down shifting on a downgrade

I've always been in the gear before I started into the downgrade. If you are not careful it's possible to get the truck out of gear while moving down hill and it won't go back in. .

 

You can downshift while going down...just don't miss and start panicking. Better to be in the right gear before going down.

 

Depends on the situation, but as a general rule of safety, you want to do your downshift before starting down a grade.
This applies especially if you're going down a long highway grade where brake fade becomes a factor.
I've always been a city driver, and I can tell you I've downshifted on hills before, steep ones like in downtown Seattle. If you're only going downhill a few blocks at best, brake fade isn't generally a factor there. It also requires knowledge of downshifting without the clutch/controlling the brakes with your left foot. As a rookie, stick with downshifting before the grade for now.

 

I like the know how but don't method.

 

Not necessarily a contradiction... It's always a good idea to be trained in different possible scenarios.

 

Don't do it. As a rookie you will miss and panic. Wait until you get some experience in a truck you're used to. Then practice on a small hill.

 

It's been too many years since I was in school, but I believe we had to do it. I also used it as a training technique when I was training city drivers for FedEx. I would demonstrate it while I was driving, then I would have them do it also. It's a good training tool, it shows your trainer/instructor that you're actually thinking about what is happening around you.