Info about backing double on DCL test?

I don't know of any state that requires you to back doubles.

Doubles endorsement, is a written exam. Most companies require additional training, but not the states.

However, if you use the set-up you described to test with. You're only going to make things hard on yourself.

 

Yes, you will have a backing test. Just not with doubles.

I think you are confusing "doubles" (tractor & 2 trailers) with a simple combination (tractor & trailer).

The set-up you described, would be the equivalent of backing doubles. Due to the fact it has 2 breaking points behind the truck.

You'll want a simple trailer hook up for your backing test (one break point). Life will be much easier, for the test.

Straight line backing test, is generally 90 feet.

 

Bob...if you have to back up...

There are basically 3 types of doubles trailers...

One..B trains that is where the fifth wheel is physically mounted to the front trailer. Those are the simplest to back up...basically it's opposite opposite. So what you do is you look at your last trailer & start backing, then you literally chase it with everything else. You will be making a series of small "S's". The hardest part of doing this is oversteer. You should NEVER move your steering wheel more than 3-4" at a time. If you are using vans or grain trailers to do this carefully watch the corner of the back trailer & if you can see more than a couple of inches of it you have steered too far...then there is no way to "catch up" to the trailer again...the only thing you can do is pull up & start over.

Two..."A" trains...that is where you have an "A" train converter in the middle of 2 trailers...these are almost impossible to back up straight for more than about 10 feet. It can be done...but it takes EXTREME patience & going no more than walking pace backwards...again you start with your back trailer & chase it with everything else...but now you have THREE articulation points instead of one.

Three.."C" trains..this configuration is the simplest double configuration to back up as you will have only one articulation point since the converter has a "pin" to lock the turntable on the fifth wheel, so in effect you have ONE very long trailer.

Hope this helps!

One of these days I should make a training video...it would be so much easier to explain!

 

No, that is a set like a gravel trailer that I have seen...this would be like an "A" train. A "B" train, when split apart looks a bit funny as the front trailer has the fifth wheel mounted directly over the wheels of the trailer...you wouldn't confuse it for anything else!

 

I do that all the time too...good thing there's an "Edit" button!

 

After i passed my road test just to get my class A CDL,I studied the guidebook from the secretary of state for doubles and tankers. When i went into the secretary of state to get my liscence I just had to take written tests. I passed both test and got the endorsments on my liscence without another road test.