Embarrassing day at truck driving school.

I think I know that guy! BTW, there is another shifting technique not covered by "double-clutching & floating'---used in situations like the afore mentioned, called 'gear jamming!' ha ha

 

Seriously, don't sweat it.Just remain calm and do whatever you have to do.I remember coming down I81 (off of I84 and I380) in Scranton/WilkesBarre PA, my co-driver missed a downshift climbing one of those STEEP grades. Well he panicked, missed every gear he tried and almost put it in reverse. So I calmy screamed at him to 'get this big piece-o-excrement on the shoulder while we are still rolling'. And that's what he did, hit the shoulder, find second gear, and re-enter the travel lane when it was safe to.

 

I am going for a refresher next week with Central Ref. I have been driving B trucks since getting my cdl in 91, and I dont feel bad at all when I screw up and have to jam a gear in an old mack or any of the other old and slow trucks I have driven.
I have to say though, in a nice new (less than 20 year old) truck I would feel pretty bad jamming gears. I know I will get use to it again, but it will take a while. I just hope Central will not make me double clutch thru training, I can still do it but I prefer to float.

 

WE all had to learn sometime,I never missed a gear,if you believe that I will keep telling you more bull. Like the other driver said,its okay to know whats happening around you,you should know,but concentrate at being the best you can be later,for now just get your cdl and the rest will come with time. it is best to stop and start again,stay right 4 ways on if legal there,and find the one gear that works smmooth and climb up or down the hill,your engine will stay cooler also. Thru the years I have seen trans and rears and clutches burned up,engines blown from over rev and cranks broken fron not reving enough,stop and start again,but keep on learning and soon you will have it all down great.

 

"Today on a long steep uphill climb I couldn't get my downshifts in (was all happening to fast slowing to fast for the gear I was trying)."

Try skipping a gear when downshifting, especially in the lower range.

 

good luck with the test im sure youll do great

 

Don't sweat it. It happens to the best of drivers sometimes. You were in a truck driving school truck, right? That means that everyone knows that you are a student driver and that you are just learning. 99% of the world wants you to take your time and learn right, and they are understanding that it does mean messing up on the road a few times (not serious mess-ups, just minor goofs like stalling). Good luck on your test.

 

You will do fine on your test, just keep your head about you and try not to be so nervious

 

BUGZ,
Good job, and GOOD ATTITUDE!!!! I hope you make it.
We need to not only focus on what we are doing but also act in a COURTEOUS manner. Its all about being PROFESSIONAL.

GOODLUCK and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.