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Automatics for Training?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by fjrgerry, Mar 26, 2016.

Page 5 of 6
  1. Mar 27, 2016 #41
    MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    maybe the definition is changing... ;-)
     
    MidWest_MacDaddy, Mar 27, 2016
    MidWest_MacDaddy, Mar 27, 2016
    #41
    gillz107, Canned Spam and FLYMIKEXL Thank this.
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  3. Mar 27, 2016 #42
    fjrgerry

    fjrgerry Light Load Member

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    Dec 30, 2015
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    fjrgerry, Mar 27, 2016
    fjrgerry, Mar 27, 2016
    #42
    crb Thanks this.
  4. Mar 27, 2016 #43
    fjrgerry

    fjrgerry Light Load Member

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    Could be... My situation is I graduated out of a crappy CDL school in late February of this year, then took a position with a tanker company in their training program for new students. When you add up only 4 - 5 actual driving hours in school, then factor in shifting methods not learned in school ( split shifting & bump & run for example) with a loaded tanker truck in hilly terrain under stressful circumstances - well use your imagination. I did ok, but failed the second road test when using the most filled tanker, so I was let go out of training. That's the basis for trying to find an automatic based company - I passed all the other testing just fine, but my inexperience coupled with tanker driving using a manual just didn't work out.
     
    fjrgerry, Mar 27, 2016
    fjrgerry, Mar 27, 2016
    #43
  5. Mar 27, 2016 #44
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I think overall you can be happy in an automatic. I know of several drivers that are doing their dream jobs and are driving autos. If you already have a CDL you won't get the manual restriction just because you have never driven a manual. This question is very much like the CB radio question. I know there are drivers that feel in some way that you are less of a driver if you drive an automatic. This simply is not true. Yes you will be limiting your employment options by not driving a manual, but honestly there are many carriers that use automatics and they pay just about as good as the others. If I were starting out today and know what I know now I would have no qualms whatsoever with going to school and even limiting myself to automatics because there are plenty of job opportunities out there for automatic only drivers.
     
    Moose1958, Mar 27, 2016
    Moose1958, Mar 27, 2016
    #44
    MidWest_MacDaddy Thanks this.
  7. Mar 27, 2016 #45
    JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    You currently have two CDLs? You are aware of the regulations, I assume?
    § 383.21: Number of drivers' licenses.


    No person who operates a commercial motor vehicle shall at any time have more than one driver's license.
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2016
    JReding, Mar 27, 2016
    JReding, Mar 27, 2016
    #45
  8. Mar 27, 2016 #46
    Jayson H

    Jayson H Bobtail Member

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    Jayson H, Mar 27, 2016
    Jayson H, Mar 27, 2016
    #46
  9. Mar 27, 2016 #47
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    Being able to control shifts pulling a grade or power to the wheels on slick roads make it very well worth at least learning a 10 speed...
    I taught my sister to shift in one afternoon....She was floating gears a week later...
     
    EZ Money, Mar 27, 2016
    EZ Money, Mar 27, 2016
    #47
    tinytim Thanks this.
  10. Mar 27, 2016 #48
    Canned Spam

    Canned Spam Road Train Member

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    I drive an automatic Kenworth and would be sad if they took it away from me and put me in a manual
     
    Canned Spam, Mar 27, 2016
    Canned Spam, Mar 27, 2016
    #48
  11. Mar 27, 2016 #49
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    What brand does KW use for the auto?
     
    EZ Money, Mar 27, 2016
    EZ Money, Mar 27, 2016
    #49
  12. Mar 27, 2016 #50
    Jclark87

    Jclark87 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 27, 2016
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    So he wants drive a auto what does it matter what he drives as long as he gets there safely
     
    Jclark87, Mar 27, 2016
    Jclark87, Mar 27, 2016
    #50
    MidWest_MacDaddy Thanks this.
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