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-   -   cdl test with auto trans (https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/new-truck-drivers-get-help-here/31206-cdl-test-auto-trans.html)

Bengalman 12-11-2007 05:40 AM

cdl test with auto trans
 
im going sat to take my test ( have to rent truck)they have an automatic or 10 speed i think the auto might be better.can you give some pointers is it just like a car or is there a way to change gears thanks

fuelman 12-11-2007 06:05 AM

DO NOT TAKE THE THE TEST WITH AUTO!!!

your CDL will have a restriction on it so you can only drive automatic trucks.

you will severly limit your options for jobs unless you WANT to hump beer or soda pop the rest of your driving career.

Best of luck

Uturn2001 12-11-2007 06:29 AM


Originally Posted by fuelman
DO NOT TAKE THE THE TEST WITH AUTO!!!

your CDL will have a restriction on it so you can only drive automatic trucks.

you will severly limit your options for jobs unless you WANT to hump beer or soda pop the rest of your driving career.

Best of luck

It might be that way in CA but not in every state. In IL the state does not care what kind of transmission is in the vehicle. You only have to test with the class of vehicle you are getting a license for.

fuelman 12-11-2007 06:35 AM

That's Scary!!!!!

Uturn2001 12-11-2007 06:40 AM


Originally Posted by fuelman
That's Scary!!!!!

Why? Even if you attend the best of schools, most of your real training is/should happen during the 6 weeks or so you are out with a trainer and that is more than enough time to become reasonable proficient with a manual transmission.

Besides that, IMHO, it is far worse for a student to test with a manual and then spend their first year driving an auto shift.

Malaki86 12-11-2007 06:53 AM


Originally Posted by Uturn2001

Originally Posted by fuelman
That's Scary!!!!!

Why? Even if you attend the best of schools, most of your real training is/should happen during the 6 weeks or so you are out with a trainer and that is more than enough time to become reasonable proficient with a manual transmission.

Besides that, IMHO, it is far worse for a student to test with a manual and then spend their first year driving an auto shift.

I agree 100% on this one. Auto's are great - but KNOW how to drive a manual.

Bengalman 12-11-2007 06:55 AM

they told me it does not tell what you took the test in I can drive a 10 speed just thought it might be better to take test in auto

fuelman 12-11-2007 07:07 AM

For me it is about control of the truck, Hopefully we can agree that it takes more awareness to drive a stick. This guy could pass the test in an autoshift and get a job the next day driving a stick with no trainer riding along. To me that's scary!! I think newbies get consumed with downshifting rather than looking at whats in front of them. I would feel safer knowing this guy passed the test driving a stick and the DMV gave him the green light to safely drive a stick.

I think this is one of the reasons why california places a restriction on CDL's for autoshifts.

But hey, we are left coasters, and have a musclemonkey for govner!!!!

Fredog 12-11-2007 07:08 AM


Originally Posted by Bengalman
they told me it does not tell what you took the test in I can drive a 10 speed just thought it might be better to take test in auto

there is no restriction if you take the test in an automatic.... call the dmv and ask them

rickll 12-11-2007 08:00 AM

we drive an Altrashift truck now and LOVE IT will hate to go back to shifting again, but backing an automatic IS DIFFERENT THEN A CLUCH so if you do take the test practice for a few hours before you go.


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