The definition of "truck driver"

I'm not a lady.

Sometimes I'm an English teacher, a photographer, a journalist, an editor, a shop assistant, a wife, a friend. Sometimes I drive a truck. Does that make me a truck driver? Maybe. But ususlly - I'm just me.

I'm learning to drive. My husband teaches me. I've got a driving license, but there's more to it. First of all, I have to learn the car. The 8+2 gears. The dimensions. How to turn, to accelerate, to slow down, to brake, to take a roundabout. Drive on the motorway and in the city. Handle situations. And I have to learn to use the horn :)

Then I learn to concentrate. Take in all information for the full 4.30 hours. Even if we're on the motorway or in a jam, in snow or rain or wind. Day and night. I learn to listen to the GPS. See it, hear it. Act it. My full attention has to be on the road and traffic. Then, when my shift is over, I have to rest. I have to sleep quickly and deeply. Time is limited.

Next, I have to learn to plan. Plan the loading, calculate the weight, secure the goods. Fasten tightly. Handle the papers, sign, stample. Learn the petrol stations. Guess distances and times, kilometres and consuption. When to stop for diesel, and when to stop to pee.

I have to know the law. How much to drive and rest. A day, a week, a month. Handle the tachograph. Not forget the vest, the snow chain, the First Aid Kit, the triangle, the spare lights, the documents. Fasten the seatbelt. Keep distance. Speed limits at certain times. No overtaking with heavy vehicles. No parking. No pardon.

I have to know this from day 1. This is how everybody starts it. I wonder how they manage. I never want to do it on my own - but the day may come. I hope not :) I drive with my husband. He teaches me - and I'm learning to drive.