License and Restrictions

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by lostsomewhere, Apr 12, 2019.

  1. lostsomewhere

    lostsomewhere Bobtail Member

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    I agree that if I had experience driving manual prior to getting my cdl or after getting it, it would be hard to forget. However the only experience I had driving manual was the practice I received at the trucking school. That was in 2010 and for a short amount of time.
     
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  3. lostsomewhere

    lostsomewhere Bobtail Member

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    Not at all. The only experience driving stick I had was at the trucking school for a short amount of time. I have not driven stick since that time in 2010.
     
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  4. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    That's a good thing. Folks with a lot of experience with a stick in a 4 wheeler are used to depressing the clutch all the way to make a shift with a synchromesh transmission. The clutch in a big truck doesn't have synchromesh and depressing the clutch all the way will engage the clutch brake. If you are double clutching your shifts about halfway is all you should be depressing the clutch, once you are underway.

    Most bigger companies and the DMV require double clutching the shifts. Smaller companies may allow you to float. I just took a drive test a few days ago and asked if they have a preference. The guy said, "We prefer whichever method is the smoothest for you".
     
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  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Yeah?

    I don't see the problem ----->>> being optimistic ... You get a car with a manual, get into it and drive. I had a few drivers like you, learned in school, never touched a manual again, but they seemed to be alright with trying to 'relearn'.
     
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  6. lostsomewhere

    lostsomewhere Bobtail Member

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    That's the problem, I'm trying to relearn but I don't have the options. I've asked companies if they'd be willing to let me practice a bit beforehand and I've been declined. That's why I'm here asking if anyone can give me some other ideas to try. I'm looking to see if I can rent a truck to practice on for a day. Seems to be my only other option.
     
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  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    I've never discussed how they want shifting accomplished. They just climb in and see if I can drive. Without busting up the trans or hitting the trailer.

    I've only had one company give me a test drive in the last 10 years though. The 2 before didn't and the and the 2 after didn't.
     
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  8. lostsomewhere

    lostsomewhere Bobtail Member

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    Every company I talked to wants a road test, maybe I'm just really unlucky. The place I decided to try and drive it anyway I stalled and failed the road test. It's annoying because I know how to drive, and I know I can drive stick. I just need a some practice.

    But from your reply and one other I think I'll skip mentioning I can't drive a manual and just go for it.
     
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  9. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    When you start out in the CDL world. They'll usually want a test.

    I've driven everything but auto. I have one round trip for a total of 1500 miles on an auto. Over 2
    million miles on sticks.
     
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  10. Truckermania

    Truckermania Road Train Member

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    Honestly there are so many auto's out there now that you will very likely get an auto anyway. Like mentioned just go somewhere you know has mostly auto's and don't mention your lack of manual experience. Not saying you should lie just don't mention unless they specifically ask. Odds are you will test out in and be placed in an auto anyway. Best wishes to you!
     
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  11. lostsomewhere

    lostsomewhere Bobtail Member

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    LOL, no I wasn't going to lie, I want to do this as honestly as possible. That's why I liked telling them upfront that driving manual was not something I could do without practice. But if they don't ask I won't mention it. I've found a lot of local positions with automatics but they're either paying a lot less than what I'm making now, require me to unload freight, or they start at nighttime. I'm not trying to be picky but I want a job that I can stick with long term.
     
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