Hey there,Im considering going to school to get my cdl,most likely the big orange,Im wondering I've never really owned a car w/a stickshift,will this hurt my ability to learn on a semi?
Also Ive seen some schools state you ride with a trainer for anywhere from 1 week to 6wks?!If your doing well do they really let you go solo after 1 wk?
Do they send new drivers into areas there might be ice/snow?Id be really nervous doing that.Thanks for any help.

I don't think that you never have driven a stick will affect you that much. shifting a big truck is different anyhow. 1 week for a new driver just will not happen. When guys go with trainers for only a week it's when they have already driven and our changing companies or guys that haven't been OTR in a while. I had a great time with my trainer by the way.

You know what you do if there is ice? You stop. Snow is no big deal. He is a story for you about ice. I had to deliver a load in Green Bay. I was driving a 3 mph down this icy road. I mean the road was like a hockey rink. Well I get to customer and there are two entrances. I take the one on the right, wrong one but no big deal it's a big place. I start to turn around, again I just have the truck in gear and I'm going however fast that is. Can't be more than 3 or 4 mph. Well when I complete my turn my trailer just keeps sliding around, jack-knifing. You would be amazed at how much that trailer came around for the speed I was going. It stopped finally and no damage done. Point is, DON'T DRIVE ON ICE.

To address your first question....shool will teach you the basics of shifting and it will take some time to fully grasp and comprehend the full operation of manual shifting.

Next, as mentioned in the otheer post 1 week is generally for previous recent experienced drivers. Generally most companies have students out with a trainer for 4 weeks....some companies longer due to flatbed training etc.

Most will not let a new driver go solo after 1 week under no circumstances even if you are DOING WELL. You should not be concerned about getting out there in a week or two. You need to learn as much as possible from your trainer as possible. You have to understand you will be operating an 80,000 lb vehicle.......in the hot, cold, windy, rainy and yes SNOW AND ICE..........you have to understand when and where to do what.....when to shut down etc.

If you are fearful take serious consideration of what you are doing.

Good luck..........

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Just my few words-----or not................J

Life is too short, try to enjoy it.....
Maybe we should drive buses

As far as never driving a stickshift...that is why you are going to school...so not to worry....you'll be grinding gears for awhile....we all did, but after awhile it will be second nature and you won't even think about it anymore....The trainer is ultimately the one who decides when you are ready to be cut loose on your own....they will be certain before doing so that you are capable and ready to go...average time with trainer is 3 weeks.....Yes, they do send you where there might be snow & ice...just do what you've been taught and you will be fine.....bad ice....stop driving, SHUT DOWN! Snow, etc.,...SLOW DOWN....Keep your distance from the vehicle(s) in front of you ("following distance").....common sense driving, and you will be fine. Good Luck!

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Allen
Truth About Trucking