Leaving an all automatic company

I did the same thing OP. I learned to drive a 10 speed manual at CDL school, then went to work for 2+ years driving an auto. , then switched to company driving 10 manual.

The worst part was the driving test when going to the new manual truck company. I sucked, not sure how I passed. Just remember even if you are having difficulty shifting, KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD, don't look down at the shifter. Show the tester you know to be safe and drive the truck first, even if you are having difficulty finding a gear. Find out what kind of truck you will test on, watch YouTube videos for that truck, LEARN THE RPMs of when you need to shift. Turn the jake brake completely off as the jake will make it more difficult to shift.

On my first run in the manual, it was a problem for about the first half day. Each shift getting better. Two days into driving, I was rough but not a big deal. 3-4 days and it was no longer an issue, did not even think about it.

Making the transition to driving a manual is only a small bump in the road, work through it and you will be fine.

 

After leaving Maverick, an all auto company, I am now over 2 years at a small company that only has 13 and 18 speeds. It really helped me that I was honest about my skills and they let me bobtail around in a truck for several hours by myself to get comfortable. So it is definitely doable. Best wishes!

 

I don't know if it's reasonable to expect but you really should try. Shifting isn't that hard, once you learn you never forget and it's a valuable skill to have. Having had enough experience to pass the exam there's no reason you can't get proficient in short order.

 

To add to this, don't be afraid to tell the tester that you have been driving autos for the last two years. Either he will take that into account and give you leeway, or he was going to not hire you anyway....