Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do I shift an 18 speed?

I am new to the trucking industry and work as a driver. My tractor-trailer comes with an 18-speed transmission that is a little tricky to master, so I’m looking for advice—what’s the best way to shift an 18 speed?

avatar
Mary Cahill · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Wow, I have a lot of respect for your ability to handle such an oversized vehicle! An 18-speed transmission offers versatility and better control for truck drivers, but mastering its shift patterns will take some getting used to. Here are some of the basic maneuvers you’ll need to get the hang of:
  • To start, make sure your parking brake is engaged
  • With your foot pressed down on the clutch pedal, start the engine
  • Keep your foot on the clutch pedal while you use the splitter to shift into low first gear
  • Move your foot to the brake pedal as you release the parking brake and gently ease the gas pedal
  • While pressing the clutch, shift through the gears by pressing the range-change button located near the gear shift
As you move through the gears, you’ll be able to change from high to low gear depending on what the road conditions call for.
Whether you’re behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer or a sedan, it’s so crucial to have a
car insurance
policy that makes you feel safe on the road. Looking for the cheapest rate? With insurance comparison and licensed broker expert
Jerry
, getting the best price on your coverage is beyond easy.
All you need to do is download the free app, answer a few simple questions, and in 45 seconds, Jerry puts together a list of the most competitive quotes from over 50 top insurance companies. The average Jerry user saves $887 on car insurance!
MORE: What is highway hypnosis?
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings