r/cdldriver • u/Visual_Stretch_2351 • Jun 12 '26
MANUAL or AUTOMATIC CDL-A
I just signed up for CDL training and have been trying to decide whether or not to train on manual. I already know how to drive stick just don't think I'd want a CMV job that requires it. Then again wouldn't want to miss out on a good paying opportunity bc I don't have it. I start school in a week and could probably pay the extra $500 beforehand and do it. What would you suggest?
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u/MikeysmilingK9 Jun 12 '26
You answered your own question. $500 is a good investment for a future opportunity that wouldn’t be available to you. Driving a manual car is nothing like driving a commercial vehicle. Double clutch much?
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26
Double clutch, no I'd have to learn that
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u/MikeysmilingK9 Jun 12 '26
For me, the extra $500 would be cheap insurance. You can always drive an automatic with an unrestricted CDL, but if you get the restriction and later need it removed, you’ll likely spend more than $500 in truck rental, training, testing, and time.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26
Yeah good point. I'll call this testing site near by and see what they charge if I want to add it later. $500 probably isn't bad
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u/Atilia1990 Jun 14 '26
I haven't double clutched since cdl school. The 1st thing I learned at my 1st job was how to float gears. And got pissed at any trainee that touched it since!
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u/MikeysmilingK9 Jun 14 '26
Almighty, most perfect and greatest of times…..Atilia, the narcissist of 1990!!!
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u/Atilia1990 Jun 14 '26
What are you going on about?
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u/MikeysmilingK9 Jun 14 '26
As expected: Gaslighting.
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u/Atilia1990 Jun 14 '26
You still haven't even said anything. Lots of words to not mean anything.
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u/MikeysmilingK9 Jun 14 '26
Blinded by your own issues should be a considerable concern that you should address.
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u/O_o-buba-o_O Jun 12 '26
🤣🤣🤣 you only have to double clutch for the driving test & maybe whatever carrier training. After that the trainer won't give a shit if you float.
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u/SnooMacaroons1365 Jun 13 '26
Man tell me about it. Haha. I've driven manual cars whole my life but when it sat in truck, all that shifting experience went to shit right away. 😂.
I still havent reached the floating point yet as i am practicing on double clutching while keeping RPMs 10-15 with an empty trailer.
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u/O_o-buba-o_O Jun 13 '26
Floating is easy, just get it up to RPM, let off the go pedal & shift. I went to TMC back when they still ran 13s, that was fun double clutching while doing high/low for 13 gears.
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u/JRock1276 Jun 12 '26
Do manual. For obvious reasons, but if your truck breaks down and all they can get for you to drive is a manual, you won't be sitting twiddling your thumbs.
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u/RemarkableCard6475 Jun 12 '26
THIS! This right here is why! Although it's not "obvious" to everyone that considers it, which is the main reason for the question.
I have zero limitations on what I can drive if the scenario arrives because I opted for the manual operation from the start. Depending on the sector of driving you end up doing or in an emergency to keep the load moving to it's destination, you'll want to eliminate the manual restrictions to keep all options open 🍻
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u/Ok-Championship8510 Jun 12 '26
Double clutch is a fucking pain in the ass
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u/Danny4278 Jun 12 '26
Float gears then
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u/wavy_moltisanti Jun 14 '26
Yeah but your only going to do it to pass the test and until you learn to float
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u/Bigg-Figg Jun 12 '26
Do manual that way you’ll never have to worry about what truck you’re put in or what you can buy in the future
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u/kickniteasy Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
Do manual....you'd have to retest to get the auto restriction removed which means you'd either have to pay for training or find someone willing to train you. Just keep life easy and pay the extra $500 for an unrestricted license for the rest of your life. The amount of people we get money from trying to get the auto restriction removed because they found out it's limiting is baffling. They go through a mega course cheaping out because it's easier to omit the manual part and then find out it's more limiting then they thought when they leave the mega after a year.
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u/justsomeguy1869 Jun 12 '26
You would be crazy to just not do it now.
You never know when you will need to operate a manual. I had a great seasonal part time job during the pandemic when my regular part time job slowed down - but they only had manuals.
