Backing up a truck not as easy as it seems!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by onthefence, Sep 30, 2010.

  1. onthefence

    onthefence Medium Load Member

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    Sep 1, 2010
    Rensselaer, NY
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    Again, in school, so the CB comments don't apply. My road test is supposed to be Tuesday, but I can't parallel park to save my life. If I can't figure it out by Monday afternoon, I will have to reschedule or give away $40. I still can't control the truck and I am scared to death.
     
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  3. vavega

    vavega Light Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2009
    maple shade, nj
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    scared to death of what? if you're practicing at school you should be out in the open with nothing to hit. work on controlling your mind first so you can concentrate on what you're doing. constantly remind yourself that you can do it.

    if your instructor isn't making you go back to the basics, then do it yourself. make up little tests based on what you know and practice, practice, practice until you get them right every time. an example..... lay out a cone, then pull up @150 feet, start to back up with the intention of hitting that cone and mushing it to bits. go slow, as slow as you can even if you don't let the clutch all the way out. pick one point of reference on the trailer and use just that instead of letting your eye wander between that, the ground, and where you're aiming. i use the last set of tires instead of the frame of the trailer. once you get how to back up in a fairly straight line controlling the trailer with lots of small steering wheel movements it'll click in your head.
     
  4. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Nov 2, 2009
    Northern California
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    IF you are still scared to death, is it really a good time to get your license and get out on the road and other situations where it might really matter? By the time of your road test you should be as confident as can be after working with the same tractor trailer combo for so long.
     
  5. onthefence

    onthefence Medium Load Member

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    Sep 1, 2010
    Rensselaer, NY
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    First, although the course is 3 1/2 weeks, the first week is classroom. Also, you have to take turns, so it's more like 2 weeks drive time. You do not use the same tractor trailer combo. I am afraid of the test/parallel parking not driving. I am fairly confident going forward.
     
  6. oorahduece

    oorahduece Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2010
    East Greenbush NY
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    stick with Rick onthefence...he's the man...you can do it. i graduated from there in May. :biggrin_25525:
     
  7. onthefence

    onthefence Medium Load Member

    382
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    Sep 1, 2010
    Rensselaer, NY
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    I did not get to Rick yet. I am in a private CDL school and have to pass my CDL before I even get to meet Rick.
     
  8. oorahduece

    oorahduece Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2010
    East Greenbush NY
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    arent you going to the cdl school in menands?
     
  9. oorahduece

    oorahduece Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2010
    East Greenbush NY
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    im talking about the instructor at the school named Rick
     
  10. oorahduece

    oorahduece Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2010
    East Greenbush NY
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    or Rich some people call him
     
  11. onthefence

    onthefence Medium Load Member

    382
    66
    Sep 1, 2010
    Rensselaer, NY
    0
    Yeah, he has only trained me twice. I need more attention.
     
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