Auto or Manual Gearbox

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

I passed my class 2 in a manual 8 speed split gear box and I’m now considering going for my class 1. I’m trying to decide whether I should train in an automatic to make it a bit easier or go manual again. I’ve read that some class 1s have 16 speed gear boxes which I’ve never used so I’m thinking I should train in a manual again as I don’t want to be caught out. However I know that a lot of the industry uses automatics now.

I’ve always thought that allowing someone to pass in an auto which then qualifies them to drive a manual is just wrong as it should be the same as it is for cars. But should I try and make things a bit easier for myself if the future’s going to be mainly auto? I’m going to have to jump one way or the other but what’s the thinking out there? Thanks

2

If I were you I would go back to your previous training provider as it worked out well for you last time.

The transmission aspect is not as important as picking a good trainer.

Paul

3

if you go for the easy auto option then id think you will always feel like a ■■■■■ for not doing it properly.no doubt the examiner will make allowances for you driving a manual and its not as if you will be dragging 46 ton around with you for half an hour.have the balls to do it in a manual,and thereafter you can look down on the fannys that did it in an auto…have some pride in your abilities…itl still be the same test and doddle anyway

4

dieseldog999:
if you go for the easy auto option then id think you will always feel like a ■■■■■ for not doing it properly.no doubt the examiner will make allowances for you driving a manual and its not as if you will be dragging 46 ton around with you for half an hour.have the balls to do it in a manual,and thereafter you can look down on the fannys that did it in an auto…have some pride in your abilities…itl still be the same test and doddle anyway

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I’m that Fanny! :open_mouth:

It doesn’t make a jot of difference what you passed in, ONCE you’ve passed! :wink:
I’ve driven a manual since and eaten a Yorkie at the same time! :smiley:

5

but don’t you lie in your bunk at night with your thoughts in that secret dark place deep deep down inside you thinking…if only I had sat the test in a manual…wheres your pride,wheres your self respect…hang on…wait a minute…you were agency for a while wernt you… :wink:

6

The thinking is that once a driver knows how to operate a manual then they can adapt that to all the various types of manual - same goes for autos

This is why there is no emphasis on passing in either type and why most choose the easier auto option for passing a LGV test in

We have been through this debate many times on here so there are plenty of threads to read on the issue

7

dieseldog999:
but don’t you lie in your bunk at night with your thoughts in that secret dark place deep deep down inside you thinking…if only I had sat the test in a manual…wheres your pride,wheres your self respect…hang on…wait a minute…you were agency for a while wernt you… :wink:

I still am, and you’ve cut my gammy limp to the bone! :cry:
:wink:

8

look on the bright side…at least your not on the same night trunk…night,after night,after night after night,… :slight_smile:

9

dieseldog999:
look on the bright side…at least your not on the same night trunk…night,after night,after night after night,… :slight_smile:

What’s a night out in a truck? :open_mouth:
I’m not doing my real trucker cred much good am I? :laughing:

Yep, I’m a Fanny! :blush:

10

puur reading eyes in…not a night out in your truck,but a job on a night trunk…night after night after night… :slight_smile:

11

I don’t agree with taking a test in an auto.I passed with an 8 speed ‘slap-over’ and drive an 8 speed ‘split’. And I’m glad. Especially if you’re a new pass starting your first job,there’s enough to worry about without ‘how does this gearbox work?’.
That way,if I’m given a truck with a switch marked Dunce Nob and ■■■■■■,i’m not stumped. But I would be the other way round.
The 15 plate auto DAF that I drove I wasn’t impressed. I wanted my manual back.

12

Given that the OP has already passed a test with an 8 speed I see no reason why he shouldn’t take his CE on an auto. Highly unlikely he would find a 16 speed training vehicle - though there’s probably one or two out there. So it would probably only be an 8 speed again so achieving nothing.

BTW, I have no axe to grind as I run a mix of manual and auto.

Pete :laughing: :laughing:

13

dieseldog999:
puur reading eyes in…not a night out in your truck,but a job on a night trunk…night after night after night… :slight_smile:

Sorry pal, was knackered after a long day…
I’m not nights mate, it just feels like it with a 4 am start! :cry:

14

But back to the topic! :smiley:

I don’t think it matter what you pass in, but what does matter is whether you can drive a manual when needed!
I’ve come across lots of newbie drivers that haven’t touched a manual and failed assessments because of it…

15

Do whatever you feel gives you the best chance of passing, you only learn to pass a test with a trainer, you learn how to be a lorry driver every day after you pass your test.

16

Do Auto draw bar ,make life easier for you pal.simple easy and class 1 licence gained.
This mentality of do the artic 60 speed manual
And your a Man is laughable.