Buffalo Tractor Trailer Institute Instructer lost his cool today

False regarding getting it in the box with the same steering just not being centered. We experienced this at my CDL school because our instructor didn't realize that she was pacing off the cones incorrectly. We were putting it in a 10-1/2 ft box for about a week. The next week, when another instructor pointed out the error, we were having to relearn the steering. The reason for this is that you start the same distance from the cone whether it is a 10 ft space or 12 ft space. That's why it doesn't work to simply use the same steering and just get it in off-center. Using the same steering for a 10 ft space as a 12 ft space will result in the front wheels encroaching on the front cone...
Because the approach is too shallow. But, you likely can't be convinced of anything, so believe what you will. You are massively mistaken, but have at it.

 

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It might be the drives that encroach. I can't remember now, but there was definitely an issue of wheels encroaching when using the same steering.

 

This is the problem with your thinking - trying to use a set of precisie instructions instead of learning how the mechanics of backing work. We sent my last trainee home due in large part to his backing skills.

And for the record you can use the same steering to get into a 12 foot spot as you would for a 10 foot spot, you just won't be centered. Being centered isn't a test criteria.

 

But in part he's right. CDL school doesn't teach you anything but how to pass the test. They teach turn the wheel till you see this part of the landing gear... etc. How to actually drive the truck is learned from orientation.

One of the best starter companies, Stevens transport, tells you that from day one of school. "We're just teaching you to pass the test. Why? Because the written test is different than the road test and both tests are different than reality of driving.

One of the best phrases they use to describe it. Studying for the written test you're told a canary is blue. During the driving test you're told it's green. Once you pass we can finally tell you that it's yellow.

 

If you can get in the 10' box, use the same exact maneuvers to get in the 12' box. End result... you'll have two extra feet left over, and you'll still be in the box.

 

What's strange is, back in the day, one would typically start as local and then go otr.

 

Actually, it isn't my problem. It's a problem with the limited time that is provided to learn the knowledge needed to pass the written test, learn backing maneuvers, and learn road driving skills. I hate to say this, but the more you double down on the idea that you and this instructor are absolutely right in every respect, the more you kind of sound like you don't know what in the hmm hmm you are talking about.

 

That's because OTR was where all the money was to be made. Now, local jobs can make as much as OTR, sometimes much more when they are hourly positions. Who doesn't want to make as much or more than OTR and be home every night to go with it?

 

You can't use the same maneuvering because the front tires (or perhaps the drive tires) will encroach on that front, outward cone. You have to steer at a different angle to get the cab into the box and clear the front cone.