Shifting and logbook question

Thanks for all the responses. The main reason I would like to keep electronic records of my logs is because its far easier for me to be organized that way, not to mention a lot neater. From what my instructors have said, a neat and up-to-date log book tell the inspector that I am neat and meticulous as well, and he will be less likely to do a more detailed inspection. Besides, my handwriting is horrid, at best.

Since the skill of recovering from missed gears is important, that is one thing I am going to practice on when I get the chance future lessons. That being said, the examiner said my shifting was top notch, and the one time i did miss a gear, I managed to recover from it (not sure how I did it but oh well)

Speaking of my road test, I passed! The examiner praised me on my pretrip, and backing ability, and aside from me forgetting to remove the chocks from the wheels before doing my rolling brake test, it was flawless. I did make one major mistake at the first intersection (I was a little *too* cautious), and a few minor mistakes like not checking my right at a few key merge lanes, but overall she was impressed.

 

Have you stopped to consider that using a laptop is going to equal ten times the clutter in your truck. You MUST have a printer in your truck for printing log sheets any time the DOT boys ask. That could happen more than once daily, and you sure don't want to sit there fumbling with your laptop with a PO'd DOT cop anxiously awaiting your print outs. You are a new driver, IMO its one more opinion you don't need. Another thought, there are times when you WILL be accused of "catching up a delinquent log book" while you are sitting at a scale house, that's not something you want to hear from the DOT. Also consider, you will need an inverter to run that printer as well, not to mention all the cables, where to store the printer, usb cables, paper blah blah blah. Compared to one tiny log book, its a lot of hassle.

From the way I read, you are not yet "at ease" with your log book, that will coming in time, and it sure sounds like you need more practice with shifting. Have your instructor explain to you WHY the transmission shifts the way it does. Have instructor explain how many engine rpm's drop or raise between each gear shift. There is a spefic RPM split (usually around 300) between each gear, and once you understand you ll be able to look at your speedometer and KNOW which gear you belong it. It is not magic, its mechanical, a competent instructor SHOULD have taught you this day one!

As a new driver its about all you're going to be able to handle getting from A to B on the map, finding and getting yourself parked in a truck stop at night, and catching paperwork/logs. Give yourself a break and skip the laptop logs for the first few months or so...

 

Congrats on passing your road test!!! Sounds like you're well on your way to making a fine driver.