1 week into driving school...

I didn't want to start a new topic on here and seen chippy was a new driver so i thought i would pop in with a newbie question as well. I am going to be starting school here in a week or so and wanted to ask, is getting a haz mat worth it? I know there might be higher paying jobs out there with one, but starting out would it be better to get some drive time under my belt then go for it later?

and on the shifting up/down thing, i have had different people tell me the clutch in clutch out method is better or don't use your clutch just float the gears. I have driven both ways and i found on the downshifting if I had the rpms around 11 or 1200 i could clutch in and shift it on down. without using the clutch i would slow down until 900 then gas it a bit to hit that 1100 mark then slide the gear shift out and into the next gear. I was driving a sterling 8 speed and a peterbilt 10 speed and it worked fine for me.

 

relax relax relax stop getting uptight,it will come

 

If you are having trouble just always rev it really fast and high and shift the gear with any gear over five. I never did it since my shifting was good but it works.

 

I think all newbies should learn on a two stick....

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=146jv2UFe6U[/ame]

Watch Dr. Bill at 2:00 minutes show you a perfect two handed, thru the wheel split... although a dentist by trade this guy was a real trucker....

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QJXPGwdsWk&feature=related[/ame]

You rookies could learn a thing or two from watching these guys...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3WFglSGT8g&feature=related[/ame]

 

those two stick things look like it would be tough but i guess if you are patient you will learn.

 

Now don't you feel the slightest bit guilty? Your instructor was testy 'cause he was hurting. Maaaaybe y'alls gear crunchins put him over the top?

Pooor widdle teacher. Betcha didn't even send him a Get Well Soon card didja? Poooor widdle teacher.

 

I struggled with down shifting a lot until I got a better instructor this week. I learned more in 30 minutes of observation time than I did in three full days with the other guy.

You have to know your speed to gear ranges and your RPM range. With the 10 speed we're driving it's 3 mph per gear through 6th, then it spreads out a little more as you go through the high side.

I have two days to improve as I take my final road test on Friday...if not tomorrow.