1 week into driving school...

Definitely true.

In school our freightshaker classic XL liked to shift and downshift at the speeds and very high rpm.

My Columbia likes to shift at very low rpms. Ill usually be up to 7th gear by 20mph, 8th at 28, 9th at 36, and 10th at 42. All this on flat land of course

 

It just finished up with CDL school two days ago. Everybody has trouble with downshifting. One thing I can tell you that helped me, Just let your RPMs and speed drop a little more than you think is necessary, then you'll be able to slid it right in to the next lowest gear. And use your break if necessary to help slow you down between downshifts.
And as far as the driving instructor goes, just deal with it, admit your wrong, he knows more than you. I went through the same exact experience, he'll get off your back as you start to pick it up.

Also, You're taking your road test in a 10 speed? that sounds rough, my school has you take your test in an automatic. Just makes it that much easier.

 

Thanks Americantrucker that actually works!

 

Way to go, thats how it is learning to drive a truck. Its definitely a learning process. Makes you feel good when you finally get it right.

 

Does shifting ever become second nature, like in a car? Or are you always constantly worrying about your RPMs, etc.?

 

Im not gonna teach you bad habits..lol...im so use to shifting with my jake on its just second nature..i dont even look at the tach or speedo..you will do just fine it takes time and dont get all flustered..take a deep breath and relax..it will all work out..Good Luck to you...Ohh and dont let your instructor make you nervous...look at him and think of him in his underware then laugh...It will make him wonder ...LOL...

 

Did you get a restriction on your license?

 

Taking a road test in a 10 speed is now considered "rough"???