Just my 2 cents here:
Ive been driving for over 2 years now and I have my own little pattern for shifting and you will have yours too.
Most of the time, I look at my speed to determine what gear Im gonna go into. Nothing wrong with looking at the speedo for reference when your in a pinch to get it right fairly quickly.
I grind gears quite a bit because the tranny in my truck isn't in the best shape in the world(has at least 1.25 million on it, prolly same clutch). Good thing is, my shifter was replaced so it's a tight shift and not all sloppy which I cant stand(pet peeve). I can still avoid the severity of the grind by taking my time, easing the gear in; feeling it in per say.
My truck beats me slap to death but it handles better than the new ones(99 T-600) and has the old school steering wheel which I like.(hate those airbag wheels).
Anyways, you will get better at it, I guarantee. I wish instructors were more realistic with trainees because some things they teach you just arent very practical in the real world, in certain situations. Safety always though.
Some personal advice: When delivering to an area where the roads just get smaller and tighter, before you turn down that tiny street with low hanging limbs, stop right there, and call them to be doubly sure. It's better to tick people off because your in the middle of the road(flashers on) than to turn down a road, then have to back back out into traffic; That will make your hair stand up on end. :lol:
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