Learning shifting on a truck - any advice?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by RDirr07, Jul 18, 2012.

  1. RDirr07

    RDirr07 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 14, 2010
    Fort Wayne, IN
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    Wondering if it is very difficult to get the hang of a manual transmission. Never learned because never had knew anyone that had a manual vehicle. I am starting cdl school next week and am really only nervous about backing and shifting. Any advice/tips?

    Thanks in advance!
     
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  3. D33RHUNT3R

    D33RHUNT3R Medium Load Member

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    Jun 2, 2012
    Nw Arkansas
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    Have you paid for your CDL school yet ?? IMO... I think you really need to have mastered at least a standard transmission in a car or pickup truck before going to a CDL school ...or you could be wasting money in a big way quick.. it takes months to master a regular stick in a car where your comfortable and then I still think it will be difficult to learn to double cluch with 10- 13 -18 speed transmisions and drive a 70' rig at the same time .. If thats your plan GOOD LUCK.. Your gonna need it .. I'm sure it has been done and can be done ..But man I'm thinking your taking the hard route..

    Have you every backed or pulled a long trailer with a automatic ??
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2012
  4. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Tacoma, WA
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    Most (initial) instructors I've heard actually like a student who has only driven automatics because they have less to un-learn. Don't worry. Most of these guys have seen a lot worse than you. The gearshift itself is just a hand movement. The real trick is knowing the rpms of the engine vs road speed and timing the movement of your feet and hands. Ringo Starr didn't start out playing the drums perfectly either. After awhile it will become second nature to you.
    I tried to back my pickup like a semi with trailer the other day.... :biggrin_25523::biggrin_25523::biggrin_2556:

    Best of luck to you.
     
    Kansas and Jerry82 Thank this.
  5. Cement Ranger

    Cement Ranger Bobtail Member

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    Jul 14, 2012
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    I just recently learned to drive truck but I had driven a manual pickup and car since i got my drivers's license so the principles were there (I say that but it was still far different, one gear in my ranger is 5 with the fuller) , simply had to adjust to timing, size and weight. Your left leg needs some training, all it has done up to this point is be a sloth and sit there, enjoying the ride. Good luck, but it would be wise to find a friend with an old stick and have them take you to a parking lot before you start learning on your dime.

    My problem now is i jump in my pickup some nights and get 3/4 of the way home before i grind third gear and realise I havent used my clutch other than at a light the whole way. My syncro mesh isnt happy with me.
     
  6. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    Redding,CA
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    when i went through CDL school the trainers all stated also that they would rather you not have ever driven a stick before because of the bad habits you pick up doing so.
     
    MNdriver Thanks this.
  7. RDirr07

    RDirr07 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 14, 2010
    Fort Wayne, IN
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    thanks everyone for the advice so far. I just remembered i think a friend of mine has a little manual car. Also got off the phone with my grandfather (as soon as he drops his load in WI) and he said he would let me go on a local milk route with him so I can observe his driving. lol i know not really the same thing but i am able to learn quickly from seeing as well as doing.
     
  8. D33RHUNT3R

    D33RHUNT3R Medium Load Member

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    Nw Arkansas
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    Good Luck and Happy adventures.. ..keep us up to date on your progress..
     
  9. D33RHUNT3R

    D33RHUNT3R Medium Load Member

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    Jun 2, 2012
    Nw Arkansas
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    :biggrin_25519:
     
  10. purpleangel7

    purpleangel7 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 15, 2012
    Dayton, OH
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    thanks for asking this question. I've never driven stick before either. But when I rode with my husband in the truck, I could always tell when he was gonna shift, or needed to shift. Maybe it's easier for me. But I have been kinda nervous about it too. The replies were helpful!
     
  11. SpartyOn

    SpartyOn Bobtail Member

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    Apr 26, 2012
    Troy, MI
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    This is a pretty reckless thing to be posting considering you are not a professional CDL-A driver and the common answer to this question from professional CDL-A drivers on this website has always been that one may be better off learning to shift a semi without any experience on a manual four wheeler.

    I think you should put more consideration into the things you are posting. People are frequently on here asking for career impacting advice.
     
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