First day driving and needing help.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by RdLvr, Apr 26, 2021.

  1. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    When you drive an automatic car do you use your left foot to control the brake??? If so that foot has become accustomed to the feel of braking... This can be difficult to over come when forced to use the clutch in a standard.
     
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  3. jason6541

    jason6541 Road Train Member

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    I start in first, low in with my 18 loaded or empty to just get rolling less stress on everything. Makes it easier to get precise movements. Also clutch should last a millio miles doing that
     
  4. Bods

    Bods Bobtail Member

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    Feb 19, 2021
    Australia
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    I guess I should get involved and start contributing sometime...

    I was taught when I did my semi license, almost 10 years ago now, to start off in the lowest gear possible without labouring the engine or having to use the accelerator to move off. Engage the clutch and then into the power once the clutch is fully engaged.

    Mind you, I'm from australia and the only manuals I've driven have been 18 speeds. I've driven a few 350KW's that had the little 10 speed full auto eaton with an ISM in front of them, man they are the worst thing I've driven. Horrible with clutch engagement and disengagement, can't move slowly to position yourself (I was doing fuel, so had to be reasonably particular with where you park), they make you look like an amateur in the way the gearbox programs are set up.

    I see nobody else has mentioned, air brakes take a bit of time to get a feel for. They're a bit delayed compared to hydraulic brakes in a car, but once they bite they grab really well. I think that's your issue with the stopping short and being nervous. Just feather the clutch a bit or throw it into bog cog (low/low, 1st gear, whatever you want to call it) and then you'll have a lot of finer control with slow movements.

    As has been mentioned though, you're doing the right thing with the clutch and brake. If you're on a slight incline, I find it easier to grab the trailer brake handle to hold the truck, once the trailer brakes are holding, let off the foot brake and then start engaging the clutch, once you feel the truck pulling, let go of the trailer brake and move off.

    You'll get it, it just takes time. If you're double clutching your gear shifts, just remember, only tap the clutch pedal, don't push it to the floor or you'll destroy the clutch brake.

    Good luck.
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2021
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  5. Val_Caldera

    Val_Caldera Road Train Member

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    Drove a Freightliner Autoshift with a Clutch Pedal for a few years.
    Auto set to takeoff in 2nd, loaded, empty.
    Not as much fun as Straight Drive but better than no clutch at all especially in The Windy (Chicago), Hotlanta, GA., Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

    BE EASY ON SELF!
    Everything takes time to perfect.
    Look back over Your Life at what You Learned, specifically the difficult Times.
    You'll soon enough Look Back on your current Lessons and strive for more.
    You'll Do Well!
    CHEERS!!
     
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  6. RdLvr

    RdLvr Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2021
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    It's an empty dump truck and he said it was light enough to start on 3rd. It does take off on third though.
     
  7. RdLvr

    RdLvr Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2021
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    The instructor wanted us to start with clutch pedal all the way down and foot on break just incase the vehicle wasn't in neutral, so it wouldn't take off on us as soon as the parking break was disengaged. But judging by how I stalled it at first I think if I just had my foot on the brake pedal in any moving gear, not in neutral,it probably would've just lurched a little and stalled.
     
  8. Trucker Carlton

    Trucker Carlton Light Load Member

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    Apr 14, 2021
    Georgia
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    Keep on trying by making a pattern in your head that you’ll remember and put the beat while shifting.
     
  9. Val_Caldera

    Val_Caldera Road Train Member

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    RdLvr,

    When you get the simplicity dialed in of Takeoff (which includes Backing), I'm certain a Friend or Other will show/Teach Ya how to Float Gears (Clutch Free after Takeoff).
    You'll Dig It, but First Train Your Brain about Takeoff!!
    CHEERS!!
     
  10. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    LA (lower Alabama)
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    It’s very important to develop the right habits early with a manual. Listen to what was said by experienced drivers here. Sometimes teachers teach you bad habits just to get you to get the basics of it quickly. Learning the proper way is harder.
     
  11. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Michigan
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    No!

    listen to the instructor, he is the one in the cab. We are not in the cab with you and can not judge what you are doing right or wrong.

    as a beginner, always start off in the lowest gear that is normal, not a higher gear because when you take your cdl road test, the examiner may ding you stalling out in a higher gear, so that can be a bad habit.

    when you start driving on your own after you get your cdl, then learn how to drive the truck better ... i.e. floating gears and starting out in higher gears.

    As for the clutch, when you get near a light push it in half way to take it out of gear and when you stop, push it to the floor to hit the clutch brake to put it into gear to start moving again.
     
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