Double clutching in a commercial truck (beginners guide)

Double clutching is fundamental to shifting standard transmission commercial trucks. Once you learn and understand how to do it you are well on your way. It can seem a little daunting at first but with a little practice you will get the hang of it.
Take time to get familiar with your gear pattern so you don't lose track of what gear you are in. Also get a feel for the "soft wall" to help hit the middle gears. Use your RPMs as a guide to help know when to shift up and when to shift down. Press the clutch pedal in the whole way when starting from a complete stop, then only a few inches while shifting on the move. Remember clutch neutral, clutch gear, for upshifting. Downshifting is similar with a small engine rev being done in neutral. Practice on an empty road, and it helps to practice while empty.
Hang in there, it will take some time to master.

[@COOPER1524]

Great video, you explained it very well, I was grinding the gears, and now I know why, I was rushing when I would shift gears, it's clutch neutral, clutch gear, a more relaxed process, I was rushing and forcing it, thank you so much. I subscribed and will continue to watch your videos.

[@jlaw7827]

I’m having the same experience now. I’m struggling more with downshifting. I know the process, but making it happen is a different ball game. I will get it sooner than later. I have to slow myself down and not rush. Great content!!

[@ankitb8484]

​@@jlaw7827take you time buddy.. its easy.. while going down shift ex if you are in 7th and try to goto 6th and its not going to 6th , try 7th again you would be able to and then try again from 7th to 6th.. and keep eye on your rpm raise it smoothly.. hope it will works for u..keep sharing you knowledge too🙏🙏 cause as a trucker we always learning

[@Pirrates3275]

Looks easy when been done by someone who knows, but getting behind the steering can prove you otherwise! Thanks for your simplified explanation.

[@concernedcanadian8460]

I got my CDL in the 90's but barely used it then. 27 years later I'm driving tractor trailer but they're equipped with automatic transmissions...so easy! Lately, I've been putting in some practice time with a 13 speed, videos like this are deffinetly helping me get things figured out. Thanks!

[@kennycayson1485]

The thing is I'm a fourth generation trucker and I only use the clutch to take off and stop I don't use it downshifting either and every trucker I know does the same thing

[@pakistan1103]

MashaAllah very good to know clutch neutral clutch gear

[@smithlorry9104]

Thank you so so much

[@ericstone7813]

Great job with explaining it. I'm retired now, but built my own military 5 ton tractor for field service welding and repair of heavy equipment. 400 small cam Cummins and 13 double over tranny. Best combination out there. Every gear about 250 RPM apart. But all I can say about double clutching is that it saves your transmission from excessive wear. I've rebuilt a number of them, but not the one from the one guy who used the clutch all the time. Your video brings back a lot of great memories. Thank you

[@ExcavationRevelation]

That does sound like a great combination! What was the least amount of miles that one of those transmissions had that you rebuilt?

[@twostop6895]

@@ExcavationRevelationauto is taking over cause it saves fuel and is safer

[@bigdawg77]

​@@twostop6895 Modern autos are just better these days. Manuals are fun, and it's impossible to not feel cool when in a manual but autos far out perform now.

[@DankOnly59]

Double clutching is a pain in the ass, especially in rush hour traffic in the city, my nerves get the best of me, but in due time i shall overcome.

[@bigdawg77]

How you feeling about it now? One day you'll look back on this and laugh at the thought of you being nervous about it. Like driving a car on the freeway for the first time, you feel like you're about to die but now it's so normal you don't even think about it

[@Ferechili]

​@@bigdawg77I tried to learn it at CDL school but the instructor don't care and limited time to learn. I found out CDL school is a scam because you double clutching takes weeks to perfect. And if you want to learn from someone with a truck, good luck because they don't want to teach you at all. Trucking sucks to be honest. The toxic people I've seen.

[@brandonbennett7337]

I’m learning more from you than my damn instructors thank you. 🙏

[@stevenwilson8718]

I just got my class A last Thursday. I learned on a double clutch with not very much time at all. I was so damn nervous until I got to my class (1 day class and test the next morning). When i got there, my testing class used a synchronized transmission truck! As soon as I saw that, i knew i would pass... now back to our work truck to keep practicing my double clutch

[@r.lynnsmith592]

Very good training explanation. I especially like your demonstration and your talking through the shifting process in detail while performing. Great teacher!

[@dawnweight730]

I never knew how do the dbl clutch, I can do about anything after watching you. Thank you. Very helpful

[@keelanstabile6214]

I think I finally learned how to shift a manual transmission

[@Fourandaquarter]

I think the best way forward is to double clutch for a while when new to driving then start gettthe feel for floating. It'll come natural once you learn and "feel" what the truck will do at any given throttle input and wheel speed.

