CDL/school progress update

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Jake302, Jul 16, 2023.

  1. Jake302

    Jake302 Bobtail Member

    17
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    Jun 21, 2023
    Dover, Delaware
    0
    It's been a long week getting up at 5 AM and driving an hour to CDL school up in northern DE. Awesome school. Got my CLP on Wednesday after passing general knowledge 41/50, combination (none wrong) and air brakes (1 wrong). The first week of school involved:

    Pre-trip inspection (failed air brakes test)
    Straight-line backing maneuver
    Offset lane change/offset backing maneuver

    School trucks have a 10-speed manual transmission
    - Still getting the hang of proper clutch control (not releasing the clutch too fast or else the tractor will jerk)
    - Instructors are seriously involved and make sure you're listening, and correcting your mistakes.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Heard anything from DOT yet?
     
  4. Jake302

    Jake302 Bobtail Member

    17
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    Jun 21, 2023
    Dover, Delaware
    0
    Still nothing
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Typically newbies push the clutch too deep when they press it. Use just enough clutch to get in/out of gear. Unlike clutch in a car, you only press the truck clutch pedal to the floor when you are stopped. In the truck pressing the clutch about 1/3 toward the floor is enough. Also, don't apply any fuel pedal until you are starting to move. Few people feel fully practiced and ready (shifting gears) when they take the state exam. You will get MUCH more training at your first employer. Relax & pay attention.
     
    Hatt91 Thanks this.
  6. Hatt91

    Hatt91 Light Load Member

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    May 18, 2018
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    Yep, everything so far is totally normal. Different trucks have different clutch engagement points but you should never have to push it all the way down.

    you're probably still thinking of the shifting procedure in steps like step one take your foot off the gas, step two push clutch in, step three shift into neutral, step four release the clutch. Which makes sense as to why you think of it that way. As you get more experience, it'll be completely fluid and you won't be actively thinking about it. You just do it like it's second nature. The smoothness will come.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  7. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    Oklahomistan
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    Double clutching

    This is from 2007.. I don't want to type all that out again! lol.. good luck
     
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