Shifting killed me on my road test {FAIL}

Here in VA, the DMV tester won't allow skipping gears on a down shift. For some reason, though, it's acceptable when upshifting. Clutching is also required. Not sure why it matters; seems that as long as you can show that you can handle the truck, HOW you handle it ought not make a difference. But, alas, it does.

 

Drive an older truck with a 653 or a 671 with a full load and you will get your answer

 

I wanna know how u down shift w/out double clutching? I've heard folks talk about it 4 years--BUT everytime I have 2 drop 1--my left leg has a mind of its own!! Kinda like my old Harley--stalling out @ the stop sign by its favorite watering hole where all its friends are parked!! Some things r just out of our control! LMAO

 

Dang it I downshift without clutching saves on clutch wear. And I just expained it to the newbees

 

a truck is easier to shift then a car. you don't use the clutch. it's the meshing part that's a little harder.

but the concept is still the same. you need the right gear for the right speed.

 

Just remember what gear you're in and which one is next depending on conditions. Practice makes safety.

 

You've got to practice the scenario that gets a lot of people in trouble ...

You're on a two lane road following a car a safe distance behind at 55 MPH. This car suddenly decides he wants to slow down considerably ... and shortly decides to turn left. The car slowed from 55 to 40 then to 35 then slows enough to turn in the span of 5 seconds. You can't down shift that rapidly in an almost E-stop situation ... then the car is out of the way and you can proceed but you're in the wrong gear or in neutral ... can you get re-geared properly ... quickly?

When you can consistently recover from this situation in a timely or flawless manner, you can then take your road test. I understand they probably don't teach this in school, on a quiet roadway, simulating this scenario, but THEY ALL SHOULD.

 

Cant go by one specific numbers for shifting. Go by rpm's not road speed. Different trucks operate different, I've driven 2 9200's both with C-15's and an eaton 10 speed. Due to the way they were set-up it was complete different. One operated at a higher rpm ranger by about 300.