First Day of Class one Training went BAD

unless your instructor "requires" it, and depending on where you are, you can "skip" as you downshift. Not all, mind you ... but depending on the situation, again, feeling for it and listening to the engine . . . you'll get this, because it sounds like you have the passion for it! Pretend it's a 5 or 6 speed Audi . . . 4 wheeler. go from there. Kudos for doing it!~