Road test expectations (do we have to downshift?, or can coast to a stop in neutral?)

[oldngray]

As an exception I would like to add that on slick roads the truck will stop better if in neutral. If you brake while in gear the truck is more apt to slide.


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Everything is different driving on ice.

 

[AstroBoy]

Well that...and don't hit anything. And ribbit.

So just brake in whatever gear im in with the clutch pressed in until I come to a stop? And then shift into neutral and hold the clutch and brake down until a green light?

 

[Pooter]

So just brake in whatever gear im in with the clutch pressed in until I come to a stop? And then shift into neutral and hold the clutch and brake down until a green light?

Right before you come to a stop (before stalling) press clutch, neutral, release clutch and continue braking. No need to hold clutch at a red light when in neutral.

Don't ride that poor clutch

 

[UPSjedi41]

Pooter above is right on. Some sups will have different things they like but with the truck in gear just slowly press the brake in until you are almost stopped. When you hear the engine start to cough (almost stall) press clutch in and come to complete stop. My driving instructor was crazy about not using the clutch and keeping your hand of the shifter when not needed.

 

[100012438]

Off topic: I need to learn stick for an upcoming road test. Where should I go? Didn't have the "luxury" of learning on a stick and no one I know has a manual car.

 

[PT Car Washer]

How about the back row of a used car lot. Old Chevy or Ford full size pick up. Or Craigslist.

 

[upschuck]

Tester here asks how long they have drove a stick, and those who only have a short time gets a deduction already, and have to be better than average to pass.

 

[oldngray]

You can't realistically learn how to drive a stick well enough if you don't start learning until just before your test. I never heard of any sup asking how long someone has driven a stick, and even if asked people could lie. How well you can demonstrate your ability when driving is what counts.

 

[jibbs]

Off topic: I need to learn stick for an upcoming road test. Where should I go? Didn't have the "luxury" of learning on a stick and no one I know has a manual car.

You can either ask a manager you're cool with to ride around your center/hub with you every now and then until you get comfortable with it, or find a driving school that offers stick shift training.

The first option's free. The second one can get ridiculously expensive.

From what I understand, cars with manual transmissions are rare as hell to find at rental places in the states. I can personally vouch for that in the DC/MD/VA region.

 

[oldngray]

A driving school would be a waste of money. Do your best to get someone to let you drive a package car around. It will handle much differently than some nice car a driving school tries to train you on, and will be free to learn if you can swing it.

 

[jibbs]

A driving school would be a waste of money.

I agree. I've read prices ranging from $199 all the way to $995.

Might as well around and buy yourself a car with that kind of range.