[@dizzyd3670]

Went to a really cheap driving school (only 2 hrs in truck before test) and just failed my road test cause the instructor didn't teach me how to do this or even mention it. Thks great video.

[@StevenMwendabai]

Watching and learning from Zambia I wish I can be perfect like you so that I can get a job in Canada

[@Bro-qq1ps]

May God willing help it be so, for you and me too brother!

[@ThomasRafferty-cm3sm]

Yes thank you .back in the 1974 ect .crash Eton trans .I miss this tom j Rafferty irl pulse Twin stick shif 6 x 4 all gears havey 24 old tom

[@losingmyfavoritegame8752]

Excellent video! I really enjoy learning and practicing this technique to perfection!

[@maryrobert9035]

am following you from kenya 🇰🇪 good job

[@marketha]

Thank yoi for the video. I got my AZ licence right before covid so i didnt get the chance work ad a commercial driver. I learnt manual,which was pure suffering for me,but was driving for like 1 month automatic. Now i would like to try it again, but i want to drive Dz truck not a truck and trailer,but i have to go with manual again which freaking me out. Your video is an excellent refresher so i hope i will not look that stupid at the driving school as i bought few lessons.

[@noblecyborg-savage]

Im in lessons now I've only done 5 lessons but I'm struggling with down shifting my instructors are a holes all of them its funny cause im paying to be there. they aren't my supervisor but they act like it technically I'm their boss cause im paying alot of money for the course but I learned more in this video than they taught me thanks

[@ExcavationRevelation]

That's a shame about your instructors, but glad the video helped. When I started out I was trying to downshift too soon or into too low of a gear. It went smoother when I didn't rush it

[@Jorge-tq1ch]

Amazing job explaining.

[@DonavenRashad]

This is the best video I’ve seen deadass you explained it perfectly

[@terriwillis6871]

Thank you! You did great explaining everything.

[@drw4338]

Absolutely awesome video man! Thank you for making this! This explains so much and gives me much more confidence.

[@Pannnda8]

Thank you sir! You are a great driving tutor!

[@mikes6490]

great video, good filming showing how all this is done!

[@ralphfernandez4231]

I like the way you explained it easy

[@sandrafolchi3803]

Thank you for the advice I’m a new driver I’m operating a 4000 gallon water truck i’ve operated a manual transmission but never attend speed. It’s all new to me and your video has helped me so much. I just wish you could be a little more detailed on the what gear the RPMs should be at when you either upshifting or downshifting please make another video on, what speed your gears should be in or is that a stupid question?

[@drw4338]

Awesome video man!!!! This helps soooo much. Thank you sir.

[@derekpaterson603]

Thanks for the video bud ! You explained it very well. I'll have no problem. Stay safe out there

[@maryrobert9035]

Very good job

[@erickc238]

Thank you, this video definitely helps

[@craigaverdung7805]

Great video…. Thank you!

[@deajaunthompson7466]

Great video 👏🏾

[@JeanSeme-pi1jn]

Good job brother, thank you for your help.

[@ladellspratt2770]

Great Job🎉

[@franciscohernandez4021]

Great video thanks.

[@werfwfdfs341]

very well explained

[@juancontreras9595]

Thank u for your time on explaining great video I only use rpm don't use clutch all start practicing double clutch

[@thomasbishop9098]

I didn't need the clutch except when stopping. I drove garbage trucks in the 90s, which were mostly automatic on straight trucks. But in 2008 I got my class A, after a few years of not driving.

[@rickertaxes]

Thanks for the helpful video

[@Lowemoneymurda]

Great teaching needed this

[@tony-ms9ht]

Really need a video on down shifting

[@excavatorguy]

Very nice!

[@ronnie2332]

Thanks been out of the game for a while you helped me better than when Infirst learned appreciate it

[@user-gt9mg3fh5l]

Yeah, I drove the rigs off and on from the 70’s thru the 90’s. I never used the clutch except to start rolling, coming to a stop. It is much better to shift listening to engine revs and watching the RPM’s

[@ernestmiles4901]

Good information to have.

[@beatmelodics]

Freakin Awesome Tips and Explanation

[@georgemfunji7021]

Thanks so much sir ❤

[@Ryanaryan935]

Good job

[@crawdaddydoo]

Thanks for the video

[@user-qc9tr4lp6b]

Thanks very much for your video God bless you 🙏🙏

[@Robert-jh4qh]

You saved my life

[@robertcollins7137]

THANK YOU

[@fredflintstone6315]

Thank you! Greatful!

[@chewemutale3310]

Thanks please let me know for more of this sir

[@ExcavationRevelation]

I've got some more shifting information coming in the near future, stay tuned!