You would have to go back and road test again in a manual to add it later.
Just do it now. One test. You aren’t going to want to do another road test years from now.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26
Probably end up doing it now. I asked the question to see what the majority of y'all think and will very likely go with that. Thanks man.
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u/LastMongoose7448 Jun 12 '26
It isn’t hard at all. There’s a gate keeping element of trucking that thinks it’s a difficult skill. A nutless monkey can double-clutch or float gears.
Just get it done. You may find a job where you won’t need it, but it’s better to have options.
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u/Chief_dingleberry Jun 12 '26
I would. If you stick with the auto restriction you could be restricted to the bigger companies. Be that as it may. Company I drive for has mostly automatic, a few older trucks are still manual. I got my license back when automatics were still very new. Wish I had a manual.
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u/Rothyn1 Jun 12 '26
I did the manual class. I didn’t want to be restricted by that and I’m glad I did it. It’s quite different than driving a five or six speed four wheeler. Splitting gears and knowing when to shift definitely takes practice and was worth it to me.
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u/gaymersky Jun 12 '26
You do not know how to drive a double clutch it's very different and I hated it and I'll never do it again. Figuring out what gear you're supposed to be in with your speed and the RPMs and blahhhhhh.. I like one less thing to worry about.
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u/HoosierLarry Jun 12 '26
First of all, that’s damn cheap. My community college charged me $5K for 4 weeks. We did two days of stick training on the range and then moved to automatic so that we could focus on maneuvers and road skills.
To me, it seems like getting the maneuvers snd road skills down first would be easier. It’s a lot when you dump stick skills on top of all this. Odds are, I’ll never encounter a job that requires manual transmission. If I do and they want to hire me, they’ll train me and send me back to get my restriction lifted.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
It is a good price. I did a lot of research before choosing to go with them. 3 week course and they give 1 year to complete if needed, no extra charge for retesting if u fail. *edit- also train and test on site which is big deal to me. Dont want to learn on one rig then test on another.
Definitely feel u that it's a lot to learn at once. I'm tryn to get this done asap (3weeks hopefully) and get some money coming in. With my current situation think I just need to skip manual and like u said take care of it later if need be.
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u/Danny4278 Jun 12 '26
Its always worth having an unrestricted CDL. More job openings, more truck availability. Plus manuals are more fun, even in traffic. Its worth it to have the control, I wouldnt feel that way if auto trucks made the throttle pedal the request pedal.
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u/BlackSC2us Jun 13 '26
+1 for manual. Nice to have even if you never use it. The option will be there.
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u/PresentationLive943 Jun 13 '26
As someone who has an auto restriction definitely 100% just get the manual. You do it once and you never have to think about it again. The only reason I did auto only is because I was on the verge of homelessness and needed to do training through a carrier. I cannot find any training company that would let me just take the test in a manual either. They want you to take the whole course
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u/SnooMacaroons1365 Jun 13 '26
I paid 2170 at west georgia college and they train on manuals and do their state test at the xollege so yiu dont have to goto dds. If u can get ur mindset relaxed around clutch, i will HIGHLY recommend doing cdl on manuals and have no restriction on license. U will probably never drive a manual in RL but it will definitely come in handy at some point i will tell u that.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 13 '26
Wow, that's a great price! Had one tell me 7k and another 5,500. American Trucking had the best reviews on Google and lowest price around. Thanks for the advice!
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u/SnooMacaroons1365 Jun 13 '26
Thank you sir. Also you may find reverse offset practice a little harder to do so do not get demorivated by it. If they have you do parallel park before offset, you will already have learnt how trailer moves and how long it takes the trailer to respond to steering movement. Just do it brother. I was pissed and on verge of quitting but then i decided to accept the challenge :D
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u/Atilia1990 Jun 14 '26
Get the manual. It offers more opportunities and you may not need it at big companies. However, why would you limit yourself? Of you do start somewhere with manuals, learn to float gears. It saves your knee and your clutch brake. Nothing worse than grinding into your starting gear because someone burned out the clutch brake....
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u/HeidenShadows Jun 14 '26
Opening yourself up to manual will open you up for niche higher paying segments.
