In school. will be getting on the freeway :/

Nice. You'll only get better and be keeping those rmps lower than 1700 by the end of the course. As mentioned above, it is a fuel economy thing, and makes for a smoother ride as you pick up or perfect the technique.

 

You will get the hang of it dont worry it just takes practice and time. To be honest progressive shifting works best for me! I think it depends on the truck too.. some can handle shifting at a higher rpm better. Just do what works best for you now and when you pass the CDL test and get your own truck you can experiment more and probably learn how to float the gears. As for starting in 4th gear.. many people do this but I got used to starting in 3rd because thats what they taught us and some of your heavy loads and small inclines wont like 4th,..I guess every school is a little different. Did you do backing yet?

 

Ya,theyDont Want To See you "skipping any gears or floating.Try only "double clutching "even with the top of the brake pedal.Its faster and it doesnt take "much" to make the gears mesh up together or "synchronize".Yes,you have to be a Robot on the test,but,once on "your own" youll be able to breathe again.

 

Doing the Parallel??? We didn't have to do that for the test up here in Wisconsin.. Offset.. Straight line and the 90 degree alley backing... Dont know where to start with the parallel!

 

My fb timeline reminded me today that a year ago i was 'the chosen one' for our first time out with the trailer.(1st day was bobtail and gearing) Highly intimidating. Instructor was very helpful and made it through it. Luckily it was our day on the pad for backing so i just had to get us there lol. Just wait until you experience round a bouts and other tight manuvers. Like odd right hand turns you cant make but with splitting a lane. Youll see them 4 wheeler drivers eyes light up at the intersection in their left turn lane because they think your going to run into them. They scramble for reverse! Lol

Best of luck through the class and moving forward. Its a definite change once your solo and there isnt anyone to bail you out. Interrogate your instructor now and trainer when you find a company.