[@Elblanco463]

Currently looking into getting into trucking! This video will come in handy. would you be able to explain how you work maneuver going downhill or uphill?

[@joetrujillo6868]

Thank you.

[@videos8601]

Thank you!!!!

[@victorterry227]

Thanks for your for this thing

[@kumariswain8181]

Thanks

[@orangebetsy]

excellent demonstration. i thought it was funny at 12:06 you said "RPM, that's revelations per minute" hahaha good sermon title.

[@ExcavationRevelation]

lol, Revelation is one of my favorite books in the bible so maybe it was subliminal

[@michaelortiz4978]

Damn good video

[@terrancecole9141]

Great job 😂 !

[@randelcaudle7435]

I drove for 17 years after got use to it just float the gears double clutch is a pain and floating the gears pull a non baffled tanker

[@raymondherrmann6897]

Yes I can float the gears ,yet I. Learning to drive truck it is different the instructor will not let us drive unless we double clutch when we go for our state exam they want us to double clutch,yet I tell you when I'm done with the learning part I'm going back to floating the gears so much easier for me

[@ExcavationRevelation]

it's good to learn the fundamentals though so I get where they are coming from

[@maxmorter503]

I just learned to drive ours a few months ago just in the yard but never used the cluch except taking off. Rare to get out of 4th but still can't figure downshifting

[@theawfultruth9136]

I have to put the same dedication I put to learn how to use a PS4 controller....thanks for the video

[@wjtravels3916]

Awesome

[@fernandohernandez-wr9ui]

Idk why but where i work every guy that comes out of school either burns clutches or has to get them adjusted every other week. The senior guys state they dont use the clutch unless they fully stop, those transmissions hardly ever need adjustments

[@badazz2969]

Great demonstration but I'm a floater and I don't even have a cdl its a simple click click but it takes practice you are guarantee to grind them when you first start and even experienced ill sometimes feel those teeth but floating is way more efficient in heavy traffic

[@reggaeriderr]

The down shift seems that it needs the most choreographing

[@craigaverdung7805]

True story… I’m just beginning to get my CDL and up shifting isn’t too bad, it’s the downshifting that’s a little more difficult having to use the throttle to synchronize the process.

[@SABSCORPION]

I was thinking at 1 wait 4 padels aaaaa it's the adjusting the wheel one that explains but my father's also clips to the steering wheel so you really don't see it no wait he has it so on the car he has a round button on the left side where you rest your left leg inside his Mercedes

[@DelVila]

🙏🏽thx🎶🎶

[@User20758]

If you ever have to pay to have a clutch replaced you will learn real quick how your supposed to shift A big truck. You don't double clutch, or you will be fired. 😂 😂😂😂

[@JasonTate86]

Clutch? Oh the thing that starts and stops the truck🤣

[@magnusharmon1933]

Hello Sir! Great video, great explanation, and great demo station. I think you're talented with the shifting theory. Your explanation is clearly understandable. You got me to understand the shifting pattern. I working on obtaining my CDL. One or 2 questions I have for for you are? 1) If you upshifting after you do the clutch neutral, clutch gear, do you push the accelerator to increase your speed before you clutch in again? And my other questions is, if you downshifting, you throttle, and clutch gear, do you go through neutral? Or the shifter just takes you streight to gear? Please let me know. Otherwise you're awesome doing the shifting method.

[@C-CH_Learn_how_2shift]

1Q No 2Q Maybe

[@ExcavationRevelation]

1) No, when upshifting you don't hit the accelerator until you are in your new gear. 2) When downshifting its...clutch, neutral, accelerator tap, clutch again, lower gear hope that helps!

[@jameskerrigan2997]

So your the guy that took my clutch break out😂

[@SABSCORPION]

So this was the difference on the game on simple shifting professional shifting I was wandering why dosent my truck shift like befour when I put it on professional you have to press it 2 that explains

[@ahmedbouchouka9800]

God bless

[@pencilwaniya5317]

Which country... How much gear and which engine.. Which company vehicle...

[@marksupler8089]

My instructor recommends we dry shift while the truck is off and being able to drive a regular manual I feel ill learn better from actually driving it so I can learn to stop going down so far with the clutch so my question is should I stop being stubborn and do this or am I right ?

[@C-CH_Learn_how_2shift]

To stop pressing too much. Try_ duct tape a squeaky toy to the back of the clutch pedal. The Squeak sound will help remind u. I have a video on ch showing how

[@TheTonia625]

My issue is, the school I'm currently attending has too many students and not enough trucks. I feel like I'm getting pushed through it a little to fast and not getting the time to really learn. Any suggestions in trying to learn on my own time? I have a manual car. And although I know it's not the same concept, can I practice just maybe learning the friction zone and when it's time to clutch? Anything you can suggest is greatly appreciated. I only have 2 more weeks of this and afraid I'm going to fail my testing due to not enough experience.

