My Trainer Isn't Letting Me Practice Backing

I once had to back a loaded bullrack nearly 5 miles. We were hauling cattle up to summer range and the road got too muddy due to a sudden rain storm that came through maybe an hour ahead of us... The pickup in the lead got stuck really bad. The worst of it was 2 switch back turns... Not an experience I care to repeat.

 

Tell us that she doesn't GOAL and she tells you not to GOAL let's me know she looks at the job of training new driver's as just extra money for herself instead of passing along her knowledge.

If I was in this situation I would ride it out and keep cool. At the end, if you are still not comfortable going solo I would see about the possibility of riding and driving with another trainer to improve my skills.

One thing I always remember is that the mirror is not always right. Mirrors lie. They give optical illusions. Trust your gut, not the mirrors or someone behind you giving directions.

Good luck and be safe and you will do well.

 

you have only been on the truck for 4 days?

so you think you're an expert at backing up, cuz you got that shiny new CDL?

with only a few times backing at the CDL school?

you do not mention any "close calls" you may have had, the first time you backed up that truck.

you do not mention your overall grade average at your CDL school when you graduated.

she may have a new truck. she may be on probation herself for a prior incident.

how about this bit of advice from a 48 year experienced driver.

JUST DO AS YOU ARE TOLD.

 

My First and ONLY OTR Truck Driver Trainer was easy going and never yelled or related negative tripe.
We spent 2 weeks Eastern Regional with one "emergency trip" to Pocatella, ID.
All together 2 weeks running and culminated with MANY sarcastic arguments over who was to drive when.

I've turned on MANY "Non Truck Roads" with a 70 foot combo.
Some were due to (1) BAD directions on the Qualcomm, (2) some were "alternate Routes" avoiding closed portions of Interstates, (3) some were "experiments".

I've had some questionable drivers at other companies apparently thinking I could not back correctly yelling whilst I was Backing, so I just STOPPED and set the Parking Brake.
They then received "Quit Yelling or This Truck SITS Here"!

Yes, there are some questionable "trainers" that have no capacity to Train anyone because they seem to be constrained by a unknown disability. Usually above the neck)
Those type "trainers" couldn't train a frog much less a Human.

I taught my wife how to drive a 4 speed manual car. Rode Shotgun with a Large cup of Coffee, didn't wear a drop.
Taught her to drive a 6 wheel 6 speed manual straight Truck (with a sleeper).
Taught her to drive a 10 speed Super Ten Tractor as well a standard 10 speed manual Tractor, there is a difference.
After all Our Road Trips in my Training, She went to a Truck Driver Training School to get her Class A.

You Just Need To Work On You.
If she cannot have a reduced volume conversation and she doesn't "allow you" to have more Backing practice without obnoxious yelling, then just do your BEST to overcome the annoyance and get Your Truck!

As mentioned, when/as you're able, RECORD her activities.
It may be useful, may not but do NOT tell her what you're doing.
It's none of her business and she might be recording You.

Keep US Updated!!
CHEERS!!

 

Training is a process for both trainee and trainer. Day 4, and you're frustrated that you're not allowed to jack it tight between a couple of $100,000 Peterbuilts? Your trainer isn't just protecting the equipment they're responsible for, but protecting you, as well. Any incident or accident while you are behind the wheel will affect YOUR CDL. Be patient.

 

what the heck is in Pocatello , Idaho..??

i have had co-worker's go there. i have heard other drivers going there.

i know it's on the map, but i don't know why, it's on the map

what is in Pocatello, Idaho.?

a picture of Pocatello, ID

 

Wait, WHAT???? Not only is she incompetent, she's bordering on harassment. This needs to be reported.

 

I got in a deal like that once but it was a rock slide that stopped us there was 3 of us I was lead truck going up so it made it easier backing back down we didn't have any switch backs luckly just alot of curves and only had to go about 3 miles that was far enough as those cows were concerned
I saw a episode on...King of the Hill once that reminded me of that deal

 

All newbies make those mistakes. But ask questions of the trainer or slow or stop to get more time before you have to make a decision. I still get very anxious finding customer entrances my first time near their property. I learned to drive trucks before GPS, cellphones, etc. and getting lost in a big truck still makes me sweat. It's your trainer's job to be clear about what is expected of you. "Don't screw up" is not a clear command. If the trainer knows the route and is also expecting you to hurry then the trainer MUST make the directions clear to you. It's good you feel bad about a mistake. It probably means you are wanting/trying to do things correctly. Don't let it turn into "I'm no dang good. I have no business being here. etc, etc." That's just shuts down you ability to learn. It would be much worse if you were saying "whatever, it worked out, it's the sign's fault, etc." Those people are the worst drivers. There are more tools you can use to make avoid a mistake, but those also increase distraction and create other types of mistakes. Go as slow as you need to not make mistakes, even if some do-nothing trainer is yelling.