How the heck do guys who cant back up get their cdl?

Does anyone think a book about how to back a truck would be helpful? Over the past couple years I've been slowly writing a book about it. But I think this generation prefers video. I'm not sure if I'll ever finish it. I might, if only because it's almost finished.

 

No.I sure don't want you to read a book when I am waiting for my turn-)

 

No. When you're new, and struggling to back, you won't understand it. When it clicks, you won't need it.

Struggling to back a trailer is a very brief period in all of our careers. sure, it may seem like forever when we're in the midst of it-but once we figure it out most of us don't really give it much thought again. We just do it. It's really not difficult. It's like the bunker shot in golf. Amateurs are terrified of the bunkers, but the pros actually aim for them because they're such an easy out

Does that comparison make sense to anyone but me? Lol. I hope it does. But what do I know? I'm just a DumDriver. Hehehe

 

True, but some people have a feeling for it and others still struggle a little. My uncle could back easily, my dad had to work harder at it. As much as it may annoy those waiting while somebody gets it straight, in the real world you get an unlimited amounts of pull ups.

 

During training we were shown certain things like turn until this rivet lines up with the fender guard, and all I knew how to do after 14 hours of training was pass the tests. My company sent me out twice for 4 hour runs with another driver and everything else I've learned has come through trial and error, also there are a surprisingly large number of drivers who are very helpful to the new guy. I do understand why they want a years experience for local drivers though it is tough to jump into without it.

 

Takes a bit but youll witness a few swift moves. Like this evening before the sun went down i coming into ohio on I-70 just past the scales. Guy hops on the cb and says swifts got his 4 ways on slowing down the granny lane at 45 mph dragging the trailer brakes.

Eventually i caught up to him and he made it to the exit ramp with a nice white cloud coming out of the tandems and a stench that lasted the next mile.

 

Saw this on Prime's Facebook about a new training pad.

It could sort of help teach concepts, but doesn't reflect reality or even have docks.

 

Gotta slide those tandems man.

I saw a jb hunt dude with a flat bed. Straps all loose and flapping in the wind, one was dragging all over the ground skipping across the ground with 10 feet dangling at least. Shingles just sitting on his truck basically not strapped.

All I heard on the radio for miles was People yelling at him, of course he didn't have a radio either.

One dude cracked me up.

Driver 1 "hey jb..."

Driver 2 "his dumb ### ain't listenin to ####! Don't bother!"

 

Just like any of the other big companies Prime's pads are meant to train you how to pass a test and are used for the actual cdl tests. They are pumping 60-80 drivers a week so they need training pads. Honestly those new pads still will not be enough.

I passed my cdl early this week and we hit the road the next day. For my self I barely had any time on the pads, because too many people need them all at the same time. I did a decent amount of bacKing at docks and truck stops with my permit so I was able to wing it on the exam with only 6hrs pad time. I wanted more time but too many others also needed them. Those new pads are definitely needed.

Honestly it was harder for me to learn the cdl test backing than it was to learn how to do basic dock back ups.

At a dock you can see a 13ft high truck or trailer but looking for little cones or turning at specific times is all about being taught to do those specific turns.

The problem is if all you get taught is how to pass the test then it won't translate to real world. At least with prime you are on a truck for about 2 to 3 months with a trainer where you should be getting lots of practice...

I have another gold truck story but I'll save it for later.....