Failed road test again (2nd time)

+1 on that. Miss the gear, stall the truck on the tracks, and Murphy's Law will get you!!

I've not had this happen in my big-truck, but in my personal vehicle, while crossing, I was privileged to the loud train horns, real close. The crossing lights and arms malfunctioned. There were buildings along both sides, where you could only see about 20 ft down the rail. When I heard the train horn, I snapped my head to the right (train coming from that direction), and was looking at that real bright headlight. I think my pickup went from 20-100 in 20 ft. I don't know just how close that train was, other than too dam close.

The D/L examiner I had, liked to B.S. So I just started talking to him, like I'd known him for years. I think it also helped me relax, and maybe him too. I've often wondered if they might be a little apprehensive, having to ride in a tuck not knowing if the person driving is going crash.

 

Stop using the clutch... you'll find a gradual increase in RPM's will put you right up into the next gear so you can downshift smoothly. I rarely if ever clutch anymore and the nice thing about not clutching?... you won't go into the wrong gear while the tractor/trailer is slowing down on an upgrade and drop your transmission or drive-shaft... you either go into the right gear at the right time or you find the next lower or higher gear (depending on vehicle speed).
Relax... try staying in gear until you drop below 1000 rpms then go two gears instead... I usually go to 800, brake in neutral and hit the next gear about 1200-1300 rpm (7th to 5th,... neutral, brake, rev up and grab 3rd)....

If anything I say offends you, please get over it. Truck drivers have an attitude and I are one.