Depth Perception

I am looking for a school or Company that trains. One of my biggest concerns is if my depth perception is good enough to back a trailer, change lanes, etc. Is there a method of testing this in a practical way? Probably sounds stupid it I wanna be safe and great at it. Thanks.

Do you currently have depth perception problems that you know of?

If you don't then you should be fine. Even with my distance issues and close up issues where I wear two different pair of glasses, I still can back a trailer and know when I'm going to be touching the dock.

Just realized that backing is not an ordinary movement and it will take you probably upwards of a year or a bit more to get it down pat. Don't expect to be able to back like an experience driver in just a couple months, because it just won't happen that quickly.

Laura

Laura, I do not have depth perception issues as far as I know. Just a little intimidated by the length of the trailers and limited view from the driver's seat. Thanks. Helps to know it takes awhile. Robert N.

Do you currently have depth perception problems that you know of?

If you don't then you should be fine. Even with my distance issues and close up issues where I wear two different pair of glasses, I still can back a trailer and know when I'm going to be touching the dock.

Just realized that backing is not an ordinary movement and it will take you probably upwards of a year or a bit more to get it down pat. Don't expect to be able to back like an experience driver in just a couple months, because it just won't happen that quickly.

Laura

Hey Robert, I am in training right now. The depth perception backing up takes some getting used to. Using your trailer wheels helps you get an idea of where you are. You know your wheels are approximately X amount of feet from your back ICC bar/bumper. When you get out an look(GOAL) try to find a mark, crack, concrete expansion line, etc… to help you judge where you are. As far as changing lanes, if your mirrors are adjusted properly you will see the back corner of the trailer and can tell if a car is next to you.

Delco Dave, thank you. I feel like this was an excellent answer toy question. Very useful and practical. I am hopeful a few driver's that have been on the road awhile will chime in and add to your suggestion as well. I hope you will have a very fruitful career. Sounds like you will be a great driver. Robert N.

Hey Robert, I am in training right now. The depth perception backing up takes some getting used to. Using your trailer wheels helps you get an idea of where you are. You know your wheels are approximately X amount of feet from your back ICC bar/bumper. When you get out an look(GOAL) try to find a mark, crack, concrete expansion line, etc… to help you judge where you are. As far as changing lanes, if your mirrors are adjusted properly you will see the back corner of the trailer and can tell if a car is next to you.

I've been driving and backing trucks for over 4 years. Honestly, I still $uck when it comes to knowing how close I am to the truck parked behind me when I'm backing into a truck stop parking spot. I just get out and look, back up a couple feet, and repeat. Nothing wrong with getting out to double check. In fact it's encouraged.

Real Diehl, thanks. I guess I'm paranoid. Kinda common when your first looking into trucking. Appreciate the cander. Robert N.

I've been driving and backing trucks for over 4 years. Honestly, I still $uck when it comes to knowing how close I am to the truck parked behind me when I'm backing into a truck stop parking spot. I just get out and look, back up a couple feet, and repeat. Nothing wrong with getting out to double check. In fact it's encouraged.

Me! I have depth perception issues. I am near sighted in one eye, and far sighted in the other. The way my brain works without glasses or contacts is that my brain switches eyes for dominance depending on what I'm doing. This means I have zero depth perception while uncorrected. With glasses or contacts, I do just fine in knowing where I am. I am super careful about lane changes, because I was careful about it in my car too. I probably give too much room, but that isn't a problem! Good luck.