[@TooSmooth777]

All praise to the most. WE will pass this test! I’m testing next week. WE GOT THIS!!! 🫶

[@SSorg1978]

So you don’t have to put it in neutral when you downshift? It’s just clutch rev the motor then clutch again?

[@ExcavationRevelation]

You have to hit neutral in between each gear. When you are downshifting you are simultaneously revving the engine when you are going through neutral. Sorry if that wasn't explained clearly

[@craigaverdung7805]

@@ExcavationRevelation, Great job explaining it. Thank you

[@haredahmed9615]

How can I learn truck vehicles in you tube

[@KajaIzuchukwuchristsantu-ed7vb]

Thanks for the well explanation, I can drive other cars but I want to be a truck driver please help me

[@WalleLlama]

First thing i had to unlearn after trucking school lol

[@yourname9881]

When I'm in a commercial truck, and when I'm at a full stop, and when it's time to get the truck moving, I'm slowly letting off the clutch and at the same time I'm giving gas ,but then it either jerks or shuts off. Why is that? People say it's because I'm letting the clutch off too quick, but how is that possible if I'm sure I'm releasing it slow, or is it when my clutch reaches near the top that I still release too quick? How much gas and when should I start giving gas while I'm releasing the clutch?

[@zanew7718]

First off never refer to the throttle as gas there is no commercial truck that runs on gas. Second to answer your question you don’t give it any throttle at all. Release clutch while holding brake until you feel the clutch grab then release brake pedal and continue releasing clutch smoothly until your foot is off pedal. If the truck shakes or jumps any at all while doing this your in too high a gear.

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

Just get in and drive you will figure it out. If you are slowly letting cutch out until it grips then let out faster simultaneously throttling up on a flat surface not loaded and it does it the clutch maybe at its end of life, the pressure plate maybe worn and even clutch pedal out of adjustment. May not be the operator. Back around 1979 I drove a gas powered engine dump truck and that was more finicky than a diesel powered. I think because of the torque differences between the engines. Almost all class 8 trucks ( over 33k lbs) are diesel powered these days.

[@yourname9881]

@Zane w thanks. The instructors tell us to start in 4th gear. By the way I'm doing class b so I'm just driving the tractor. They say it should be easy to do it in 4th gear but I've no luck without it Stalin or jumping

[@yourname9881]

@Noble Roofing & General Contracting thanks. I told the guy in my previous comment that I'm just doing class b which is the tractor itself, no trailer. And how they tell me to start in 4th Can 4th gear still be too high a gear even for the tractor itself?

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

@@yourname9881 Depends on what your load is and if you are on flat ground or sloped ground from a start. Starting in to high of a gear will definatly chatter and stall the truck. Good luck with it

[@barryklinedinst6233]

The clutch is only for pulling out.

[@tacticaldorito3942]

I never pull out

[@julietagonzalez5833]

I don’t know why but our school instructor want us to do it from 9-10 RPMs… when i go to 12 Rpms he says im loosing the time to shift 🤔

[@AutumnExplore]

Downshifting: clutch-throttle-clutch-downshift. But is it: clutch-neutral-throttle-clutch-downshift? Neutral is a part of the sequence each time; isn't that accurate?

[@ExcavationRevelation]

yes that is accurate, neutral happens basically simultaneously while giving it throttle

[@derandreas]

whats the fourth pedal ( the smal between the Clutch and the break)? beams?

[@ExcavationRevelation]

steering wheel adjustment

[@qaz-fi1id]

Downshifting is so tough. I'm doing terrible in class

[@ExcavationRevelation]

It will come, hang in there!

[@Mimi-bh6pm]

I'm doing so bad right now how did it go for you??

[@sarahjohnson365]

I was doing horrible as well. Took me 6 weeks to understand it. The down shifting is more challenging for me than the upshifting.

[@craigaverdung7805]

@@sarahjohnson365, Same here.

[@saads5676]

Can you shift without the clutch on a 10 speed? Or is that only on 18 speed?

[@ExcavationRevelation]

You can float gears in a 10 speed

[@PoolEnvy]

Oh my left knee!

[@rogerg0834]

my biggest problem is down-shifting. uhg.

[@gregoryhodge9452]

Does anyone still do that?

[@d-obvious]

I only clutch from stopped. float man, save your strength and the clutch too.

[@TheWretchedSpawn]

When you downshift do you let off the gas when clutching ?

[@ExcavationRevelation]

yes

[@thalpathawadanaysb]

👍👍👍