Automatic Vs Manual

So here is my conflict. I am new person thinking about driving. I often hear that if the skills test is taken with an automatic truck then I am restricted to ONLY driving automatics. I am wondering if that is that big of a deal. Can anyone tell me what the industry outlook is for automatics? Are they on the rise and are manuals being phased out? I dont think I really care which one I get the license with because I know if its only the automatic restriction then I can get the manual some time down the road. But I am also smart enough to realize that a passenger car manual transmission isnt the same as a big truck manual. So is the manual "restriction" really that restrictive? Would I be limited greatly? Just doing my research on the entire decision making process. Any comments on this is welcomed. Thanks.

It won't make a difference. Many of the larger companies have all switched to automatics. Just jump in with a company that offers Paid CDL Training Programs. CFI and others offer it and are not listed in that link. Good luck.

Truck Driver's Career Guide Hello sir

Welcome to the forum! In answer to your question, yes if you take the skills test in an automatic than your license will be limited to automatic - meaning you cant legally drive a manual.

The good thing is that getting the automatic restriction will not hinder you in obtaining a job. Alot of company fleets have made the change over from manuals to automatics. They tend to get better fuel mileage and a host of other benefits.

At the trucking truth website its strongly recommended that new potential drivers look into company paid and sponsored CDL training Paid CDL Training Programs

Ill also link another article that I found was helpful for me when. I was getting started two years ago on this journey

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

In short no the automatic restriction will not hinder you in anyway from obtaining a trucking job at all. In fact in the next few years most fleets will be using fully automated trucks with few exceptions

Hope that helps you and best of luck!

So here is my conflict. I am new person thinking about driving. I often hear that if the skills test is taken with an automatic truck then I am restricted to ONLY driving automatics. I am wondering if that is that big of a deal. Can anyone tell me what the industry outlook is for automatics? Are they on the rise and are manuals being phased out? I dont think I really care which one I get the license with because I know if its only the automatic restriction then I can get the manual some time down the road. But I am also smart enough to realize that a passenger car manual transmission isnt the same as a big truck manual. So is the manual "restriction" really that restrictive? Would I be limited greatly? Just doing my research on the entire decision making process. Any comments on this is welcomed. Thanks.

I just switched from a 10 speed manual to a 12 speed auto shift. Once I quit trying to press the imaginary clutch pedal I have grown to love it.

It won't make a difference. Many of the larger companies have all switched to automatics. Just jump in with a company that offers Paid CDL Training Programs. CFI and others offer it and are not listed in that link. Good luck.

Im paying for my own training at a local community college. Do these companies make me pay for their OJT or will i just get a person to show me the ropes?

Hey Mike, truck driving schools really only do enough to help you obtain your CDL. When you land your first driving job, as a greenhorn rookie, they will put you on a truck with a trainer. You will probably spend about four weeks living on their truck with them. You'll actually be moving freight and learning the basics of how to function as a new driver. You'll learn company procedures for fueling, communicating with dispatch, how to manage your electronic logs , and dealing with shippers and receivers. There's a ton of information that you'll never see in your schooling.

You don't pay for your OJT. They will pay you. There's a lot to learn.

I disagree with some of the above advise, while yes a lot of companies have autos there are still a lot of manuals around. Having a automatic restriction will only limit your options down the road, more so if you desire to go local.

Depending on the state you might have to take the whole CDL test again to get the automatic restriction removed. Why go through the whole test again?

I disagree with some of the above advise, while yes a lot of companies have autos there are still a lot of manuals around. Having a automatic restriction will only limit your options down the road, more so if you desire to go local.

Depending on the state you might have to take the whole CDL test again to get the automatic restriction removed. Why go through the whole test again?

I agree with this. While most companies are moving to automatics and the restriction won't make it impossible to find a job, it will limit your options. From what I hear, FedEx freight is 90% automatics, but they will not hire you with an automatic restriction. Same goes for many other companies that still have manuals in their fleet. If you have the option, test in a manual.

I too disagree that it won't make a difference. Sure, you'll still be able to find a job with an automatic restriction, but you won't have all options available to you. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to work where I am now if I had the restriction.

That said, I still recommend Paid CDL Training Programs through one of the major carriers, and unfortunately most of those carriers are training and testing on automatics now. So you may not have a choice initially. But as soon as I could I'd find a way to upgrade my license to include manual transmissions.

I have always advocated for taking the test in a manual transmission if for no other reason than not to have the restriction on your license. It is true that most companies are switching to auto transmissions but suppossed that you want to change jobs to your "dream job" and they have manual transmission trucks? Either you have to re-test or forget that job. Also if you were to break down and they have to get a rental with manual transmission you can't drive it so if no auto trans. truck is available you sit without a paycheck. I feel that if you pass all the requirements needed to obtain a CDL-A and add any endorsements to better your career that you should not have a restriction for the type transmission a truck has. After all does any other driver license require auto or manual?