Oh believe me... for the cost of the course they will earn every red cent! :wink:

 

Depends entirely on the quality of school.

If its good quality school (like mine was) you may just be better off without. With all due respect to Griffin, you simply are not going to become a heel-toer in the few days, weeks or even a year before you start class - best to learn your shifting when you learn the rest of the truck.

Mrblonde is also correct in saying that it is very, very hard to unlearn car shifting when behind the wheel of a truck. For instance throwing into neutral and coasting to a light or shifting on a railroad won't get a second nod in a car, but catch the wrong enforcer at the wrong time in a CMV and you will be quickly sidelined. Majority of my class liked to rev the motor (like in a car) when starting off which lead to some interesting adventures.

Now if you're heading to Bob's Trucking Driving slash Bartender slash Barber School and Notary then taking a beater around town a couple of times couldn't possibly hurt.

 

Thanks. I'm going to Sage where I will get 1-on-1 attention.

 

Todays edition of fix that post

 

I disagree with the people who think you have a severe disadvantage if you haven't driven a manual in a fourwheeler. I had only driven a manual like three times, and I really sucked at it. I really sucked at shifting a truck too, but for entirely different reasons. I eventually got very good at shifting a truck, but I still suck at driving a straight in a fourwheeler. It's not the same at all. They're like Spanish and Latin. A lot in common, but not the same language by a long shot.

 

My father taught me how to drive a manual transmission at the age of eight years old. It was very difficult for me to let go of instinct when learning to drive a big truck. I would have to agree and say go to training as is. You will be less frustrated.

 

SO? Do I need to schedual an electro shock treatment before I head off for training?? since I've always driven 5-speed- it drives me nuts when I drive the wife's auto, what the hell do I do with my right hand??

 

You make it sound so..... naughty...

Seriously though considering the industry's big push to automatics I think the problem will solve itself sooner than later. If you're already a shifter you'll do fine you just have to re-program yourself when you step up.

The real trouble for those who drive both manual CMV and 4 wheeler is trying to keep the passengers from getting sick in your daily driver when you don't release the clutch at every corner/stop.