Sobering 15 Seconds Saturday

My issue seems to be still clutch control. We drove east of Commerce City, much of nothing, a few suburbs but I still stalled twice.

Ok, the simplest solution to consider first would be to start in a lower gear. I'm not sure what gear you're starting out in, but drop it down one or two gears.

Also, when you're focusing hard on one thing (the clutch in this case) it's easy to accidentally do something else and not notice - like dragging your foot on the brake too long when you're trying to let the clutch out and get rolling from a dead stop. So make sure you're not working against yourself by accidentally holding the brake too long.

Big rig clutches tend to be super finicky - the drag really kicks in quickly. You get about 1/2 inch of pedal movement from fully disengaged to fully engaged. It just really takes time to develop a feel for it.

The other thing I'd like to mention quick - and this is important for everyone - is to be very careful about thinking things like "the left turn lights are my nemesis, considering my issues with the clutch". Make sure you don't turn a tiny little thing into a big issue. I've seen people do it to themselves. They have a small issue with something and start believing "I can't do this well" or "I'm no good at that" - whatever it may be. And every time they try to do it they get nervous, they start expecting things to go wrong, and before you know it you really have created an issue for yourself because now there's a part of you that truly believes that there's something about you that keeps you from doing that particular thing well. And that's not the case at all.

Remain super confident at all times and remember that everyone struggles and makes a lot of mistakes in the beginning. When you see people pick up on things quickly, you'll almost always find that there's nothing about that person that should make them any better than anyone else. They're just very confident in their ability to do that one thing and that confidence allows them to relax, keep a clear mind, and "let it flow" you could say - just do it without overthinking it.

I'm not saying you're overthinking it or that you've created a big issue for yourself. I just wanted to take the opportunity to point this out to everyone. Confidence is a huge factor when it comes to learning and performing. When you're brand new, you obviously aren't going to drive like a seasoned veteran. But you should have the utmost confidence that you will learn to drive like a seasoned vet. Just keep working at it and keep getting better every day.

As much as you focus on getting better with your driving skills, focus on being more relaxed and confident every time you get in the truck. If people could really see just how critical this is to learning and performing well they'd be shocked.

I had trouble in the beginning with downshifting. Clutch, neautral, rev, shift. I figured out my problem was not watching my speeds. Take it easy and pay attention. Same goes with 4 wheelers. You gotta pay attention, cuz they are fearless. Just look a few extra times. They are always in a hurry and don't PAY ATTENTION. Those are 2 words to live by, and they will help you in just about any situation. Pay attention to cars, other trucks, people, if something is wrong with your truck pay attention and it will let you know if something is wrong. I use it in everyday life even when I wasn't at school.

Thanks guys! And I tried the brake thing and I think it may have been the problem. Rightfully so, our instructor stressed heavily on no rollbacks and I don't think I trust the clutch enough.

Thanks guys! And I tried the brake thing and I think it may have been the problem. Rightfully so, our instructor stressed heavily on no rollbacks and I don't think I trust the clutch enough.

The second the truck starts pulling against the brakes release the brakes. As long as you are letting the clutch out the truck will roll forward. The thing about clutches is they are the same in four wheeler as in big trucks. You let out on the clutch and the truck moves. Getting a truck moving is easier than a four wheeler cause you do not have to apply gas while letting out on the clutch like you do in a four wheeler.

Starting off from a stop. Its the same every time without fail....

1) Make sure the area you are wanting to drive into is clear of other vehicles and people.

2) Slowly let out on the clutch until you feel the truck pull against the brakes the release the brakes fully and then continue to let out on the clutch till its full engaged.

3) Applied fuel to start gaining speed and start your shifting pattern.

Once you feel the truck pull against the brakes it will not roll back. It cant happen.

*BUMP* Good thread!