Student Driver

TonyThe NewGuy wrote:

That's the one thing with my trainer he said first day I got on his truck safety first and now he wants me to floor the pedal and says that we need to go faster and it's certain areas that are narrower that I see and down shift to 9th or when I can't see to much road and think theirs a down hill or down grade I tend to slow it to 9th and usually at 50 mph and he says that I shouldn't be doing that and to upshift and take it in 10th

Tony...maintaining a safe speed is totally on you and a good idea. You are not yet experienced, still finding your "sea-legs" with driving, so drive at a speed that you are comfortable with, but also one that makes sense for the road you are on. The example you gave for slowing to 50mph, because you are concerned and think there might be a downgrade? I agree with your trainer on that point. Not safe... Downgrades requiring driver action are almost always well marked, clearly defining what is ahead and many times guidance on how to navigate the descent. Anticipating a downgrade for no tangible reason, responding with a significant drop in speed isn't a good idea, but a habit you need to break. Confidence in your skills will begin to improve with time. In addition trip-plan better so you have a better idea of what to expect during your route.

Good luck.

Understood and thanks for the clarity on the subject I will take into mind what you just said. I'm returning to Salt Lake City to either test out or re-evaluate on my training I'm confident on my driving like I can manage but my backing is where I'm having issues . I'm always just letting my trailer get off to either side I'm trying to control the wheel from the top like my trainer told me it's just I haven't done backing very often as I've been out for nearly 3 weeks (Saturday is 3 weeks) and the 9th of July I am needed back

TonyThe NewGuy wrote:

That's the one thing with my trainer he said first day I got on his truck safety first and now he wants me to floor the pedal and says that we need to go faster and it's certain areas that are narrower that I see and down shift to 9th or when I can't see to much road and think theirs a down hill or down grade I tend to slow it to 9th and usually at 50 mph and he says that I shouldn't be doing that and to upshift and take it in 10th

Tony...maintaining a safe speed is totally on you and a good idea. You are not yet experienced, still finding your "sea-legs" with driving, so drive at a speed that you are comfortable with, but also one that makes sense for the road you are on. The example you gave for slowing to 50mph, because you are concerned and think there might be a downgrade? I agree with your trainer on that point. Not safe... Downgrades requiring driver action are almost always well marked, clearly defining what is ahead and many times guidance on how to navigate the descent. Anticipating a downgrade for no tangible reason, responding with a significant drop in speed isn't a good idea, but a habit you need to break. Confidence in your skills will begin to improve with time. In addition trip-plan better so you have a better idea of what to expect during your route.

Good luck.