preparing for my skill test

Dude, dont stress it. You'll be fine

 

Another thing to try is stop far enough back from intersections that you can up-shift to a higher gear then what you started from a stop in. Here you are not allowed to shift in an intersection so it makes it easier to get through it in a timely manner instead of creeping along in 1st or 2nd. I try to get into 3rd or 4th by the time I break the intersection line.

 

do they allow you to start in a higher gear or do you have to start in first from every stop? i normally start out in 2nd unless im in a soft part of a gravel road or starting on a steep incline loaded. from my understanding your not allowed to skip gears but does starting in 2nd instead of first count as skipping a gear?

 

I was taught never use 2nd (in a 10 speed) because it can accidentally be reverse! and then when those 4 wheelers pull right up behind you it can leave no room ...

Always 1st or 3rd.

Mikeeee

 

i did do that once, only it was another big truck that was right behind me, luckily i caught it just as soon as the clutch started to grab only moved back maybe 6 inches. so 1st or 3rd is probably good advice, after i made that mistake once i started sliding it into second as i sit at a stop light slide it out and back in just to double check.
but as far as the test is concerned are you allowed to start in a higher gear than 1st?

 

My test in Illinois was 20 minutes long. I figured I could do a few extra gears and always start in first to not have to worry about whether I was allowed to or not.

Mikeeee

 

how many hours did most of you have in behind the wheel before you took your skill test? right now iv got about 48 hours behind the wheel of a class a tractor trailer, i should be able to get some more time behind the wheel before my skill test. iv got about 6 years of pulling 38 foot goose neaks allover the country with a pick up. from my last job so backing and manipulating trailers and driving large vehicles down the road is pretty natural too me. i still havent gotten a chance to try double clutching but im sure ill get some time to practice that in the next 9 days. my biggest worrie is with shifting. i feel im a little weak in that area.

 

It was called a "160 hour course". But I estimate about 8-10 total hours in the actual seat and moving...

Mikeeee

 

I had maybe 6 hours btw time before my road test. Road test took about 45 mins. Pulling out at intersections we were told to start in 3rd and idle shift into 4th before starting your turn. Shifting was prohibited while making your turn but before and once the tractor is straight you can shift.

 

Ya, no shifting in turns. And watch those back tires. Do not touch a curb or cross a painted line with them.

Mikeeee