What's with all these training schools training with auto transmissions?

I didn't know that but it makes sense, thanks for the info. I drove an 04 CH with the 460 but it was a manual and it was a good running truck, no problems at all. The 1998-1999 460's were god awful but I think that was the first year for that motor. I'm still a big fan of the ole Mack 454's and 350's, great motors.

 

Here in NL Canada you cannot get a CDL with an auto shift truck, they will put a restriction onto your license. I got my class 3 (tandem) about four yrs ago on a 13 speed dump. About 3 months ago i started driving tractor trailers and about a month ago did my road test for class 1 (tractor trailer). Even though I had class 3 wihtout the auto restrictions and they new i could shift, they would not allow me to do my class 1 road test with the auto, they would still restrict it.

 

I asked in the newbies section what it is like to drive an automatic and I am hoping to find out. What I know from experience is if someone ends up doing city routes or short line hauls between big city's like I have done over the years San Diego SDX to LAX. Or just regular freight back and fourth that you might be begging for an Automatic Transmission.

 

the "auto-mated shift" trucks help you in that you do not have to shift gears manually. this saves you the driver from perhaps getting your right arm and left leg an extreme workout when doing city work.

as for OTR drivers, well frankly, once you are in top gear with a manual transmission, you will not be shifting all that much, when one thinks about it, as one would be "cruising" down the highways.

they are not really automatics, instead they are called "auto-mated shift" as you STILL have a clutch pedal, that YOU NEED for first starting out, and coming to a stop. a "full automatic" like in cars, pick up trucks, has NO clutch pedal, just the fuel and brake pedals. the only "true " fully automatic transmissions for a truck, either class B or A are made by Allison, and they ARE QUITE EXPENSIVE as well. the "auto-mated transmissions" DO COST more than a manual transmission, but less than a fully automatic transmission......and i believe the fully automatics weigh more too, how much more over a manual or auto-mated transmission, i do not know.


http://www.allisontransmission.com/commercial/transmissions/#tab-benefits


http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/Markets/Truck/ProductsSolutions/Transmission/

 

My company has 5 new volvo tractors with actual automatics. No clutch pedals. They have exhaust brakes though. I hate em.

 

You do in GA according to the cdl manual

 

The Century I drive has a two pedal "automatic".

It does NOT use a torque convertor however. Once the computer decides you have met all the criteria for wanting to go it will engage the clutch. It is not unheard of to have a dead pedal for a few seconds when you stop.

Most of the time it is fine. I HATE it for backing.

 

I agree that all new drivers should be able to use a standard shift transmission. I also was a Army truck driving instructor back in the 90s' and saw first hand how this was a big asset to all new students, how much it made teaching a whole lot easier especially with soldiers who had only driven only auto-trans vehicles.

In 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom, my unit was called up, 12 members of my transportation unit were females, and because of the use of auto-transmission, they were able to carry their own weight and complete the assigned mission. Again, the mission of the Army is different than a civilian company so in this case auto-trans wins out.

As a driver, everyone should know how to shift. We don't always stay with the same company our entire working career. Knowing more makes us much more a positive asset to any company.

Well, thats my 2 cents on the subject. Merry Xmas to all!
gerald48

 

I also attended an 'automatic' CDL school. I had 6 shifting classes of an hour road driving each. I have already failed Roehl and Covenant's Orientation. I am not sure what I will do since there is an accident on my license and I am getting nothing but 'no's.' I will be meeting with the school's director and I'll see where I go from here...

 

for the amount of money paid to the school you might want to "demand" free training on a stick shift. from past posts of mine, i am DEAD AGAINST teaching students on automatics. i say, you can get training on an automatic, if your new job has them.....otherwise, what freaking good does it do to teach students to drive something that NOT TOO MANY companies have...????

unfortunately, you found that out the hard way. pretty much confirms what i have been saying all along.

don't take "NO" for an answer. if your school does NOT give you free additional time on a stick shift, report them the the board of education, the BBB, and if you were sent to school by some sort of WIA program, report to them as well.

let us know how you make out with this meeting.

good luck.