Profile For Penny

Heidi,

I was the worst backer in my class. I had a devil of a time getting the offset. The parallel I got easier but it took a patient instructor a while to get through to me.

In the end, I didn't use any extra pull-ups at the DMV. And I was worried I'd fail!

Deep breaths and take the advice here. One step at a time. I could get the set up and the turning until I got the truck and trailer straight, then getting around that middle cone was a booger.

Ask your instructors where you're going wrong and how to fix it. And keep politely asking for advice and help.

You'll get it. You're determined and you'll get it!

In SC, there are several things that would autofsil you, including the things you mentioned.

The pretrip was the entire truck (front, back and one side, but if exhaust is in opposite side it must be included or any other thing that is on one side and not the other) and the time limit was 45 minutes (too long, autofail) and brake test must be perfect...before 60 and around 40 was proper wording and was an auto fail if not said correctly.

If you got out of the truck face forward without doing it safely (three point touch), yep, auto fail.

Backing was a straight back, blind side parallel, left offset. The powers that be considered those the harder maneuvers do that's what they chose. The eliminate alley docking due to space at DMVs. From what I've experienced out here, the techniques learned in those maneuvers are helpful in alley docking. I just need to learn to apply what I've learned better!! Accumulate over 12 points on all three, fail. You do get a free pull-up on each maneuver. Well, one on straight and two free ones on the other two. I didn't accumulate any extra points and I wasn't that great at backing.

The driving test was about 30 miles and took a little over an hour for me due to traffic and rain. It included places with tight turns with curbs and 27 red lights, highway driving, etc. break traffic rules like run a stop sign, stop with your trailer on s railroad track or something like impede traffic and those are autofails. Can't recite hazardous materials Railroad commentary and you lose something like 18 of your 30 points. They only ask if you are getting the endorsement, though.

Don't let it scare you though, I was well prepared and I felt I was the slow learner in my class. So learn it all to the best of your ability and you'll do fine.

I'm with Errol on the top bunk gymnastics...I'm managing to haul myself up there.

Luckily when the truck is moving I'm on the bottom bunk, but it's been a bit of a learning curve getting these old bones up there!

I'm sure I look somewhat like a beached whale in the process!!

Good Lord I hope it's a lot cause me and all my stuff is up here in my trainer's truck...and I'm not a little shrinking violet or anything!!

I've already explained to my trainer that "Bless your heart" is a kinder way of saying "I think you're stupid". It has other meanings though based on context.

I said "buggy" at Walmart the other day and got another look. Sigh.

And "cattywampus" gets used almost every time the trailer is not straight when I'm backing!

And southerners do curse...so go to heck, while acceptable, can also be go to hell...but it's already hotter than hell in the south so...not sure how effective that threat is!!

Oh no doubt.

My school was night school and took four months. They wanted something more current so just had me fill one out when I got my CDL.

I filled it out Saturday and on Monday I had been approved and set a date for orientation.

They had me fill out a new application when I finished school. No big deal. I called and talked to the recruiter and he emailed me a link that I used. Most of the info was already there and I just needed to add what had changed

Oh I know I'm a babe in the woods and wet behind the ears...my trainer LOVES my Southern sayings...

You should have seen the look I got when I said the road was crooked as a dog's hind leg...

Thank you guys for being soooooo supportive!!

Love y'all!!

Just a quick update on my training.

My trainer is a slave driver, but in a good way!!

I get to back up a lot in truck stops and at customers and I am improving some!

My shifting and downshifting has improved greatly.

I've learned how to fuel and add DEF and all that good stuff!

I've dropped trailers and hooked to new ones.

And probably other stuff I can't remember.

The last few days I've driven 400-500 miles and I'm exhausted but my stamina will improve I'm sure.

Y'all have a great day and I'll check in again when I can!

You did great with obstacles in your way! Great job!!