Been reading alot of posts for new drivers going thru school, seems the biggest obsticle is down shifting. I start Monday 10/24 and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Just listen to your instructors. It would be easier for them to show you then us to explain it to you. It is not that complicated.

Short version:

Slow down until your tach reads around 1100 rpm
Tap clutch and move shifter to neutral.
Step on go pedal and rev engine quickly to around 1600-1700 rpm, then let off the juice.
Tap clutch and go into next lower gear. Shifter will slide in as RPMs fall to around 1400 rpms.

Most newbies have trouble with rev'ing the engine up. They either do not go high enough, or rev it too far, or forget to get off the go pedal and let the rpm's fall back.

If you have this problem try what I call stomping the bug approach. Stomp on the go pedal like you are killing a bug and the jump off like you are looking at your good deed.

Yes it's hard to explain like this. Uturn kinda told ya but then again it also depends which truck you're driving for your rpms.
In the beginning you will have problems with shifting as we all had but you learn quick enough so don't let your head hang down! Good luck!!

Sounds like one of those things that one should over think. thanks for the input.

I know the problem I had when I first started was downshifting and double clutching. But after some practice you'll get it.

Well, with all my minutes of experience (driver school day 4 was today, first day on the road) I would suggest don't sweat it. The instructor will tell you how and then you just keep wearing down the gears until they fit together the way you want them to.

Boy am I glad nobody was taking video of me attempting my first 45 degree backing.

You might want to peruse the following threads:

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting