I am currently in school for my CDL (Class A license). This means I will be able to drive the huge machine you hate to get behind in rush hour. I am really enjoying it even though I have been rather terrified a few times. So far I am doing very well at shifting up and down, and I excel at parallel parking. For a little demonstration on shifting and turning here is a little video:
A parking and backing video should be available soon. Keep on trucking!