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question

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by racegun, Sep 10, 2008.

  1. Sep 10, 2008 #1
    racegun

    racegun Bobtail Member

    4
    0
    Sep 16, 2007
    Mesa Arizona
    0
    I am planning on being an over the road truck driver, I already have decided to go with swift (I know they are not great, but they are the only company in my area that has their own school and will hire with no experience). My problem is that I have not driven a stick shift before, every car I have had and any cars that my friends and family have had are automatics. Is this going to be a problem that will keep me from getting a job or will they work with me/teach me to drive a stick shift? Any insight will be appreciated.
     
    racegun, Sep 10, 2008
    racegun, Sep 10, 2008
    #1
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  3. Sep 10, 2008 #2
    rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,061
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    Jul 15, 2007
    TEXAS
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    If there training is anything decent. They should teach you how to shift. I would try to find a car with stick shift and try to get the principle of shifting down. Shifting a big truck is a little different but not much. Just stay calm and learn as much as possible when your in training. You will be alright. Good luck and let us know how your doing in training. Stay safe out there.
    ​
     
    rookietrucker, Sep 10, 2008
    rookietrucker, Sep 10, 2008
    #2
  4. Sep 10, 2008 #3
    ssbowles

    ssbowles Heavy Load Member

    708
    287
    Sep 27, 2007
    High Desert,CA
    0
    I can't speak for Swift specifically, but yes the school will teach you all you need to know about shifting a truck. It's better that you don't know how to drive a stick-shift actually, because a car and a big truck are apples and oranges.
     
    ssbowles, Sep 10, 2008
    ssbowles, Sep 10, 2008
    #3
  5. Sep 10, 2008 #4
    razorbacker

    razorbacker Light Load Member

    67
    9
    Aug 16, 2008
    Van Buren, Ar
    0
    From what I have read, here and elsewhere, the majority opinion seems to be that training schools actually prefer training someone who has never used a manual transmission before.

    The claim seems to be that 4 wheeler and big truck manual trans are so different that it is easier for someone who has never used a manual to learn big truck shifting.
     
    razorbacker, Sep 10, 2008
    razorbacker, Sep 10, 2008
    #4
    ssbowles Thanks this.
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