First time on the practice range, not so great. advice?

I was on the practice range for the first time. now I have stick and know how to drive one, a car that is. I knew a truck would be different but it is like I have to learn how to drive all over again. I knew it would be something like that.

So I am worried that I might not "get it". I know there is a big learning curve. The trainer said I did well for my first time and I told him to be be honest after he said it. He said I did fine for my first time and he sees people who cannot get it into gear at all. He had me do backing maneuvers and that went fine but the mirrors were set for him, not me.

Am I being too hard on myself here? I did not think this would be that overwhelming. I am not one prone to anxiety at all.

Any tips? Maybe I am expecting too much too soon.

Thanks! Sorry to sound like a whiner.

 

I am curious about this as well, I'm looking for a place to go to CDL school.. I have a small anxiety problem.. Not like omg stop! Or anything, just really nervous as some would actually call it.. But I was learning how to drive a standard car.. But a recruiter told me not to because it's different from a semi truck standard.. Is this true? Should I just not practice on a standard car first?

 

I'm sure they are teaching you to double clutch.. Try looking on youtube.. There are probably a lot of videos of drivers explaining how to there.

If someone told me to double clutch, I couldn't do it to save my life. . Been to many years.

Good luck

 

Relax and don't sweat it. I have been double clutching for 15 years now, never speed shift. Find it easier for me! Most of us who drive did the progression.... 3 ton to 5 ton then big rig. I think your being too hard on yourself. It takes practice. Listen to your truck when shifting, you will hear the sweet spot.

 

Guit worrying you'll get it believe me.Everything takes time.That was only your first day,you can't ecspect to already have it down.With each day you'll get better and better.Don't try to rush it and don't try too hard.All that does is make you more nervous.Just learn to relax.With shifting youre right it is very much different then your personal vehicle.Like I said relax and press down on the clutch only an inch not to the floor and learn to relax your feet and legs.Just go with the flow,you'll find out things will go so much smoother.

 

I went strait from car to semi. Dont think of it like driving stick in your car. Totally not relevant. Shift pattern is different and you don't double clutch your car. Just keep trying. Do your best. You may get the hang of it. You may find its not for you. All you can do is try your best. Try not to get overwhelmed, you have a lot of yard time between now and your test.

 

Good advice so far. Just relax and take your time. You are going to be nervous, that's natural. Stay calm. Each day will get better. My first couple days, I thought I worked at a butcher, as much grinding of gears I did those first couple days.

You will get some good advice here. I did.

 

Like all the other advice got to somehow find a way to stay calm. If grinding a gear was an automatic failure be a lot of empty tractors sitting around. Remember they are trying to get you a license, the real experience is the next step. Watch the others and like previous stated listen for that sweet spot. Hang in there your not the first or last to struggle initially.

 

RELAX,is the key to learning.