so i tried to get a job! but can shift!?

car & big rig are two diffrent things. Its similar but it will require you to do some practicing and learning to double clutch at first. During an exam(if for your cdl or a job your should double shift unless the job says you dont have to. Just get some practice and you'll be fine. Listen to the engine, if you've driven sticks then you know what to listen for when to shift. Do you already have a cdl but havent used it in a while? If so get a quick refresher class or find a friend to get you up to speed. Best Of Luck and stay positive. You'll be alright.

 

Did you take a course anywhere or have anyone show you how to shift a big rig properly? If so, did you tell the tester you were super nervous and probably messed up because of it? Can you have a second test?

I couldn't drive with someone in the car with me watching me for years. I finally got over it around age 35!!! LOL So I know what you're talking about.

If you haven't learned from an expert or a course, maybe you should think about one? Make your life a lot easier

 

Shifting a car and shifting a truck are different. Not just the size, the auto transmission is sycronized and a big truck transmission is not. Thats why you have to listen and "read" the engine to know when to shift.

 

1800 rpm's empty sounds kinda high now days.

 

Yup the previous posters nailed it. A big truck is not shifted the same as a car. Sounds to me like you did not actually have anyone train you on shifting.
To shift a big truck you have to have a rhythm. Basically you will hesitate between each gear going up. Normally a driver will accelerate to around 1500 rpms (for newer trucks anyway) then shift to the next gear hesitating when in the neutral position to allow the rpms to drop about 400 on the tach then continuing the shift to the next gear. "Progressive shifting" for a veteran driver will be even lower on the tach. Such as shifting out at 1000 rpms on the tach and using the idle set (usually around 600 rpms) to stop the tach drop and slip the shifter into the next gear without any grinding and saving fuel.
As for downshifting there is a difference. The time spent in the neutral position will require the driver to "tap the throttle" to rev up the engine the 400 rpms to permit a shift into the next lowest gear.
Its all about matching engine rpms to the revolutions in the transmission and the current road speed.
It takes time and practice to master these skills. Add into this mix "double clutching" and it will test your patience considerably. After a driver masters the co-ordination of foot movements, throttle usage, and stick shift timing then you will be ready for the veterans way of shifting. This is called "floating gears." This takes timing and an understanding of the previous mentioned factors. Basically the clutch will only be used for starting and stopping then. The best "floaters" will not grind any gears and can actually shift faster and get up to road speed quicker.

 

1800rpm is too high. I drive a 2006 Freightliner Columbia now and the gears shift like butter at 1000rpm for the low side and 1400rpm for the high side except for 9th which seems to like 1500rpm. Just keep it simple you should be able to rev up to 1300rpm and shift your low side gears in at 1000rpm and rev up to 1600rpm and shift your high side gears in at 1300rpm. Each truck is a bit different but thats what you can work off of. All I have driven is freightliners for the last 2 years from 2001-2006 Century and Columbia's with Cummings and Detroit 60 engines. Also I hope someone taught you to double clutch. It can make your leg a bit tired moving a 70lb clutch but it will ensure smooth shifting. Good Luck

 

Theres always automatics but then your career is limited.

 

Navy, you have driven heavy equipment before. Maybe you can just get a little more practise in on the rig you will be driving? My trainer always said 'DONT PANIC'. Maybe thats the advice you need for your next go around? Good luck!

 

You weren't by chance one of the two students at RDTC in the class behind me, were you? I heard the one student got booted for not being able to shift.