1 week into driving school...

That's what I was wondering. Here in GA, if you test on an automatic transmission, you have a restriction on your license that only allows you to drive trucks with automatics.

 

Im from New York, took my road test on an automatic, and their are no restrictions on my license.

 

I had plenty of practice in a manual, but the schools road testing vehicle is an automatic.

 

You will most likely grind gears for 6 months, so I wouldn't be too concerned with your first week. Once you have 6 months to a year experience you will probably pick up floating and it will be a hell of a lot easier on you (and the truck)! Don't sweat it man, you just need some practice.

You will be surprised how well you drive just after your first real day out there on the road with your trainer. Usually a good solid 10 hours of real road time under a real load will make a big difference. Throw in a couple hectic nights of crowded truck stop backing and you'll be a pro in a week!

 

Don't forget to let the clutch all the way out before you raise the rpms. It was hard for me to get that. I learned to shift 10+ years ago in a 10 wheel dump truck with an 18 speed, the fella only taught me to float. Getting timing down to double clutch was a bear for me. Now I find myself using both. Just depends on what the situation is.

 

you will want to check with your dmv one that one

 

The fact is no matter how much training you get and how much practice you get, you will never learn more than the first day you are on your own.

Before you know it you will be shifting and downshifting without even using the clutch.