Well as I stated in another thread, I go to NTTS on weekends for 10hrs per day. As of last sunday, the Class B students got their permits and were to begin driving. We did backing maneuvers while 1 person did a road ride. Sunday was the first time I've ever been behind the wheel of a standard vehicle. The yard instructor gave me the basics of shifting and clutch work between 1st and reverse. By the time I got on the road ride, I had a basic knowledge of how it should go.
Now, after the ride, he evaluates you and tells you what you need to work on. My shifting was fine, turning (only a straight truck) and everything else was GOOD. The only problem I'm having is getting the vehicle moving. This whole week I've been beating myself up over it and was hoping I could get some advice from the people whove "been there, done that". I'm hoping I'll get better with each road ride, but I cant help to think this little thing could waste the money I spent for the school and the chance for getting a good job.
So am I over thinking this too much? Is this type of thing you can only learn from doing it over and over?
Thanks from the stressed guy.
Losing confidence
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ClassB, Nov 2, 2012.
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Not sure if I quite understand getting the vehicle moving? Are you simply popping the clutch?
ClassB Thanks this. -
I'm new so what I have to say isn't worth much...
How long did it take you to get the hang of driving for your first license for a car?
If you think it took awhile to get the basics down of parallel parking etc, then give yourself a bit of room to get used to driving something that isn't a car and doesn't handle like one. If your instructor isn't giving you enough information on how you are doing (or teaching), corner them and ask for their honest assessment with the possibility of a couple hours more time behind the wheel. That will give you some idea of where you land on moving to this type of career.ClassB Thanks this. -
nothing but time equals experience
none of us were born drivingClassB Thanks this. -
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Just take it easy, don't let the line of cars pressure you. Make sure you are in the right gear, do not focus on anything but driving, slowly release the clutch and as you start to roll apply the throttle, you will get the hang of it soon enough
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Thanks. He wants us to stop in 3rd gear then put it in 2nd gear after a complete stop.
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Slow down. Don't worry about the traffic so much it gives you a panic attack. But definitely get practice in the yard whenever available. I've driven a standard my whole life and had difficulty at first because driving a truck was unnatural. In a car you shift to speed up or slow down. In a big truck you speed up or slow down to shift. When empty your truck has plenty of torque in third gear to get moving (don't hold me to this some instructors want you to start from first no matter what.) if you press the clutch all the way in and it will not go into gear, ease off of the clutch slightly and you should feel it pop into place. After that it's the truck's turn. Let the clutch the rest of the way out and then accelerate. Good luck. Ask other instructors if you can. Everybody learns and teaches differently. I went through six instructors in school and never ran out of questions.
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You shouldn't need to give it fuel to start. If you are in the right gear it should start from idle. You are even supposed to keep your foot on the brake on a hill until the clutch engages to keep from rolling backwards.
ClassB and T...Street Thank this. -
Thanks guys. My girlfriend keeps telling me to slow down, the jitters are definitely kicking my butt.
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