What's with all these training schools training with auto transmissions? - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Justlivin · **^ Top** #1 01.22.2008

I am amazed at how so many schools use automatic tranmissions to train new drivers. Especially when you have an automatic to take your cdl road test in. These new drivers are being robbed. I've heard of a few schools in my area, and some that aren't, that do this. What is wrong with actually learning how to shift? Sure you will grind a lot of gears and get frustrated. I sure did when I was learning a few years back. However, I am glad I did learn how to shift. It is a vital skill that should be taught. Most companies don't use auto shift. I also prefer standard shift. I feel it is easier to drive in bad weather. I have tried the automatics, but don't like them. It is weird riding the breaks, and trusting a computer to down shift for you. Maybe I am missing something? Maybe there is something good about automatics?

ziggystyles · **^ Top** #2 01.22.2008

I don't see much wrong with the autos, the ones that do feel that it is infringing on our rights as gear jammers.

*it opens the door to many more people who wouldlike to drive a truck, and not deal with shifting.
*its not a problem at all if the entire company uses autos, or if they have a large number of them in their fleet so that you can choose driving one of them.
*a truck driver that shifts with autos is still as much a truck driver as a stick shifter. Well...outside of the shifting.
*lots of chicks driving autos. If you can't see the good in that...youre sad.
*lots of people who say that shifting is vital, seem to have this mentality that shifting is a preqrequisite to trucking, like its the only way to go; while at the same time ignoring the companies recommendations to double clutch.
*the technology is getting better and better as time goes on.

379 Peterbilt · **^ Top** #3 01.22.2008

My guess is for one of 2 reasons. 1) The truck driving schools are simpley buying the used equipment that is out there, and autos are part of said used equipment out there on the market. 2) They might be specificaly purchasing these trucks knowing they'll get more students (women) to enroll in their school. A quick check of these forums of newbies seeking to hire on with companies who only utilize tractors with autos is my perfect example.

I think every newbie should be given the crack at learning how to shift a 13 speed. If one can drive a 13, he can drive anything out there.

No slight to the gals (or guys) here on the board who desire automatics. Might be y'alls prefered transmision choice, and that's cool, but I'll never buy one.

zenix · **^ Top** #4 01.23.2008

i wouldn't mind doing the drive test in an auto but i would definitely want to learn with a stick

LadyTrucker99 · **^ Top** #5 01.23.2008

So true--I couldnt even begin to show you how to use an auto truck. Not real sure i would want one unless im stuck in traffic all the time. I learned on 8-10-13 speeds--and to put me in an auto woulda threw me right outta the loop. I love my manual and i guess auto is ok but i never drove one so i cant say either way--good, bad. or ugly! They say autos take your mind away from downshiftin for turns or w/e but i like my manual.

Justlivin · **^ Top** #6 01.23.2008

I got thinking today of a good aspect of autos. Aside from attracting people that might not drive truck, as stated before. I think autos would be good for newbies in the early stages of learning. It would be easier to learn how to steer and turn a truck and trailer without having to shift gears. I remember when I was starting out. I never shifted gears in my life, not even in a car. So, I had to learn how to drive and turn a truck while learning how to use a clutch and shift. I remember how frustrating it was.

elharrison · **^ Top** #7 01.23.2008

auto for school may be good for a few weeks, so the trainee gets use to handling the big truck, but after that it should be a must to learn a manual...

Justlivin · **^ Top** #8 01.23.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by elharrison

auto for school may be good for a few weeks, so the trainee gets use to handling the big truck, but after that it should be a must to learn a manual...

My thoughts exactly. Everyone should learn how to shift. That way they are not limited on who they can drive for. I was just reading that some states are trying to add an auto trans. restriction on a CDL if you test on an auto. If you test on an auto transmission, you won't be leaglly able to drive a standard.

Luman · **^ Top** #9 01.23.2008

The school I went to had an agreement with one or two companies. These companies would "give" the school trucks to use(well used trucks mind you). In exchange the school allowed the companies to have lots of advertising, and the school would try to "steer" students in these companies direction. What I mean by that is they would only tell you about certain companies. You had to ask them about other companies by name to get specific info out of them.

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