Well, I stuck with double clutching. It seemed to come together this week. I haven't had any major problems. If I loose a gear, I can put it in another pretty fast. This is a good thing, we were told we are testing a day early, surprise, surprise. It is supposed to rain tomorrow. This might be fun.

Now we are up to 80% chance of rain throughout the day tomorrow.

Re: Downshifting
 

I usually do not bother downshifting more than 2-3 gears except for turns...its just unnecessary work on your poor joints...

I use the clucth for starting and stopping only. However, when I first started learning to drive, I'd use the clucth every now and then if I got jumbled up shifting and it would save my momentum and find the gear. Learning the different points where the shifts are smooth as butter is part of learning to drive, and did not come that easily for me, but practice made perfect 8)

this is probably too late but down shift one gear at a time each time your tachometer reaches 1200 rpm's. Use your clutch to take it out of gear then just bump the rpm's up a little and give the shifter a little pressure towards the gear you want at the same time and it will slide right in I guarantee it will work on that 9 speed.

I took my driving test today, and passed. It was raining a little, the roads were wet. We had the airbrakes, backing and road test today. Everyone passed the airbrakes and backing only four of us took the road test, the others will in the next two days. Then I had to go to DPS, get my license and start the HAZMAT process. I should be at TMC November 6th or 13th. I hope to see some of you up there.

Just my .02 from a rookie.....I just took my test 2 weeks ago and I was concerned about this just as you are. I asked the instructor what they wanted me to do and explained I could use the clutch but was better at floating the gears. She said to me that it is not required to use the clutch and to do whichever way I know best....that is how I would drive on my own and be the safest. Also the test was as easy as everyone told me it would be and even though I was confident in knowing what I needed to, I worried about it more that I needed to. My point is if you have questions on how they want you to do it, explain you can do both but are better doing it a certain way. The testers are everyday people, not drill sargeants with whistles and superpowers. If you are confident in your ability and knowledge, relax...you'll do fine.

Thank you for your advice, but if you look at my post just above yours, I have already taken and passed the test. :D

Re: Clutch or Float Gears
 

In Georgia, State Examiners do not allow floating. That said, downshifting with a half a double clutch is acceptable and I often find it easier.

I'd suggest going with what you know best, and when you get with your trainer on the road, do as he wants. Later you can decide.

As for me, I float, but occassionally clutch depending upon the situation. And for downshifting I often do the half double clutch.

[Yeah, I know, a half a double is a single. To clarify, I mean that I clutch into neutral, then float to the next gear I'm going down to. Make sense?]

All the best, Tee

8)

Here's an entertaining video displaying proper clutch usage... :twisted:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vxkQmcDsulU

(extra credit for running over any maniacal bystanders :twisted: )