Comments By Lynn V., Unwritten

I've been going to school through Swift for a few weeks at the United States Truck Driving School in Pueblo, CO, and just tested for my cdl today. I got almost a perfect score on pretrip and passed backing with just 2 points but failed the road test for an unsafe act by missing a downshift and having to coast to a stop. I've been doing pretty well with my road driving for the most part and most days haven't missed any shifts but I'm consistently really shaky on my downshifts, especially if I'm in a situation where I might have to skip a gear.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks that might help me do better with my downshifting or at least help me be a little more consistent in downshifting? I am supposed to test again next week after probably one more day of practice.

Thanks

Greetings! I just posted a new topic about checking out the Dbl. Clutching 101 videos on YouTube by "yourboyetrucker". It's a 3 part series and I found the information in the second video really helpful for me. Just an idea. I'm almost done with my third week of CDL school and have my road test scheduled for Jan. 15th. Good luck and I'll say a little prayer.

Well today was my second time on the 10 speed simulator. Ugh!!! Did better than yesterday but I'm still feeling like a duck out of water. i.e. going through the motions but not understanding the what or why. On my return trip home from school, I was thinking that when I get home I'll check out YouTube for dbl. clutching/shifting videos. Great move on my part. I found a three part video series by "yourboyetrucker" and after watching certain parts repeatedly in the second video, I'm thinking I can do this. I am actually looking forward to my simulator time tomorrow.

Next week I start the "green" range which means I'll be backing a pickup truck w/trailer to reacquaint myself with backing etc. Definitely not up to scale, but since I've already backed up trailers in the past, hopefully I'll graduate up to the BIG rigs sooner than later.

It's a learning curve for sure. Be safe out there drivers.

This is for Brian from Forest Lake - Hi my name is Lynn and I'm from North Branch. I'm currently in CDL school and leaning towards a career with Werner. Are you currently with them? And if you are, would you care to share some of your experience with them here. Be safe driver.

Good day drivers ~ I'm also in school. Started my 3rd week on Monday. Have my road test scheduled for Friday, Jan. 15th. I know the time is going to go fast so I'm hunkering down studying and doing my behind-the-wheel time. If you're into social media at all - Women in Trucking has a Facebook group, and I have found a resource of useful information in there and yes there are other women in the group that are just starting out like me. Have a wonderful day and be safe out there.