In the spirit of graduation season, we asked our community of drivers, “What’s one thing the road taught you that no classroom ever could?” The responses touched on patience, safety, health, family, preparation, and the realities drivers only understand after spending years behind the wheel.
Patience Becomes One of the Most Important Skills
A large number of drivers focused on patience and awareness as some of the biggest lessons trucking teaches over time.
Linda Klomp said, “Always check your mirrors and keep your head on a swivel.”
Natalie Shult shared that “That no matter how many miles you have behind you, the most important ones are the next ones in front of you. You need to pay attention. To your surroundings, to your equipment, and most importantly, to your health.”
Christopher Swartzfager added, “Don’t forget the road is unpredictable.”
For Steve May, patience became something he learned later in his career after decades of pushing harder than necessary.
“I ran an 800-plus mostly dedicated run for years, running balls to the wall, and was in a hurry to get there and back home again. The last 2 years before retirement in 2023, I slowed down and got there when I got there, up and back. I let the super truckers pass and just stayed around the speed limit, and was always on time and less stressed. I had been doing it wrong for 34 of my 36 years OTR lol. Remember this story, Rookies. Just because your truck is faster than most doesn’t mean you should use that extra speed. Drive safe, and may God bless you in one of the best jobs in the world.”
Gene Dollar summed it up simply with “Patience.”
Life On the Road Changes Priorities
For many drivers, trucking changed how they viewed life outside the truck itself.
Shelly Witte shared that “We definitely don’t need all the things… living in the truck taught me that relationships were important and food, clothing, and shelter, a small hobby or 2, and music and a book. That was all I needed.”
Jeremy ‘Hobbit’ Stephenson reflected on time with family, writing, “That you can’t ever replace those moments you’re missing. You can always make more money, but your kids will only be young once.”
Justin Rockcastle said the road taught him “Just how inconspicuous we as humans are in this great big planet.”
For other drivers, the experience of seeing the country firsthand left the biggest impression.
Jacque Rodrigues shared, “How beautiful our country is.”
Lydia J. Ogaard reflected on “The beauty & majesty of the geography from east coast (NYS) to the west coast (California).”
Preparation Matters More Than Most Drivers Expect
Several responses focused on preparation and learning how quickly situations can change behind the wheel.
Shawn Rutherford said, “Always have something to eat and some water in your truck.”
Martha Martel stressed the importance of backup navigation tools while traveling unfamiliar routes, writing, “Always carry a Road Atlas when traveling in unfamiliar areas. It will save you if you are in an area with no Internet service.”
Michael Santoianni shared a lesson about safely reentering highways from the shoulder.
“Never pull off the shoulder from a dead stop out onto the interstate NEVER! Roll the shoulder, put your flashers on, and enter when clear and up to at least 45 mph.”
Valerie Shepherd focused on respecting the space trucks need during passing situations.
“That many a trucker will look out for you if you’re trying to pass them, as they have a greater visual advantage. They often give you an indication as to whether it’s clear to overtake them or not, so don’t brake-check them when overtaking. Give the truck plenty of room in front as you merge again.”
James Noe added, “Always be aware of many dangers, remain aware always !”
Health And Balance Become More Important Over Time
Health, rest, and long-term balance also appeared throughout many of the responses.
Russell Roberts shared, “Rest when you can, sleep when you can, exercise often, and eat healthy. Stay alert away behind the wheel.”
Brian Horne focused on protecting both finances and long-term health throughout a trucking career.
“Always take care of yourself! Save what money you can and pay off what you owe as quickly as possible. Take care of your health because once that’s gone, you won’t be able to drive a truck anymore.”
Patrick Corbitt encouraged drivers to think carefully about long-term career goals and home time.
“Do you want to make more money, sleep in your own bed every day, and have time with your family. Then, get your endorsements and go LTL. You will make more money and be home. Then spending weeks out on the road.”
Some Lessons Go Beyond Trucking Itself
Other drivers focused less on driving skills and more on personal growth that came from years on the road.
Beth McCandless said the road taught her “How to stand up to anyone and hold my ground.”
Connie Baker shared “How to get along with different people.”
Barb Grimes added, “You’re stronger than you think and capable of anything!”
Hayden Vandiver wrote, “To never stop learning.”
Wayne William Campbell summed up what many drivers throughout the discussion expressed in different ways.
“Every day is a new start, and a lesson to learn. Always don’t take life for granted. Always be aware of your world around you. YOU COME FIRST SO YOU CAN DELIVER WHAT IS NEEDED.”
The responses showed that while CDL schools teach the mechanics of driving, many of the biggest lessons in trucking come later through responsibility, experience, changing conditions, and life on the road itself.
