I can still drive a truck!!!! - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

t_wilson0321 · **^ Top** #1 04.12.2008

Well, I'm getting closer to the license. I got my permit a couple of weeks ago. Went out today for the first time in a truck to drive. The guy that I'll be working for let me take the truck out for a bit. He was supposed to go with me, but he's got stomach flu. So he said (well really his wife) go ahead. Take the truck out and cruise around the country roads. So I did. Boy was I nervous. I literally have not been in one in fifteen years. I'm thinking to myself, OK, I really have no clue. But I put it in gear, released the parking brakes, and pulled out of the drive. Alone. I tried to do that darn double clutching thing and just could not get it at first. So I just went up the road to the corner, made the turn (like I'd been doing it for years

), and headed down the next road. Stopped, put it in gear, and proceeded to do it till I could double clutch while shifting up. Got it now. Still can't quite get the clutching thing on the downshifting though. I can get it from 8 down to 7, then to 6 and 5, but completely flub it and start grinding and totally loose it. And I can't seem to get it if I want to skip a gear, like from 8 down to 6. I do need to learn my speed ratios relative to my gears again. But I don't have any problems at all shifting if I don't use the clutch. I can float the gears like I never quit driving. Up, down, up down, just sailed right through all of them when I didn't use the clutch. And I can float the gears and be able to skip gears downshifting, as long as I don't try to use the clutch.

So I got back to his place and had to pull into his drive, then back across the road to the parking spot. Country roads. I had to put it in between two trees, next to another trailer on my right side, and it is raining, and hard to see as I'm backing it into an open spot in the woods on the other side of the road. But I did it. No problem.

Still need to go practice the parallel park and the offset right back, but I think I'm going to be fine. As long as I don't have to double clutch.

I just couldn't believe how easy it was to drive. After those first few minutes of initial nervousness, I just felt so at home. I just knew how to get around the corners, watch the mirrors, shifting, even backing up into the dark trees. Boy I can't wait to get my license test done so I can get back to driving. I didn't want to get out of the truck, just wanted to keep going. But I had to get home to pick up the boy from the babysitter.

I will get this done.

t_wilson0321 · **^ Top** #2 04.12.2008

Oh yeah, I never stalled it once either. Not once. I'm so proud of me. I can still drive a truck. I can, I can.

bullhaulerswife · **^ Top** #3 04.12.2008

Good for you, woman! Some day I may try it. But I'll allow ample warning for everyone first.

ssbowles · **^ Top** #4 04.12.2008

Wow....could you try and work up a little enthusiasm and excitement next time? I mean, seriously.....

Honestly though....good fer ya. Kinda like riding a bike huh? At least after you knock some of the rust off anyway.

Skunk_Truck_2590 · **^ Top** #5 04.12.2008

Very good! I think down shifting using the clutch is hard for a lot of people. I'm kinda worried about it myself. Won't know until I get some more road time and hopefully I'll be able to get on with Prime.
Careful driving with a permit by yourself. As far as I know you have to have a "full" CDL holder in the truck with you at all time's while you are driving. Good luck!

t_wilson0321 · **^ Top** #6 04.12.2008

Yes, actually you do have to have a licensed CDL holder with you if all you have is the permit. But, I was out in the country on back roads, only went around the country block. I also know the county sheriff, somewhat friends with him and his wife, and the guy who owns the truck also knows him. I know I know, bad girl. I didn't stay out too long though. Weather is just too cruddy to be messing around on back roads. Too much rain. But at least I know what I need to brush up on. And it is like riding a bike. Or a horse. Just get back on and your brain knows what to do. Didn't even have to knock off any rust. Heck I didn't even jump the truck taking off. Just smooth take off right out of the gate.

Yes I know. I'm crowing. But gosh darnit, I am just so happy that I haven't forgetten how to drive one.

Lurchgs · **^ Top** #7 04.12.2008

Good on you.

I now hold up a small candle of hope that *I* might survive this coming Monday without dropping the tranny out on the highway.

Backing is easy.. if you don't include parallel parking.. and if your mirrors aren't covered in snow (heaters couldn't keep up the other day)

Never double-clutched in my life. This is going to be.. interesting.

But you are safe, I'm 1500 miles away from you. Though you might hear the boom...

t_wilson0321 · **^ Top** #8 04.13.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurchgs

Good on you.

I now hold up a small candle of hope that *I* might survive this coming Monday without dropping the tranny out on the highway.

Backing is easy.. if you don't include parallel parking.. and if your mirrors aren't covered in snow (heaters couldn't keep up the other day)

Never double-clutched in my life. This is going to be.. interesting.

But you are safe, I'm 1500 miles away from you. Though you might hear the boom...

Should I watch for a mushroom cloud tomorrow off to the west? LOL!!!

Good luck tomorrow on your test Lurch. You'll do fine.

danc694u · **^ Top** #9 04.13.2008

Dropping 2 gears, I generally let the Tach drop down to about 8-900 rpm before I move the stick.

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