So I have my CDL but am a functionally incompetent trucker. Now what?

Backing a twin would be like pushing a rope. I have never seen it done.

 

I saw some DRIVERS do it. But it was for short distances and not into real tight spots.

 

training is training and backing is just as important a part of the training as is driving in traffic / in bad weather / descending a grade / etc.

All those skills are equally important.

 

I am not an experienced driver, but having gone through a CDL school and passed my test, I have come to see learning to back a combination vehicle is the same psychologically as learning to do anything that the mind sees as foreign and intimidating. Practice, Practice, Practice. Over time it will become second nature. Yes, it's more complicated than other things you have learned that have become second nature. That just means backing will take more repetition than learning to ride a bike. You may have a mental block to overcome, like you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Whatever the case may be, eventually it will click and you will be able to back into any reasonable spot the truck and trailer will fit. When I was working as a loader/unloader, I had to maneuver 26' straight trucks. At first, backing them was terrifying and I was terrible at it. After a few weeks, I had no problem at all. Am I comparing backing a straight truck to a combination vehicle? No. Again, the emphasis is on the psychology of learning to do something you have not done before. The mental block in backing that straight truck passed and I became highly proficient. I experienced the same in CDL school. Struggled early with over steering. By the last week, I had no problem getting the truck to do what I wanted. Again, I had to get past the mental block. I feel confident that barring an issue like lack of depth perception, you can get to the point where you feel confident getting the truck and trailer to go where you want. I feel confident in saying that because you are here asking for advice/feedback, indicating that you haven't given up on yourself. Psychologically, it shows that you know you can do it, you just don't have the conceptualization of what to do when. Practice, practice, practice.