December 28, 2008
How hard is it to learn to drive manual in a big rig?
Javier M asked:
I’m going to school to get my Class A CDL. It’s a 20 week program. I’m just scared about learning to drive the truck and drive it safely. I’ve never driven manual in anything. The one time I tried, I kept popping the clutch.
Filed under Learn To Drive by 
Comments on How hard is it to learn to drive manual in a big rig?
Constant mesh transmissions like the roadranger are quite easy to use when you are used to them. The thaught of double clutching tends to fluster learners but the trick is to not rush the gear change. whach the revs, It is a bit tricky coming down the box sometimes especially on a hill but just dont get flustered
thats what the twenty weeks are for by the end of the school you will know the basics on a manuel and how to be safe and after a while will wonder why it was so tough before
Its not very dificult. And the fact that you havent driven a standard before is actually a good thing. A sycronized transmission in a big truck and a car transmission are very different. You will just need a lot of patience and listen to your instructor.
It’s easier to shift a transport than it is a car… just don’t rush it, and keep your RPM’s in the right area.
I rarely drove a standard car before I started driving transport. I found it quite easy. No bad car habits to break, or unlearn.
It’s EZ. Just use the clutch to stop and start after that you don’t use it. just let it drop about 3000 R’sssss on the way up and pick it up about the same on the way down. Over 1,000,000 miles on the same clutch and still going