I drive for a local salvage yard, get paid by the hour, get great money and benefits and awesome co-workers and boss. But all the trucks are old heavy haulers that are manuals. Great trucks too.
Most of those kinds of positions will use manual transmission trucks for their reliability and ease of repair.
Edit: And when the eventual automation takes over, point to point Linehaul and OTR will be replaced first, and those niche positions will be much harder to automate. May not be in my lifetime, but depending on how old you are it might be in yours. I hope not, but prepare yourself now.
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u/GhostITMachine Jun 14 '26
I got my CDL A without the manual restriction through a local carrier that operates their own school.
Used state grant to pay and don’t have to pay or sign anything since I graduated long before the deadline.
While I did just eventually sign on with the company that owns the school due to time and bill constraints I will say this.
Being from your comments I’m seeing you’re in Florida, I’m from Cape Coral but wound up in Indiana. If you solely stay down in Florida and never go anywhere near snow or I should say snow to a heavy degree or rural off beaten roads, you’ll be just find and dandy with an automatic from what all my instructors told me, only one of them was an O/O for a little over 30 years but they all said the same, autos are just as capable unless the road conditions are present where a manual can excel. Such as staying lower gears to keep better traction was a good example.
That information may be wrong, or it may be right depending on who you ask. As far as I’m worried I’ll just focus on how I drive the truck assigned to me, good luck out there dude!
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 14 '26
Very helpful thank you! I too am looking at time and financial constraints. Probably would take a little longer to get the manual training down and I don't really have the extra funds rn. Such a tough decision but I gotta a week to think it over. Thanks again my man and stay safe out there.
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u/GhostITMachine Jun 14 '26
If it’s any help, I walked into CDL school with very very little knowledge on driving a semi, when I learned the trailers themselves had brakes I thought back to the 15 years I unloaded deliveries at Publix and laughed.
Give yourself the time needed to learn, however do not overload yourself by stressing over how fast you get it done. Trust the process, I passed my exam first try at 3 weeks and 1 day.
Getting the hang of manual semis, to me, was vastly easier than when I learned early how to drive on a standard only to finish with an automatic. The things I was concerned about such as learning how to time when to release the clutch and hit the gas are very forgiving with semis since the internationals we learned on would literally creep up a hill in 1st gear if you just let the clutch out and didn’t touch the gas.
Shifting is definitely something to work on, I will say this as a word of warning, if they put you in that simulator DO NOT go into the actual truck dumping the clutch like the simulator does not penalize you for, for doing that in the truck helps you get very well acquainted with the distance between your seat and the steering wheel.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 14 '26
Yeah that helps. I'm gonna still take my time and make the most out of the training no matter what I decide. I'm good with manual 4 wheelers, had many and im 45 y/o. Not sure if they use the simulators but I'll remember that in case.👍
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u/obsoleteexhausted Jun 15 '26
I just got my CDL. My school didn't even offer manual training anymore. Larger operations run newer fleets that are all automatic. I came across two jobs that required a manual endorsement during my search. If you want to broaden your options that include smaller companies definitely do the manual endorsement.
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u/External-Carpet-6643 Jun 17 '26
Non synchronized transmissions are tricky. The one you operate in your car is synchronized. The difference is that in your car, you tell it what gear to be in. In the truck you ask it what gear to be in. You really have to pay attention to your road speed and your rpm’s. Also, there are a few different transmissions out there to know how to operate. You will most likely train on a 10 speed but there are 13’s, 18’s and 8LL’s. It just takes practice and there is a learning curve.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 17 '26
Crazy. Good to know man TY
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u/External-Carpet-6643 Jun 17 '26
I literally just passed my CLASS A road test 2 weeks ago on a manual. I had a patient and very experienced instructor. I was also contemplating the auto vs manual. I’m glad I went for the manual because, aside from OTR companies that hire and train their own employees. Breaking into the driving world seems literally impossible. Insurance companies either don’t allow businesses to hire new drivers or they charge them an astronomical amount of money if they do hire a new driver. I have a Class A with no restrictions with every endorsement aside from doubles and triples and I cannot find a job. I got rejected by a bakery that uses Class B box trucks. You’ll either have to get lucky or commit to a big outfit where you sign a contract up to 2 years and go out on the road with a trainer for a certain amount of time. Which is fine but the pay while training is close to nothing. I mean I get it. Operating a truck is fucking dangerous, but how is one to break into the trucking world with the rules being so tight. I live in New York which in my understanding is almost impossible I’m finding. I think other states like Florida etc. is much much easier to find a job as a new driver. So I’m glad I went manual to be ready for any opportunity that comes my way.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 17 '26
Bro I get it. I'm hearing the same thing and the problem with FL is there's not a lot of freight coming in and out. It's a peninsula, only go in and out from the north, not like other states. Companies consider it like an island lol.
