Backing up a truck not as easy as it seems!

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

stick with Rick onthefence...he's the man...you can do it. i graduated from there in May.

 

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.

 

arent you going to the cdl school in menands?

 

im talking about the instructor at the school named Rick

 

or Rich some people call him

 

Yeah, he has only trained me twice. I need more attention.