Choosing between automatic and manual transmission trucks is one of the first major decisions CDL students face. Each option affects how you train, the type of jobs you qualify for, and how flexible your driving career can be. Understanding the differences helps you choose the path that best matches your goals, time, and physical comfort. Manual vs Automatic CDL: Quick Comparison Table Feature Automatic CDL Manual CDL Gear shifting Fully automatic, no clutch use Driver shifts gears using a clutch Learning difficulty Easier for beginners Steeper learning curve Training time Usually shorter Typically......