Why Not Automatic?!

Noooo. It couldn't be the instructor. Impossible! Outrageous! You must have been there inhe truck with us. Funny, I don't recall seeing you there.

 

And in more than a few states, if the test is taken in a truck with an automatic, the CDL is restricted and they cannot legally drive a standard shift tractor. Kind of hard to get hired into a fleet like that.

 

On that note, I can LEGALLY type this. You're not a real trucker unless you know how to drive a manual shift truck, regardless of how many sticks it has.

Using an automatic to get your CDL gets you a restriction.

Now my opinion has changed, ha. All you posers in your autos!

 

i have driven 4 different trks with automatics...all but one had a clutch...IMO driving an auto IS FAR more distracting than a manual...after you learn a manual, it is second nature..you dont have to even think about what you or doing or even look down...even being in the proper gear/speed (auto) going down grades, the ones we drove still always tried to upshift...and LOOKING DOWN to figure out which button to push to put it in manual IS DISTRACTING...even BEFORE you start down...its a distraction... i dont want that stupid thing shifting while i am in bad weather either...and as for backing up...the ones we drove didnt really idle back....they went too fast IMO ..WITHOUT a foot on the gas...and couldnt just "bump" the dock...i found myself becoming lazy and tired quickly driving an automatic..and it made me less attentive to my surroundings...i dont agree with automatics , but to each his own...HOWEVER i do feel that ALL NEW DRIVERS shoudl be taught how to drive a manual...

I AGREE

for real?? or are you just pulling our leg??? makes sense if you are serious tho....

 

Tried to down shift today using the double clutch method, and I FAILED . Then I tried to downshift using the no clutch method and I PASSED with flying colors. Probably because I'm so use to doing it with no clutch. I don't know why they don't teach the easy way. So don't feel bad young blood. This hear old timer can't double clutch either. I did see a way where you can fool your instructor by doing the motion but actually just using the gas and right rpm. I'm sure you don't know how to do it without the clutch technique but when he is not paying attention. Take the stick out of gear and put it in the next gear when you are in between the 1500 and 1000 range and watch how it goes in nice and smooth.

 

West Virginia with a load of 40K or more. That is all.

Drove a 12spd Auto Volvo for a bit. Was really nice in the city and flat highways but... for hilly terrain, I much prefer full transmission control. Backing was harder though, because you didn't have the ability to feather the clutch. Volvo autos want to surge while backing, like it's always trying to mount a heavy trailer, which can make things difficult.

And even during my short time with that Auto, I did make it look like I was reaching for a shifter to other drivers in a yard to save face...

 

No , you are right. I was not there, but if you will just take a second and listen I'm really trying to give you some advice. If you really want to succeed and become a professional then you really need to gain all the knowledge that you can while you are in school. Double clutching takes some practice..but its not impossible to learn. Tell that instructor he is making you somewhat uncomfortable with his comments( but do it with respect in a place where its just you and him). I'll wager if you go to him and try to resolve your issues that he will be willing to help out all he can. If you drive long enough there may come a time that you must drive an auto...pretty soon too cause it seems that the industry is headed that way. But for now its to your benefit to master the manual. I apologize for being harsh but I'm really trying to give you sound advice.

 

why is that all the older truckers sound so bitter? i never would of thought driving an auto truck is a wheel holder lol thats so funny,but anyways a driver is a driver no matter auto or stick some peope need to get out the old days an get with the new just saying

 

[h=3]V C Section 15263 Restriction to Automatic Transmissions[/h]
[h=4]Restriction to Automatic Transmissions[/h]15263. (a) Any applicant for a commercial driver's license who successfully completes the driving-skill test in a vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, shall, if otherwise qualified, receive a commercial driver's license that restricts the licenseholder from operating a commercial motor vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
(b) To remove the restriction described in subdivision (a) from a commercial driver's license, the driver is required to make a new application for a commercial driver's license, and, in addition to any other requirements specified in this code, successfully complete the driving-skill test in a vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.

Added Ch. 1509, Stats. 1988. Effective January 1, 1989.

595:10-1-92.Driving restriction codes
A restriction or restrictions may be placed upon a person's driving privilege as deemed necessary by the Department [47 O.S. §6-113]. The restriction(s) will appear as a code on the person's driver license. Following are the various driving restriction codes and their meanings:

(12) E. When operating a commercial motor vehicle, restricted to automatic transmission

 

Of the trucks ive driven, i despise the auto. too much delay when starting and doesnt want to shift at times.