Start Class

I start class at a private school in a few weeks my major problem is backing any tips? I currently hold a class B with A permit i know they are two difference license. The school im going to Is jumping me straight to range time and backing, keep in mind i have never back a trailer of any kind...

Just listen to your instructors, don't get frustrated, and you'll be fine. Everyone struggles at first with backing. Remember that. Don't let it get you down.

Good luck! Let us know how it's going.

The school I went to started us on straight-line backing on day one. 99.7% of everyone that is getting their CDL for the first time has never had to back up a tractor trailer, either.

As Turtle wrote, listen to the instructors and do what you're told. It's not as difficult in the beginning as you may think.

I’m one of the .3% Been reversing landscape trailers for 25 years.

I’m one of the .3% Been reversing landscape trailers for 25 years.

Where they tractor trailers?

I'm going to guess no, so you're the 99.7%, too.

Thanks just trying to figure somethings out befor i get their

Sorry PackRat. I took it as most people have never reversed a trailer of any kind.

Thanks just trying to figure somethings out befor i get their

It's really hard to give tips verbally. You're only going to learn through repetitive practice.

The biggest tip I can think of that always seems to help people:

When backing, you will get confused as to which way you need to turn the wheel to get the trailer where you need it to go. You always turn the wheel in the opposite way from where you need your trailer to go.

If you need the trailer to go to your left, turn the wheel to the right.

If you need the trailer to go to your right, turn the wheel to the left.

There are way more variables that will come into play, serving to further confuse you while backing. When it happens, just come to a stop and think about what you want your trailer to do, then turn the opposite.

Practice practice practice.

I've been driving a box truck for a year now. It's been nice not staring at a computer screen 7 hours a day now. Backing isn't hard in one of these straight away, partially due to the fact that they have backup cameras in them. Is it safe to assume that since you are always transporting a different trailer that they don't have such cameras? Just using mirrors and experience I recon?

Turtle have you the best general advice:

don't get frustrated

This is the key. You will most probably "mess up" many times. Just consider each failure a learning experience.

My advice:

Pull-ups are not failures, they are adjustments.

Also an extra pull up will "cost" less than encroachment (out of bounds).