CDL - Practice in the Roxor

[Action]

Ive been practicing for the CDL Test in the roxor. Mainly shifting without the clutch, feeling the transmission and sliding into gears up and down. I've even been double clutching. Im wondering how much abuse (grinding of the gears) I can put the little roxor transmission through? Also dose double clutching change anything? I cannot hardly tell with such a tiny flywheel compared to a tractor.

Maybe I shouldn't abuse the roxor like this, or maybe a little extra maintenance and it wont be an issue. Let me know what you think! Maybe there's a trucker or two in here to give me a little advice!

 

[txroadkill]

You must use the clutch for the CDL road test. At least here in tx. Just learn to shift proficiently. Semis don’t feel anything like the Roxor trans in terms of shifting. Do yourself a favor and practice in the same truck you’ll road test in if at all possible.

 

[Action]

Here in Nebraska I've been taught to only use the clutch in higher gears on a 10 speed transmission. Shift quickly btw 2-3-4 without turning @ 950-1100 rpms then 6-7 at 11,12. Double clutch for everything else especially on a downhill. I hope im not learning any bad habits.

 

[txroadkill]

All bad habits. We only use clutch to start and stop. 9/10/13/18. Doesn’t matter. But for purposes of CDL testing you must use the clutch. I’ve had to retrain several driving school grads how to shift. Then I had to get one of those grads to help my son learn the proper terminology for his pre trip and to double clutch. He was one of the last ones to test out before the entry level driver training regs became law and you had to go to a school. The testers wanted to hear “keywords” during the pre-trip test. It’s all about verbalizing and the tester checking off a list. Can’t just say this item is good. Have to explain why it’s good as well. When it came to double clutching he floated and ran the pedal, lol. Tester had no clue but had to see the pedal being worked.

 

[USMC]

I was taught to follow the rules and shift as needed. After you pass and are on your own you can learn from the experienced drivers about the best way to shift. The main purpose now is to pass your test correctly.