Removing Automatic Restriction on CDL

That's why you never take your CDL Class A driving test with a auto-tragic transmission.

If you ever decide to leave the company and seek employment elsewhere, and that employer has manual transmission trucks, you're screwed.

 

I agree with the first sentence. The 2nd sentence is a bit over dramatic. Yes you won't work for that company however you can get jobs with that restriction. This restriction is a handicap but not something fatal that prevents you from working.

 

The restriction requires you to take the whole driving test over again, true it may not be fatal, but if the person's looking for employment, it can limit his prospects considerably.

 

If I were still driving and I had this restriction I would go find a tech school somewhere that has a drivers school. Since I already know the basics I might be able to work out an agreement with the school for some training in the manual then go test, and if I work at it I might be able to hold a driving job while I do this maybe at night or evenings. What I am getting angry about is all the people that start coming out of the woodwork trying to tell this driver his life is over if he don't get that restriction removed. It can be removed. I just am bothered by the fact that a driver holding a Class A CDL is reporting being broke because they can not find a job.

 

He doesn't know the basics. Shifting is the foundation of the basics.

Edit

Which is not to say he shouldn't be able to find a job holding a steering wheel somewhere.

 

I think at Sage in Lebanon PA , you can use one of their trucks for 3rd party testing. At most rent a tractor. I'd give one of their schools a call.

Other option is their 2 week refresher.

 

The problem is learning to drive a manual and doing it in a smooth way takes longer then a few weeks. Some examiners won't pass you if you struggle with shifting and grind gears. I know if you research my postings on this auto shift subject you will find examples where I have not been totally consistent on it, or at least it seems that way. My opinion is if you are not comfortable in a manual go test get this restriction and remember your job options are limited. Not driving a manual does not make you any less a trucker. I stand by that opinion. However even if you are not comfortable driving a manual I think you should learn how to do it. This does not mean you have to drive one after you get your CDL. Then once you do get your CDL it does not have this restriction and does not cause you problems later. I have driven both. I am more comfortable in a manual. I just feel like I was in better control of my truck.

 

So moving a gear shift makes you a real trucker?

A real trucker wore a suit and tie, hitched 2 horses to a wagon, and spent a year crossing the country.

And no, I have no restrictions on my license.

 

It is a sad fact that a lot of drivers feel that if you don't drive a manual there is something missing. In realville the only difference between a manual and an auto shifter is just that, how the tranny gets its gears changed. Don't mean you can do that difficult alley dock or back from a busy road into a covered dock. This topic was one of the few my father and I disagreed on. I once told a lady driver at the General Mills docks in Tenn to keep on driving that auto and ignore the others that said she was less then a trucker. I like the Plato quote @Chinatown has. Kind of fits here.

 

I’ll chime in with my $.02. I’ve been drivin for 12+ years, all of it in a manual. 10, Super 10, and a 13. I just got assigned a brand new Peterbilt with an 18 speed autoshift. I’m learning how to drive that. Sounds stupid I know but to wit; I got around Louisville this week when it snowed about 6+ inches and things got pretty interesting. And backing up I’m either not moving or doing about 110mph in reverse. And I stomp the floor about every traffic light looking for the clutch. Not to mention trying to pull away from a pile with the trailer in the air. Anyway, I agree with @Moose1958 100% in that the transmission doesn’t make the driver. Nobody knows how to do everything right off the bat. That’s why there’s training.