MY TROUBLES

I am stuck alley docking. When just practicing, I can do the maneuver. When the examiner comes. I always can not "get it in there".

I am trying to test in 1 week.

ANY SUGGESTIONS?

HIGHLY_DETERMINED_X10

Welcome to the TT site. It reads like you have a grasp on it and may just be getting stage fright. Try to not think about that examiner or instructor beside you, and think about all the steps you need to be doing and anticipating instead. The best cure for any backing exercise is lots of practice and repetition. Take a deep breath, concentrate and don’t give up.

When doing your CDL test, remember the tester is looking to pass you. Relax and do what you know. Good luck.

Yep basically its just nerves man. Dont focus on passing or failure, just pretend youre just practicing and you'll be fine.

HDX10 said: "I am stuck alley docking. When just practicing, I can do the maneuver. When the examiner comes. I always can not "get it in there".

HDX10: I'm confused by your description of your backing problem. When you mention examiner, do you mean you have already been tested and failed?

Your alley docking issue is extremely common and schools know this. Ask for additional instruction, if possible. But understand that you are not alone. When I was in CDL school, I passed my state test on the first try. But in reality, I really sucked at backing. Then I went to the Schneider Training Academy and had some great teachers, I improved. But guess what? When I went solo, I still sucked at backing.

So I get out on the road and I get some chances to practice backing, on my own time at big distribution centers. No pressure whatsoever! It was fantastic! I could get set up, measure distances and reference points and refine my technique. There were no doubt Yard Drivers who observed me and thought I was a total nut case, but I didn't care. Now I'm a fairly competent backer upper. It just takes time and repetition, but you'll get it. Just don't get discouraged. Keep learning, never stop learning.

Also, I notice myself speeding the task up if people are watching or waiting to pass when I'm backing. DONT do this. Just take your time and ignore everyone, unless they are in your way obviously.

I remember learning to 90 in school. In over 2 years I’ve only ever had to do it in real life maybe 3 times. Each time it gets a little easier. I’ll probably get it in the next time in 10 minutes.

You got this. I was nervous as hell when I tested. In the snow in damn Montana. I blocked out the examiner and went through the maneuver just like I had on the training pad. Good luck, Brother. You got this. Now that I am out and solo (a month now) I still get nervous backing into a dock, but every successful dock builds my confidence a little more. I'm working towards the point where I will park between two trucks at a truck stop. I'm still WAY too nervous to even try that yet. Scares the hell out of me. If I can't get a pull through or a couple empty spots together, I just move along. It does my heart good to see other more experienced drivers were a little sketchy with it, too.

You have a time limit to do this but it is plenty of time. I've been driving for 10 months. One thing I've learned especially in the last several months is take your time. When you try to back quickly you screw up. I had kind of an epiphany the last few weeks. Amazing how when I took my time I put it in the hole. When you feel rushed you screw up. Just watch the back of the trailer. If you are taking your time the trailer won't get too much out of whack before you correct it. God bless and I hope you pass

Tx for your help!

You have a time limit to do this but it is plenty of time. I've been driving for 10 months. One thing I've learned especially in the last several months is take your time. When you try to back quickly you screw up. I had kind of an epiphany the last few weeks. Amazing how when I took my time I put it in the hole. When you feel rushed you screw up. Just watch the back of the trailer. If you are taking your time the trailer won't get too much out of whack before you correct it. God bless and I hope you pass