How Can I Learn To Drive An 8-speed?

I just got a CDL B with air brakes and tanker endorsements and no restriction on a manual transmission. The truck I used at school was as a 6 speed manual dump truck. My intentions were to get a dump truck job but all the trucks in my area are 8 speed manual with a splitter. I went on a few driving tests and failed because I can't drive an 8 speed that well because I'm not used to it. I even told them I could easily learn the transmission within a day or two but they wouldn't go for it. Can anybody give me some direction here and know of anything I could do to learn an 8 speed???...classes....refresher course??....private instructor??......I'm out of ideas....there has to be something I can do....

Thanks.....Dan

Hello Dan,

You are kind of between a rock and a hard spot. The only thing that I can think of is to start beating the bushes and hopefully find a company that will accommodate your circumstances and needs. It’s very hard and expensive to just secure a truck for practice unless you are going to be starting with the company that owns the truck. You really can’t just rent a truck and go practice. If you get a starting job offer somewhere, the company will put you with another of their drivers and train you. Good luck, man.

Hi dan, as someone who has had to learn a variety of different manual transmissions over the years, find out what specific transmission it is (manufacturer and model) and then study the shift pattern. you will find some sort of description on how to shift it somewhere. I tested on a six speed myself, although I grew up driving six speeds, and then I drive ten and eighteen speeds working for my dad. but I still look up various different transmissions because you never know what you might have to drive next.

There's usually a shift pattern either in the shifter knob or on the dashboard nearby. Since you have 6-speed experience you have the general idea.

The range selector/"flipper" only works when the shift lever is in neutral. You can flip it ahead of time while you are in gear but you want to go to the higher/lower range. Then when you move the shift to the next gear the range automatically changes.