A Young Woman's Perspective on Driving a Semi

This is the way I was taught:

Line up with 1.5 - 2 feet parallel, with the cone (or front edge of your space) between the rear of the back wheel and the mud flap.
Turn all the way left, and start backing. When you just see the entire far side landing gear in your right side mirror - stop. Turn the wheel all the way to the right.
Then simply back in until the cab is at a 90 degree angle to the trailer.

 

I have enjoyed reading your post. I myself just finished Roehl's CDL school on the 13th of november. I chose Roehl due to their high safety rating. I was and am very concerned with safety. Roehl teaches "protective" driving IE: Protecting others. I like that. Roehl has "safety" as their "Corner Stone Value". Again I liked that. Their training did not stop at the CDL school, it continues through the first 60 or so days of over the road driving. Another plus.

I wish you the best in your training and your choice of a company, may all your journeys be safe.