Learning to be a Truck Driver

Eric I thank that backing is an art you will learn in time . If you take hold of the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it the way you want your trailer to go you will find out it works. Always know where your trailer is at all times NO GUESSING set your brakes and LOOK.Don't be afraid to ask someone to watch you if your not sure.
Hey it's pretty easy to quite school and walk out just like High School . Stay with it and there will be rewards at the end. Kinda like the Navy. (I made it)don't listen to them losers that didn't make it buddy.
No one was as slower learner then I was and still am. But I have 40 plus years and 4 million miles that I'm proud of.
Good luck in your training and welcome aboard son. Danny

 

if you survived basic training and a four year hitch in the navy, learning to drive a truck should be a breeze. your military background will serve you well.

 

the main key to backing is go slow. don't ever hurry while backing it just makes it worse. and remember G.O.A.L. GET OUT AND LOOK.

 

Just finishing up my training up here in Canada, so I can definitely relate.

Yes, backing is one of the difficult things you will learn, but EVERYTHING in a truck requires more skill than most of us used when driving 'just' a car.

The key word for everything (at least as far as I have found) is SLOW. Don't be in a rush to back in, pull out, buttonhook, shift up, shift down, or anything else. Plan what you're going to do, take your time doing it, and stop and double-check if you need to. Guys that can back in with a single pass, leaving only 6" of clearance on either side of their trailer have done it more than a few times....that kind of skill only comes with lots and lots of practice. For now, learn to just get it going straight backwards, the rest will come.

 

Driving / backing isn't hard.. While is school now is the time to push yourself. I class we used to do stuff to improve ourselves. The cones were set at state license requirement distances... When we thought we had it down pat.. We used to modify the cones...

You think that blind side back is too easy... try moving that cone closer together 10'..... NOW try it..not so easy now hu....

Don't be like the other guy.. I saw soo many students do the excersise once and then stand around wondering "What's next"!

You see a truck open jump in and practice, practice, practice.. Try for NO pullups.. Move cones, make it challenging..

ALWAYS KNOW where that trailer is.. Get a mental picture of where it is.. If you "think" you know you have enough room...WRONG! You must "know" you have the room!

Never hot shot it... I don't care if you have to get out 14 times and look while backing.. It only takes ONE oh, crap to ruin 1000 atta boys.. Know what I mean?

Never give up.. You'll find driving is the easiest part of the job! Dealing with stupid 4 wheelers, and dumb receiving clearks, and brain dead dispatchers are the real challenge..LOL

 

Sure, learning to back is a challenge. There will come a time when all of it will fall into place. Don't force it, it will all come together. In addition, yes, there are time when you will be frustrated to the point of wanting to quit. Not just during your training, but during your whole career. Heck, there are days twenty years from now (if your still in the business) that will tempt you to hit yourself in the head with a hammer for getting into this line of work.

Day in day out, this is a great job if you and your family have the temperament for it. If not, it'll teach you to enjoy your next job that much more. Good luck.