and they are also good driving practices for seasoned veterans of the transport world.

Finding the right trucking school or training program

In order to become a truck driver, you must be certified to do so. It’s important to check all the options available and create a shortlist of schools that are a good fit for you. Call the certification programs and find out what type of licenses they offer and what are the requirements to attend. You can also call trucking companies directly and find out what their requirements are for truck drivers. Once you know what the companies are looking for, you can settle on the right program for you.

Safety tips

Once you are on the road consistently, it’s extremely important to practice safe driving.  For example, it’s a good idea to keep a respectable distance from cars and other vehicles in front of you, because a heavy truck takes longer to stop.  You must always be alert on the road.  Inspecting your truck, before you set off on a long trip is also very important. Checking the breaks, horn, mirrors, oil and fuel levels, windshield wipers and other parts of the truck is always good practice.

Be patient and learn on the job

According to more experienced drivers, it takes about a year to really get a hang of all the rules and regulations involved with the trucking industry. It may all be a bit overwhelming at first, but knowing what you are there for and learning as much as you can, will make you a better driver and employee before you know it.

Fuel-saving tips

For more seasoned drivers these may become like second nature, but to someone who is new, it’s important to know how to maximize your efficiency and profitability, especially if you are working for yourself. Avoid speeding, as it increases the consumption of fuel and your chances of having an accident. Try to maintain a consistent speed during your trips. Another way to save fuel is by loading the cargo evenly. If the truck is loaded unequally it may result in the use of more energy and therefore fuel. Lastly, you can plan your trip beforehand to avoid traffic jams and end up idling.

Having the right mindset

As demanding as it can be to physically drive a truck for long periods of time, trucking is perhaps even more mentally challenging. Being away from family consistently can be very difficult for some people and it’s important to find ways to counteract the effects of the more depressing parts of the job. Don’t get frustrated over things you can’t control and keep in mind what your end goal is. Managing your own mental state is the secret to being successful in the trucking business.

Don’t rely entirely on automated navigation

Yes, most modern cars, trucks and mobile devices have a GPS system, and it is almost always there to help you. They make things easier for any driver, especially those that are constantly traveling to places they haven’t been before. As a professional driver, however, you can’t rely entirely on the automated systems. Be mindful and pay attention to the roads, but most of all, study up on compass directions and maps. Your phone may break, run out of battery or simply have no signal, but a paper map in your glove department will always be there to help, if you know how to navigate it.

Find mentors

As with most other career choices, it’s important to find people who have been doing the job for long periods of time and ask questions. Industry veterans are a great resource and will help you avoid common rookie mistakes on the job and teach you tricks of the trade that only come with experience otherwise.

We hope that these tips will help you become a better and safer driver and make it easier for people who are considering a career in truck driving to weigh out their options. Knowing what you are going to face on the road will make you better prepared for the change in work life.