Downshifting Sucks

Yes, I *just* got my permit on Saturday. Started learning how to downshift on Sunday. I know HOW it's done. Just getting my feet and hands to cooperate is the catch. I can't seem to get it into gear properly and by that time I need to use the service brake to stop, and I end up stalling out the truck.

My driving instructor did say that our truck is old and that it can be "tricky" because of all the abuse it gets from students learning how to drive but that will make it easy when I get into a newer truck when I get to Prime. So, here's hoping I can learn quickly!

This says to me you are not starting soon enough if you end up not having time and using a lot of brakes. My advice is to start way sooner before the desired stopping point so you can take your time, not feel rushed, and have more practice and learning from it.

Phil

This says to me you are not starting soon enough if you end up not having time and using a lot of brakes. My advice is to start way sooner before the desired stopping point so you can take your time, not feel rushed, and have more practice and learning from it.

Phil

Actually, I'm usually starting about 50 - 75 yards from where I need to stop only doing about 25mph. I just really suck at it.

Ur supposed to suck...if not.. why would we need trainers?

This says to me you are not starting soon enough if you end up not having time and using a lot of brakes. My advice is to start way sooner before the desired stopping point so you can take your time, not feel rushed, and have more practice and learning from it.

Phil

Actually, I'm usually starting about 50 - 75 yards from where I need to stop only doing about 25mph. I just really suck at it.

So start 75 to 100 yards. Don't be in a rush. A couple of things...first speed and rpm are very important. If your going to fast or to slow...it ain't going into to gear. Also, you'd be surprised how much of a rev you need to give when your downshifting. You really need to give it a good wallop. Also, when I first started...my instructor told me I got lazy feet and by the time I tried to go into the lower gear my speed and rpm dropped.(he also hit me a couple times with his ball cap...lol)...I finally got good enough to pass the road test and have gotten better throughout the year. Still not a master shifter though. You'll get it.

We learned on older freightliners 700k miles on it. So they were a little tempermental . Good luck!!