Got my CDL class A, but can only float gears,

You better learn how to use that clutch. Run the engine off the tach to 1500 plus high horse power rating for it, shove the clutch in wait two heartbeats and then slide the shift into the next gear up. Release the clutch before the tach falls below 1100 torque and add power.

Why?

When they send you somewhere that has a ginormous 21% grade and you stall out crawling it because you tried to float a shift one way or the other, that clutch is all you have between a future among us or perdition.

My school and all instructors insisted double clutching. I insisted the same to wife and other students. Then taught some floating. Just did not make a habit of it.

 

I know this post is 5 years old, but i just finished my cdl schooling and test. An instructor got sick for 3 weeks and we missed out on our 1st week, and didnt ever get to make it up. Graduated on our original date. The instructors only had me float gears. My first drive, i went to clutch, and he said get your foot off that #### clutch. Then on my test 2 days ago, i grinded the hell out of almost every gear and the tester from the school was shocked that they never tought me to double clutch. He said, so when you're grinding, you weren't tought how to save yourself by double clutching? I said nope, nobody let me learn the double clutch method. Now i am super nervous about getting a job. Somehow, the tester, who is an independent contractor from the state, but also works at sage, passed me on the test. Not sure what to do or say to the school director on my exit interview.

 

Probably won't do any good to even mention it.
Which company are you hiring on with now?
Most trucking companies are automatics anyway; a few still have a few stick shifts.

 

When i passed my test the instructor said I know your supposed to double clutch but do whatever your comfortable with.

Imo learning to double clutch 1st is better. 90% of the time I float em. I double clutch on the low side if I'm heavy and starting up hill/off road

Double clutching is more forgiving if you don't time the shift just perfect. Less shock on the driveline

 

No worries mate! The only gear floating you’ll be doing is floating from park to drive.

 

The owner operator I learned with 48 years ago, wanted me to float his 13 speed.

But, after I left him, on the next job, with one of the owners riding, he was not too happy with me not, using the clutch.

Anyways, I got the job and taught myself right away to double clutch and the rest of my driving career, I did both, so as to never loose those skills.

Don’t push the clutch peddle in, just put pressure on it, enough to unload the plates. When the rpms and drive shaft speed match, it will fall right into gear, just like floating. Smooth as glass. Clutch and transmission will last forever.