Bad news for manual lovers

That's true, we rarely see eye to eye.

I'm impressed rockstar_nj, thank you for not dismissing the content of my post simply because of the name above it.

 

Certainly students have to really work at backing, or struggle mightily. No argument there. I guess I'm just separating squished cones in a controlled range setting from clashing gears while driving in a non range environment. Shifting, specificaly downshifting, is what they have to work at the hardest in their behind the wheel time. Backing is certainly #1 in their range time.

 

The 2 skills that define a good driver. Shifting and maneuvering a truck in tight areas. Forward or backward. Most truckers don't get the best tools for operating a truck during their Instruction period. So they end up having to learn the hard way/self-taught. Some of the luck ones get a Vet driver to teach them(Uncle Bill). Taking pride in your skills opens doors to high paying jobs and continuous employment. Learn from your mistakes and always preform to your best ability.

 

I disagree that shifting makes a good driver.
Professionalism I rank way over shifting. You can learn how to shift, you can't learn professionalism. Some people have it, some don't. Maneuvering is a handy skill to have. Stops that running stuff over problem.

 

If you can't drive a manual you shouldn't drive a truck. Simple as that

 

I understand that most drivers prefer manual transmissions and I agree that everyone obtaining a CDL should learn to drive a manual but when I read that they are in more control with a manual vs an auto I can't help but laugh. I've driven a manual for most of my career. Been in an auto for more than a year now and in no way am I in less control. I run Donner pass a few times a week and run it just fine with an auto.

 

Never drove auto off road or in slick conditions BUT IMO it would seem the auto would have more likely to lose traction. @ mattbrn. You have a point there. I assumed that a driver that endeavored to polish his skills would also be a pro. Not the case as you stated.

 

And why is that? I drive an auto right now. Yes I can drive a manual. Do I feel less like of a trucker now that I'm in a auto? Absolutely not. Do I feel in less control? Absolutely not.
If you feel like to be a "real trucker" you have to grab a stick and move it around then more power to you.
I think being able to control a 80,000 lb rig safely day in and day out and deliver my loads on time and with out damage an make it home on the weekend to see my family makes me a real trucker.

 

Stick envy?

 

I think you're a real trucker. My point is never going to be about what is "better," as that's a silly waste of time in my opinion. My point is that manuals aren't going to disappear completely anytime soon, and as this post is in the new driver section, it's worth thinking about learning auto only as a skill defeceit towards career advancement.