Worried Student

I'm getting ready to go to CDLl school I was wondering if any lady truck drivers would be willing to teach me to back up , I would like to learn all I can before going to school. I would like to know I can pass the driving part before I go to school, I fear I wont pass just fresh out of school. So anything I can learn about backing up would be appreciated. . Or should I say about driving . Thank you

If you're going to a good school you will learn how to back properly with no problem. Then when you are hired you will most likely have on the job training and you will be backing up with no problem

You will learn how to back during your cdl schooling, which will be followed by testing to obtain your CDL.

Nobody, especially not a company driver, can teach you backing before you attend school. It is against company policy to allow someone who is not employed by, nor properly licensed to operate equipment owned by a company.

I don't think anyone desires to be fired. Just go to your CDL schooland learn like everyone else. You'll be just fine.

There are instructional videos on youtube that you can find, just search "CDL school backing" or something similar. This will teach you theory. Go to a truck stop and buy a toy truck and trailer. Seriously. Back that thing up, see how the trailer moves when the truck is at different angles. It won't be as "fine" as actually backing the truck and turning the wheels, but it should give you an idea.

If you know anyone that has a trailer (horse trailer, utility trailer, etc.) ask them if they can take you to a Walmart or something and have you back it up a little bit. It's going to be much different with a 53' but it's the same concept. But you aren't allowed to drive a commercial vehicle until you have your learners permit and are in school or with a company.

Don't worry, though. You'll get frustrated and maybe a little angry but that's what school is for, to help you learn. When you're in school, don't be afraid to get out and look, talk it over with yourself, and walk yourself through the process. "Where does my trailer need to go? How much room do I have to get there? How far do I need to turn my wheel?" are the questions you need to think about.

Good luck!!

I am just in school and have been on the backing range a few times.

Best advice so far that has worked for me is to watch the lights on the back of the trailer when straight backing. I am in night school so the lights are easy to see. No idea if they are quite as easy during the day or not.

When you see the a trailer light in your right mirror and one in your left at about the same place, you're pretty straight. If you see it more in your right mirror, turn to the right. More in the left, turn to the left. Small movements, no more than a quarter turn of the wheel. I'm not an expert or anything, but this has helped me tremendously to not wander out into neverland.

Backing one handed seems to help as well, with my right hand (my dominant hand) at the top of the wheel.

You'll have opportunity in school to back. The school wants you to get your license, so they will help you out.

Now if I can get gear shifting and offset backing, I'll be in gravy!