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started my course today, wow

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by leomac35, Oct 7, 2013.

  1. Oct 7, 2013 #1
    leomac35

    leomac35 Bobtail Member

    12
    1
    Jul 25, 2013
    Canada
    0
    Well today was my course, my first time in a truck and let me tell you, I didnt realize how much work it took to drive and stuff, I have a lot of respect for you guys n gals.
    When I met my instructor the first thing I said was sorry, and he responded, why?
    And I told him not only was it my first time in a truck but I never drove standard Lol
    He was cool about it and he seemed to like it more that way lol
    So today we did our pre trip and stuff, and I got to drive for about an hour
    The thing I found odd is that I wasnt allowed using the clutch, at all, it was a no no,
    im not sure if thats right or not
    also I found it hard to get the timing down without the clutch
    I was shifting the 13 spd around 1500 to 1700, I was having a bit of trouble getting it into gear
    and getting the timing right with the gas pedal and stuff
    and downshifting was pretty bad also, the max gear I went to was 6th, when it was time to do cluchless downshifting I found it a real pain, I was a little lost sometimes on what gear I was in and were to go lol
    thank god we were only using the splitter, he told me the red button on the side, hi low, he said we wont be using that at all yet untill I get the basics down,
    I sort of felt like I failed a little, you know that feeling were you know you didnt do well, I havent had that feeling in a long time lol
    the easiest part I found was backing up for some reason lol,
    man, cluchless downshifting, that poor truck lol
    It was funny when I stopped at a stop sign and went to go and the truck started to shake and jerk lol
    and another time I let the cluch out to fast, I thought we were gonna do a wheelie, I looked over and the instructor asked me if I was trying to give him wipelash :(
    All in all, it was one hell of a day, that poor truck will never be the same lol

    what can I do to make my cluchless shifting more smooth since im not allowed touching the clutch
    Do u guys never use the clutch To up or downshift?
    for my exam am I not allowed to use the clutch?
    Hopefully on Thursday I do alot better
     
    leomac35, Oct 7, 2013
    leomac35, Oct 7, 2013
    #1
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  3. Oct 7, 2013 #2
    leomac35

    leomac35 Bobtail Member

    12
    1
    Jul 25, 2013
    Canada
    0
    I reposted this post in the new driver section, it has a lot more traffic, the thing is I have no idea how to delete this one :(
    I guess ill have 2 then, sorry
     
    leomac35, Oct 7, 2013
    leomac35, Oct 7, 2013
    #2
  4. Oct 7, 2013 #3
    Giggles the Original

    Giggles the Original Road Train Member

    6,761
    84
    Jun 11, 2010
    looking for a new stalker
    0
    well floating gears is better on the clutch....but i have never heard of a driving school teachin you how to float gears.... and on a 13? thats unusual too....

    dont be too hard on urself, it was ur first day.

    i had never driven a standard when i learned to drive a truck either....you are too nervous... try to calm down , ( i know, easier said than done right? ) they dont expect perfection honey..your NEW....

    dont focus so much on your mistakes that you dont catch what you are being taught..if you spend too much time dwelling on that, you wont be learning anything becuz you will be focused on what you are doing wrong. granted you do need to know what you are doing wrong, so as to try not to do it again and to find out the right way....but try to not let your nerves over rule everything else....
     
    Giggles the Original, Oct 7, 2013
    Giggles the Original, Oct 7, 2013
    #3
    Speedloader Thanks this.
  5. Oct 8, 2013 #4
    nate980

    nate980 Road Train Member

    2,020
    5,225
    Dec 23, 2010
    Langley BC
    0
    You'll get the timing down with a bit of practice. My driving school taught me to float them after I learned to double clutch. I never went back to double clutching lol. Atleast you are learning on a common transmission and not a 10 speed most American trucks have.
     
    nate980, Oct 8, 2013
    nate980, Oct 8, 2013
    #4
  7. Oct 8, 2013 #5
    Pullin2

    Pullin2 Crusty Canuck

    1,991
    3,611
    Nov 5, 2011
    Whoville Pub, Long Island
    0
    There are billions of instructors on this planet ........ and billions more methods of instruction. I taught on my first drivers course in '88. I taught that the purpose of the clutch is to break torque. Whether for stopping the tranny, to engage an auxiliary function (a PTO, a Fire Pump etc), or to shift gears ..... etc etc. Teaching the clutch (IMO) is like teaching where the head light switch is, or the starter button ...... or where the Owners Manual is ! I guess the argument can be made that ......... "Well, I was gonna teach that ....... but after I taught .......... "

    Take it and run with it ......... Is it safe ? Do you feel OK with it ? Ask the pertinent questions, like WHY ? haven't we been taught to use the clutch right off the bat ??

    'Luck
     
    Pullin2, Oct 8, 2013
    Pullin2, Oct 8, 2013
    #5
    Giggles the Original Thanks this.
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