Backing HELP

Even though Schneider teaches 45, I learned 90 at my school, so whenever I had to back it in I set up as a 90 since I was more comfortable with it. With that being said, your trainer messed up big time. They should have been making you back in every chance you got. How in heavens name did you only do it once in a week? What about every time you went to a truck stop?

 

Sometimes you have to take control of your training. When I was out with my trainer, he would do all the work when we got to the customer. I had to follow him around, asking questions, and then finally I asked him if I could do it by myself (with him there watching) I have no idea why he had a problem giving up control over checking in when we got to the customer lol. If I were you I would ask to go out with a trainer again, and this time tell your trainer that you need to practice backing at least 2 or 3 times a day.

 

Ok sorry I just read all the posts. So did SNI let you go? Did you tell them what happened? THat's too bad what happened to you at school. I started with SNI, but after I went through training I had heard that they shortened the training time. Insane. Don't get frustrated though, there are plenty of starter companies to choose from. Swifts training is good, 3 weeks I think. You start off driving while the trainer is sitting in the passenger seat, then when the trainer thinks you are ready you team drive. I know a driver who is a trainer there, out of California, he would make sure you're good to go with backing before you were done with training.

 

Is there some way you can borrow a pickup and a boat trailer? Any trailer really, it's the same principle, only on a much smaller scale. That should help you get your head around the backing basics. Actually, a big truck/trailer is easier to back than a pickup/boat trailer, the big stuff is waayy slower to respond giving you more time to correct.
Sounds like all you need is practice. Take a deep breath and mantra, "I can do this".

 

Backing is a skill that takes hundreds of times to learn for a lot of people. There is no way a school can teach it to you and all the other necessary skills you need. Your trainer should have given you more practice time. If you go with another company they will put you with a trainer again and you can get more practice. Most companies do not fire you for not being a good backer, they just work with you till you get better. I know Stevens does anyway. Good luck to you and remember while backing....turn towards trouble.