Truck Driver Training – Automatic or Manual?
I am asked quite often by those considering a career in trucking, if training and taking the CDL driving test in an automatic or manual transmission would have any affect on their career. Also, are there any “restrictions” placed on the CDL if automatic is used? As of this date, it is my understanding that there are none, and it would not matter. However, important issues are surfacing that you need to be aware of . . .
First, in the real world, you are more than likely going to be placed in a manual vehicle, so if you have been trained in an automatic, and took your driving test in an automatic, when you “hit” the real world, you may find yourself “lost” when your new employer places you in a 10-speed standard. Also, it is quite possible, that when you go to take the driving test . . . it’s going to be in a manual! What then? Unless your school and the testing facility has agreed that you can use the auto for your test, you may be in for a surprise with your CDL training.
Secondly, why limit yourself? There are companies using automatics, but the majority are operating the standard, manual vehicles. It would be best to learn by standard and have the knowledge to operate both kinds of transmissions. With experience, shifting through the gears will become so second-nature, that soon you will not even be thinking about it.
Finally, the FMCSA has issued a proposal to set new standards on rules concerning CDL and CLP testing procedures. One of these proposals could bring about the action of placing an “automatic restriction” on your license. The proposal was actually brought about last April, 2008.
You can read the FMCSA’s proposal at Truth About Trucking’s – Advisory Report.
Just something I wanted to pass on to those considering a career in trucking . . .
Allen
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: automatic, cdl, cdl training, manual, standard, transmission, truck driver training
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Truck Driving seemed perfect for me because I get into my work and I don’t stop. I rarely even got up to use the bathroom from my desk. I was totally sick of all the office politics and gossip though. Ladies and Gentlemen, trucking can be as petty as junior high school. Worse than an office I’ve worked in with a bunch of hormonal chicks! I don’t want to jump ahead to much but my next piece of advice is this be careful who you mouth off to because you might run into them again down the road! In my life sometimes a former nemises reaapears and I am their boss but in the case of JJ, we ended up going to the same training company and although 5 people specifically requested to go to a different orientation than him hoping against hope to never see him again, it was inevitable that eventually we would cross paths.
Please advise, in your opinion, which Regionals have the best recent graduate programs offering the best pay and, possibly, trucks with automatic transmissions. I offer a clean MVR and Background.
Hi Eric:
I’ve never driven an automatic, but I do know that U.S .Express operates them…I can’t be for certain, but I believe CalArk, TransAm and USA Truck has them also….CalArk does not accept recent grads, but the other 3 do – going automatic will limit your job search greatly….as far as the best? You will hear good things and bad things about any company…..that is just the nature of the business…..If I had to pick between the 3…I would try TransAm….but again….with some of these OTR companies…..you can never be sure of what you are going to get.
good luck,
Allen
Thank you so much, nice info for me. Very engaging and well written with good info for people to think about!