I'm struggling with shifting, currently with a trainer.

first I would like to say I have a new found respect for truckers, I already did before but wow. So it's my 3rd day and I'm thinking about dropping. I originally chose the automatic class but switched to manual because it seemed better. But I'm genuinely having second thoughts trying to focus on the road and shift double clutch, clutch to stop try not to dump the clutch, stalling ect. The trainer is already saying if I don't progress it's not going to work. Im thinking about dropping an enrolling at a later date.

any advice I know its only the first week but #### lol

 

Don't give up if you're interested. It takes a bit but you can get it if you aren't a quitter. You only need double clutch for the test you'll eventually learn to "float" the gears which is much smoother and easier. It's a learning curve not just shifting but the whole job. But if you're serious and will work hard it's a very rewarding career.

 

The short answer: DON'T QUIT.

Possessing a CDL (with a clean driving record) is a great thing to have -- & opens up A LOT of job possibilities.

Also -- most fleets now are using trucks that are "automated manuals" -- so the truck is really doing the shifting for you, in most cases.

If you test out for your CDL on a manual shift truck -- you won't have that "auto restriction" on your CDL. Omitting that restriction can open more employment doors for you, later on.

-- L

 

It's normal to have 2nd thoughts when things don't go right, it's a big deal for many. You, like many are starting at square one. No offense, but you don't have the knowledge to operate a manual and years ago, wouldn't have made it this far. If the manual is giving you problems, by all means, get that CDL with an automatic. I read, something like 94% of all new trucks are automatic. There's no shame in that, and we need you as a driver. Don't get so hung up on the transmission, there's so much more to the job, and you'll do fine. Hang in there,

 

You are pushing the clutch too deep like 100% of newbies. Never push it even 1/2 down unless you are stopped. It causes the clutch brake to engage which cause unnecessary grinding. Push the clutch about 1/3 to floor or just enough to get into or out of gear if the truck is moving.

If you don't stay & learn something like shifting you will set yourself on fire when you start backing. Then you become one of the sub-humans blocking the truckstop because you can't back into a spot with 6 miles of empty space in front of it for a straight back.

 

I’d seriously consider going back to the automatic class. My company was pretty hardcore about using 10 speed manual transmissions until about two years ago, but they switched over to buying trucks with automatic transmissions because that’s what practically all companies are building now. Manual transmissions are only available by special order now, apparently.

With every passing year, that auto restriction becomes less of a problem.

 

The fedgov will outlaw manuals before long

But don’t give up

you CAN do this !

 

Ask the instructor if you can come In after hours for more practice

 

Is your training not giving advice? Explaining? Most shift patterns are a 1-2 count in your head 1-2 and it’ll shift.pull it outta gear give it a second, shift.

 

Don't feel bad. I ws a total screw up in school. I have never driven a manual anything before driving a truck. You have to slow your mind down don't let the instructor or your other classmates punk your thoughts. Step by step so you don't stall out.

1. Put the truck in gear with your foot on the brake and clutch.

2. Holding the break with your right foot, ese up off clutch with your left foot. Pay attention because you'll feel and hear the truck start to pull.

3.Hold the clutch in that position while your right foot goes to the throttle to push it down. The left foot is coming up and and the right foot is going down simultaneously.

Now I broke it down like this because initially, I had trouble with the simultaneous movement of my feet, especially on inclines. At first, I would just ease up off the clutch, and let the truck coast about an inch before giving it full throttle. That's how I got the hang of not stalling the truck. As I gained more practice it became easier to do it the more conventional way. It only take a little practice and patience man. You're only in your 3rd day. You're not going to become a super trucker in 3 days. It takes many years of practice before you become 100 percent skilled at everything. Be patient and just focus on 1 step at a time.