Profile For Retro Candy Lady

Thank you all so much for your input and motivation it really helped to boost my confidence. I'm getting better at backing. Although I didn't pass my upgrade test today I won't let it stop me. I didn't hit anything I just ran out of time. On to the next opportunity. Be safe in your travels.

Thanks

So I'm currently with my first company. I've been on the truck with a trainer for 5000 miles. I'm actually headed back to the terminal today as I've completed my 5000 miles. I have to take an upgrade test which consists of 7 timed backing maneuvers before I can go forward to the second phase of training. My biggest issue is I still don't know how to back. My trainer and I was supposed to complete at least 5 hours of backing practice but since they run us as a team we haven't had the time to do that. My trainer is a kind individual but talks more of training bonuses than helping me succeed as a truck driver. My trainer goes so far as to tell me that the director of training tells all trainer to do it for the money and not because they want to help people. I want to give them a full year but the more I get into it I'm thinking I chose the wrong company. I originally came here because I had a personal connection with the trainer I originally chose and I knew he could help with my backing because we went to the same school. What I was taught in school I've never seen completed in the real world. My trainer tells me constantly that she doesn't know how to teach backing. Her last two trainees quit after they got off the truck with her. I'm just lost and confused at the point. I'm really considering averitt. I think I'm in desperate need of their backing school. I don't see any other companies offering such. Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for your reply and tips G-Town. I really appreciate it.

Thanks for coming out of the shadows and welcome.

Everyone struggles with backing in the beginning. PTL knows this. You're not alone.

My first suggestion is to take what others say about the test with a grain of salt. If you are that concerned, call your recruiter at PTL and ask for specifics on what they will require during the test. List your questions ahead of time so that you are prepared for the discussion. Take notes during the conversation so you don't forget anything. If they are unable to help you, ask for someone who can.

Try not to be nervous and consider the serpentine as multiple backing maneuvers combined into one. Take it apart in pieces, one at a time. Don't rush and allow your emotions to take over and distract you. "Think" your way through it and do the very best you can.

Good luck.

Hello, how is everyone? This is my first post so please bear with me. I just finished a private CDL school and am headed to my first company Paschall Truck Lines. I'm very nervous about their road test. I've been told that it's all backing and that they don't actually take you out on the road. I read on another forum that a gentlemen had to back in a serpentine type maneuver. I've never done that before. Now I'm second guessing my decision to go there. I leave in 4 days. Backing has been my biggest struggle with learning to maneuver these large vehicles. I welcome any and all advice, criticisms, words of encouragement, anything, lol. Thanks in advance.

Hello, how is everyone? This is my first post so please bear with me. I just finished a private CDL school and am headed to my first company Paschall Truck Lines. I'm very nervous about their road test. I've been told that it's all backing and that they don't actually take you out on the road. I read on another forum that a gentlemen had to back in a serpentine type maneuver. I've never done that before. Now I'm second guessing my decision to go there. I leave in 4 days. Backing has been my biggest struggle with learning to maneuver these large vehicles. I welcome any and all advice, criticisms, words of encouragement, anything, lol. Thanks in advance.