Hypothetical question..

it takes longer for A semi to slow down then a car so don't overthink how you should slow down just make sure you're plenty slow enough before entering the ramp.Always look far ahead and start slowing down before the exit.Also just because the exit speed is 25 doesn't mean you have to do that speed.I Always drove 5 or less miles under the speed limit depending on the exit.

 

It depends on the exit. We have very short ones here in some places in others we have very long exits.

WHAT you don't do is slow down under the minimal speed. If you can't handle the exit at that speed than reconsider your approach to slowing. I get behind some of these idiot drivers who slow to 45 and it can cause an accident with traffic going 65 or 70 behind it.

One exit I hate is exit 177 on west I94 here in Michigan, it is at the top of a hill, trucks will slow to 35 mph to exit but it is a long exit where you can come off the road at 60 and still slow down safely - I do that all the time. BUT at 35, with a two lane, it is dangerous for other drivers and there have been a number of rear ender accidents.

 

The only issue I see with your logic is the assumption that everyone takes the same exits frequently. Better to err on the side of caution even if it causes me to go slower than people behind me like. If they hit me in the rear, it's their fault. If I take a ramp too fast and roll the truck it's my fault. I've seen a lot more roll-overs on ramps than rear end accidents on ramps.

 

Also, that yellow sign isn't a minimal speed. It's a recommended speed, generally cars in good clear weather conditions. Trucks, particularly in darkness or bad weather should be going slower than that before they get into the ramp.

 

Skiping gears is usually preferred but maybe your trainer wanted you to practice downshifting.

I think it's impractical to not skip gears on most ramps as most aren't that long, especially if you are hitting the ramp at 65. You don't want to slow down in the travel Lane much before you hit the ramp, but you should probably try to appease the trainer, for now.