Newbie question

Mcraig79 · Feb 6, 2009

anyone know if you can use a bobtail tractor for a class B road test? Just curious the manager at this company had asked me

SLIDER999 · Feb 6, 2009

Mcraig79 said: ↑

I am sure this has been disscussed before but i will try telling it in my situation.
I was offered a job with a company once i get my class B CDL which i now have my learners permit. The company has told me i can use there truck to take the test in (its a peterbuilt 26ft flatbed tandem with 3rd axle)
the truck has a 3406 cat in it and also a 15spd eaton.
I have tested the truck once so far before i have to take my driving test.
The truck isnt a problem to drive..doesnt feel to large and upshifts very easy...my problem is of course slowing down. (am sure some will tell me what i have done wrong)
coming off exit ramp from interstate trying to slow down i was in i belive 9th gear..well i go to downshift..using clutch and i cant get 8th...i tend to have that issue alot and usually have to resort to getting way way slower and almost just starting back al over again.
what can i do so that i can figure out when this truck hits a good shift point. I have drove normal everyday stick shift for many many yrs but seems like these trucks are a new ball game. The guy riding with me told me slow down pull it out of gear hold it in front of next gear with slight pressure and rev engine..it would fall into gear...which it will, when i tried it..but he is saying dont use clutch for that...but i have to use clutch for the driving test.
whats some suggestions i would appreciate any type of help.

Or maybe some owner operators out there near knoxville, tn that wouldnt mind giving some pointers
Click to expand...

Not sure this is good advice. When I was in my second school they said slow down & stop well before you got to stop. Then downshift & proceed to the actual stopping point

SLIDER999 · Feb 6, 2009

Mcraig79 said: ↑

I am hoping TN isn't that bad on if you miss a gear.
Wish i could get my hands on an automatic or something else to take my test in at least but its not looking to promising....could always rent a truck from Ryder or such to test in but there hard to come by there CDL trucks. Unfortunately i wont have many more runs with the truck to practice in as it is a very much so used truck...so i might have only 1 day or so left to practice in it.
Click to expand...

If you can rent one of those beer trucks, they are automatic & it will make the roadtest easier. Just repractice your backing cause the length are different & it can throw you.

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Find Trucking Jobs

Newbie question

Mcraig79 Bobtail Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

SLIDER999 Light Load Member

SLIDER999 Light Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Find Trucking Jobs

Newbie question

Mcraig79 Bobtail Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

SLIDER999 Light Load Member

SLIDER999 Light Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!