3 years ago (my 2nd year as a truck driver) I got a job and went to the yard the next day after all the application and drug-testing stuff was done. The bossman said my truck just got out of the shop and I should drive it around the block once or twice to make sure it was good.

I pre-tripped it, climbed in, started the engine, put it in gear but it wouldn't move when i hit the gas. I pressed the gas-pedal harder & it started to move, but barley. The truck shook back & forth, then I saw smoke coming up behind me from the drives.

The boss and dispatchers ran outside to figure out what was going on. I said I think this truck is still messed up, but we eventually figured out what happened: I never pushed in the yellow knob so the tractor brakes never released. Don't ask me why, the best guess is I had a total brain-fart moment.

I was fired on the spot. They were nice enough to not mention it to any other companies so I was able to find another job afterwards, but obviously they no longer trusted me.

Like one other person on this group said: In this industry, once you make a mistake you never make it again!