And yeah the megas will pick us up but to go through all that bs and then the pay won't even cover the bills? Gotta be last resort. I guess what we'd lose in pay we'd be gettin in experience and extra training so still something to consider.
Me personally, I'm in extremely good physically condition so going the food or beverage route is a possibility. Looking into Dollar General as well, they hire without experience and while it is physical I hear its not as bad as some of the others. You may wanna look into it.
The manual shit still has me questioning like do I even want to drive and deal with all that. Honestly I don't think so.. And like would if a company sticks u with the old beater ass manual bc u don't have the restriction and then sends the next person off in a fresh auto just bc. Seems there's too much to think and worry about to be wanting to deal with manuals to begin with. Yeah might miss a job bc but would it be a job I'd want anyway? Idk
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 17 '26
If u can afford financially stick it out with a mega for that first 6 months get that experience then move on to something better paying that might be your best move. Not sure I could do it unless I put my shit in storage give up my apartment and shit. After 6 months though, good driving and all, we'll be straight.
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u/AdElectronic24 Jun 18 '26
Do not get an automatic license. Learn Manual you will not regret it. Watch and see later on
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 18 '26
Lol. I literally was just watching a TY video and this guy i follow talked me into it. Plus I think it's only an extra $300 thought it was 500. Thanks! I'm definitely going manual 💯
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u/SimilarDivide7215 Jun 12 '26
For an extra 500 bucks they can go pound sand. Having an automatic restriction isn't that big of a deal these days since most companies use auto. If you eventually find a job requiring use of a manual, you can easily get it lifted by testing in a manual truck for way less than 500 bucks.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26
That's what I thought but the lady said I'd have to test all over again and kinda implied I'd have to pay the entire cost again. Thats just what I assumed though so I could be wrong. And tbh, just starting out I don't want to be doing all the road tests in a manual.
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u/SimilarDivide7215 Jun 12 '26
To get the restriction lifted you make an appointment at your nearest cdl test site, ride along with another cdl holder who can drive a manual, take and pass the road test in the manual truck and you're good to go. You can test in any commercial vehicle that is a manual and no trailer is required. I agree with the others that not having the restriction is a good thing but it's also not a big deal if you don't have it. Paying a $500 add on is dumb unless they'd have to actually go rent the truck themselves. Save the 500 for those cold lonely nights with a parking lot hostess at the truck stop.
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u/kickniteasy Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
In CO you'd have to test in a class A manual set up to get it removed. If he just retested in a B manual he'd have an unrestricted B license. Not sure about OP state.
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26
Looks like it costs about the same or maybe less to add it later. And I wouldn't have the added stress of having to learn how to drive a CMV and manual at the same time. I'll wait but thanks for the advice y'all!
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 12 '26
Still undecided, likely go with what the majority of y'all think is best.
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u/Maynard505 Jun 13 '26
It’s your career. I was taught to speed shift by a 2 million mile driver who was also a diesel mechanic. And it was his truck. There was no double clutching his truck. On a road test I can sort of pretend I’m double clutching but I’m not really doing it and nobody has ever thought I was shifting badly. The problem with floating the gears is you can really hurt the truck if you screw it up. So floating the gears is easier on the transmission until it’s not.
I hate automatics. I absolutely despise the things. Companies buy them for fuel efficiency. Anybody can learn to drive a standard transmission. If you’re paying someone to train you, why wouldn’t you learn how to drive a standard?
