Pre approved for swift

I jus

I just texted my old state contact and I'll let you know when he responds.

 

That was fast. Here are the questions I asked, and his responses.

ME: "On the CDL test is it still 1 get out and look on the straight line, and 2 on all other maneuvers and you cannot get out again after those?

Also I was told mirrors no longer count. Is that true?"

His response: "Yes your correct on all counts. "

 

In a world where you can't control everything, only control what you can. When backing a truck, what can you control? Only what you can see. So when you are doing your alley dock, control your left side. Meaning maintain the proper spacial distances on the left side of your truck and everything on the right side will be good. If you keep your left side just a few inches from the cone at the end of the line and work around that, you will have plenty of room on your right side and can keep your goals to a minimum. Remember, the tandems are the pivot point. When the tires reach the line of your space, pivot your trailer into that space, keeping the tires along that line. Watch the relationship of the trailer to that line, if the front of the trailer starts to move to the right of the line, you are pushing too far to the right, stop and pull up to straighten out. Don't over think it, keep it simple, steer the trailer and control what you can see. You'll do fine.

The same principles apply to offset and parallel parking. Actually, offset and parallel are exactly the same maneuver, the only difference is that one you are doing in front of your "box" or parking space, the other is backing into your box. But the principles are the same: control what you can see, steer the trailer, the tandems are your pivot point. So when your left side tires reach your line (even if it's an imaginary line you draw out for your box) make your turn.

One more thing. Keep it slow. Don't get in a rush. I recently watched a new driver try to back in a space. She rushed everything like she was in a race and made the whole ordeal way harder than it needed to be. She was lucky she didn't hit anything as she didn't give herself time to react. She definitely was not in control. Just relax, breathe deep and be confident. You got this man!

 

Appreciate the warning ...

 

Probably the best advise you gonna get.

 

IMO backing is more of an art form, it takes time, practice and more practice. Don't be so judgemental of yourself right now, it will come. Besides once you get on the road, no backing situation is the same. Just remember that your setup can make or break you.