Haven't shifted manually in years!

I could be out of a 10 or 13 or 18 for 10 years and pick it back up instantly. It's like riding a bike. But then again, I'd never be caught dead in an auto.

If you have a problem picking up shifting again, shifting may be least of what you should be worried about.

 

I was just sure when I saw the title of this thread, that you had been on welfare ever since the LBJ administration! He didn't seem to want ANYBODY to shift for themselves. . .

OK, on a serious note here, I can see where you might get a bit rusty, and a bit nervous about it. Just be honest with the recruiter, and with whoever gives you your company driving test. This is not something unique to you. Auto shifts have been around long enough now that lots of people are in your position.

 

I didnt drive much for a few years and had the same worries, but never had a problem. Definitely let them know you might be a little rusty.
I have rode with 5-10 yr drivers that cant shift good, so don’t sweat it! They will be mostly concerned with lane travel, turning corners and allowing for off track, and backing up.

 

It has probably been about 4/5 years for me, unless you consider a couple of test drives at MATS?

But I think you will pick it up in less than a day, at one time we had autoshifts, Freedomlines, 10 speeds, super 10's and a 13, and I would take which ever truck was available.

Not saying you won't miss a gear now and then, but I doubt you will have much issue, my biggest problem jumping in and out of atm and manuals was either forget I had a clutch pedal, or pushing a clutch pedal that wasn't there.

 

Just tell em' you're really concerned with fuel economy/conservation and like to stay out 4 weeks at a time...scratching gears won't bother em' in the least bit then.

 

^^^He's right. If you ever driven a manual before, you know the jist. By the 3rd time you move the stick, you will have it.

 

Hey, we all do what we have to, to get by!

 

Either you have good coordination and a basic understanding of how the engine and transmission works or you don't. If you do then you should be able to be thrown in anything after any amount of time and thrive.

Confidence can be good and bad. Too little and hesitation will make mistakes. Too much and you will have mistakes.

I think an auto would be great if I didn't have to own and maintain it.