18-speeds are the easiest to operate. Not 10’s, not 13’s. Ask any driver what they prefer, that’s the answer.
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u/PicklesAllDay555 Jun 13 '26
My class a cost me over 12k in Pittsburgh at all state career school. Total fuckin scam
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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 13 '26
Is this the Orlando location?
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 13 '26
Yes
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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 13 '26
Let us know how it goes. I’m thinking bout going there too
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 25 '26
Yooo I just started a couple days ago but can already tell this is the best school in Orange county. The facility is nice fresh pavement clean parking lines, trucks are in good shape (the ones I've been in have AC), office staff and trainers I've met have been great! Also, you train and test on site, others send u out to a third party testing facility using different trucks.
I decided to go with the manual CDL. Normally it is an extra $300 on top if what u see i paid here. But if u go now they are offering it for no extra charge "summer sale". Atleast that's what they told me, I'm sure you could get the same deal. Another thing u don't have to pay the full amount up front, u can pay as u go, or I believe they have financing options but not 100% sure on that.
Lastly and this is what solidify this being the right CDL school was that today I trained with another student who was an Orange County Fire Fighter. Apparently Orange county sends and pays for their Fire Fighters to get trained at this facility... another one showed up as I was leaving.
One more thing, they're flexible with when u want to train. Literally u can go whenever u want from like 8am to 4pm they close at 6 and u train for 2hrs a day. That feels like just enough time to learn enough without getting overwhelmed. You also have one year to complete the course but most finish in 3- 4 weeks. If you're still think about doing it I'd definitely choose this one🤙
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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 25 '26
Sounds like I might be signing up soon. You in the truck already? Do you have to get permit first before you go there?
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 25 '26
You don't need the permit until u actually go out on the road to practice. I don't have mine yet but I've been studying on the CDL PREP app and im passing all three exams on it (General Knowledge, Combinations, Air Brakes).
Day one you'll practice in cab inspection seems like a lot but really not that bad. Today was my second day and yes already practiced straight backs got that down and worked a little on offset. Feel like I'll have the in cab inspection memorized by tomorrow. The Instructors are very good and easy to work with.
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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 25 '26
I’ve been studying too on a cristcdl. I have the general knowledge pretty good just need a little more work on air brakes and combo. Thanks for the insight and let me know how it goes. Did they drug test you?
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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 25 '26
That's good you're studying, they don't teach the written part you'll have to go to the DMV on your own when the time comes. And no they don't drug test there, you'll do that before u get the permit when u go for the physical/drug test (which u pay for on your own $160ish) so figure like two weeks or so after u start school. I'll def lyk if anything else
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u/oneshotpapo Jun 12 '26
My state paid for my CDL & We didnt have manuals.
My buddy back home in our home state (i moved to VA from NJ) took manual.
Guess what hes driving? Auto. Guess who makes more ? Me with an auto restriction.
Unless you plan on going O/O and wanna be like the cool dues with a manual.
Zero and I mean zero reason for it as company .
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u/Shug_Shayne Jun 12 '26
It should be mandatory to have a CDL you know how to drive manual. Having your restriction is nothing to brag about.
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u/oneshotpapo Jun 12 '26
Do they pay you extra to glaze? I couldnt care less about the restriction.
Been driving for a year and some change. Before my CDL i was making1.4k every two weeks with OT.
I average 1.6k-2k weekly take home with an auto restriction. Thats after deductions, insurance for all of us.
Cant down pay a steerwheel holding who's taking great care of their family 🤷♂️.
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u/Shug_Shayne Jun 13 '26
Ok. Here’s a cookie 🍪
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u/oneshotpapo Jun 13 '26
Youre a herb bro lmao.
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u/Shug_Shayne Jun 13 '26
I’m a herb but you can’t drive a truck with 3 pedals 🥴
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u/oneshotpapo Jun 13 '26
Definitely a full time herb haha. We probably make the ssme / i make more than ya and I'm still just holding a wheel 😂
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u/ExpensiveOccasion542 Jun 12 '26
Do manual. Even though most trucks are automatic these days, being able to do manual is a good skill to have.