90 Degree Ally Dock

I have had a class B cdl for 10 years now Friday I had some extra time I when to the dmv took my combination and tanker test only missed one on each test easy part out of the way now I'm scared about the skills test 90 degree ally docking never done it with a trailer any pointers??

The key with any backing maneuver but especially ally dock is set up. Getting the proper set up meaning having your trailer far enough away from the pivot point so you don't clip it but also not push the trailer to far to the outside edge either. The other thing I would say is don't be scared to get that trailer jacked over. You really need to allow that trailer to turn into the spot. Lastly is all about timing. Learning the right time to start chasing the trailer in order to get the trailer even with the back cones but having the tractor still slightly angled can take practice.

Thanks I've never backed a trailer not even one for a pick up but I understand the mechanics about never tried it

The key with any backing maneuver but especially ally dock is set up. Getting the proper set up meaning having your trailer far enough away from the pivot point so you don't clip it but also not push the trailer to far to the outside edge either. The other thing I would say is don't be scared to get that trailer jacked over. You really need to allow that trailer to turn into the spot. Lastly is all about timing. Learning the right time to start chasing the trailer in order to get the trailer even with the back cones but having the tractor still slightly angled can take practice.

Welcome Jason. Without knowing much of anything, my initial pointer is to get some training in a tractor trailer, if at all possible formal training.

Otherwise:

How do you intend to practice?

What will you take your test in?

As a class A permit holder you will need a valid class A driver in the passenger chair as you practice and drive, do you have one?

What type of truck are you currently driving (axles, trans, GVW)?

Do you have a class A job already lined up?

The route you are taking is atypical to what is recommended and may not help you achieve the desired result.

The reason I asked those questions, operating a straight truck, even a class 7 tri-axle is not the same as 72 foot tractor and trailer combination. Unless you have a job lined up, getting a job requiring a class A CDL may prove difficult without some formal training, typically 160 hours before taking the road and yard skills test. Even then your future employer may require 4-6 weeks of additional road training with an instructor before going solo.

I could continue but without more information on what you want it may not be applicable.

My research confirmed what G-town posted. I initially planned on doing it your way. I came to this forum and found out how little I knew about getting started in this industry.

There are jobs out there. I could pass my CDL in the morning and be driving a log truck that same afternoon. But I want to be a real truck driver. That means I need to go OTR for a couple of years. To go OTR as an employee (not a 1099 driver that gets ripped off) I have to have 160 hours from an accredited school.

"The juice ain't worth the squeeze" to take shortcuts for me. Believe me, I really wanted to take the shortcut, but when I emotionally detached from the idea and looked at it objectively going the traditional route just makes more sense. Just my opinion.

I have had a class B cdl for 10 years now Friday I had some extra time I when to the dmv took my combination and tanker test only missed one on each test easy part out of the way now I'm scared about the skills test 90 degree ally docking never done it with a trailer any pointers??

To answer your question about the alley dock.. it actually depends in the type of taker you use. Flatbed are shorter than reefers for example.

Basically you pull up to a line in the test pad. Turn the wheel all the way to the right u til you see the cross bars of the landing gear in your mirror and back until thw tire look like they are going I to the spot. Straighten the tires and the traiker will go in then turn the wheel to the left to "get back under the trailer" and straighten out. Pull it up forward if you need to then straight back.

Go find. Compary sponsored program. They give the best training have great equipment and are sticklers for saftey.

And Bravo Zulu I could SO make a comment about the juice statement but I'm goi g to kept my mouth shut for once hahahh

Jason, you want to do like G-Town suggested and get some formal training if you intend to drive Class A trucks for a living. I can tell you right now there is absolutely no chance on Earth you're going to pass the skills test without practicing. No chance whatsoever. You're wasting your time and money even signing up for the attempt.

Also, there is almost no chance landing a job with a reputable carrier after getting your Class A without formal training. All of the large carriers require formal training of some sort, either through a private truck driving school or a Company-Sponsored Training Program.

If you're looking to get started at the Class A level go through our materials for new drivers:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

That will help you understand your choices for schooling, your choices for the different types of jobs that are available, and what life on the road is really all about.

I drive a 6 axle ready mix concrete truck 9 10 13 speeds. The company I work for has a tanker division I plan on going into I make 18.75 hour now I'll make 2$ more when I get A license why I done it

Welcome Jason. Without knowing much of anything, my initial pointer is to get some training in a tractor trailer, if at all possible formal training.

Otherwise:

How do you intend to practice?

What will you take your test in?

As a class A permit holder you will need a valid class A driver in the passenger chair as you practice and drive, do you have one?

What type of truck are you currently driving (axles, trans, GVW)?

Do you have a class A job already lined up?

The route you are taking is atypical to what is recommended and may not help you achieve the desired result.

The reason I asked those questions, operating a straight truck, even a class 7 tri-axle is not the same as 72 foot tractor and trailer combination. Unless you have a job lined up, getting a job requiring a class A CDL may prove difficult without some formal training, typically 160 hours before taking the road and yard skills test. Even then your future employer may require 4-6 weeks of additional road training with an instructor before going solo.

I could continue but without more information on what you want it may not be applicable.

Ok, now it makes a bit more sense. The job is there, that's good. My assumption is you have no desire to go OTR. Also really good you have conquered shifting multi-range transmissions and definitely can handle the weight. The wagon trailing your tractor is your challenge.

I still think someone with experience at your current employer at the very least, should provide you with significant instruction and work with you as you practice. Further, they should also continue observational & supervised road training before turning you loose on your own, solo.

Also suggest studying pre-trip in the High Road Training Program to familiarize yourself with inspecting a combination vehicle. Pre-trip will be part of your exam, gotta know it cold.

I suggest asking them to acknowledge and explain how they will be training you before and after getting your class A. I know I sound like an old stick-in-the-mud, but I have seen several examples of exactly what you are attempting to accomplish, short-cutting training only to fail miserably. Trying to help you avoid that.

Good luck Jason. Keep us posted if you can.

Thanks yeah I shortcut I have no desire to go Otr I will know something by tomorrow on my traning i know there's going to be challenges on pulling a trailer I was teach by a old timer he said if you can drive a ready mix truck you can drive anything later on he trained me to drive a twin stick b model Mack lol

Ok, now it makes a bit more sense. The job is there, that's good. My assumption is you have no desire to go OTR. Also really good you have conquered shifting multi-range transmissions and definitely can handle the weight. The wagon trailing your tractor is your challenge.

I still think someone with experience at your current employer at the very least, should provide you with significant instruction and work with you as you practice. Further, they should also continue observational & supervised road training before turning you loose on your own, solo.

Also suggest studying pre-trip in the High Road Training Program to familiarize yourself with inspecting a combination vehicle. Pre-trip will be part of your exam, gotta know it cold.

I suggest asking them to acknowledge and explain how they will be training you before and after getting your class A. I know I sound like an old stick-in-the-mud, but I have seen several examples of exactly what you are attempting to accomplish, short-cutting training only to fail miserably. Trying to help you avoid that.

Good luck Jason. Keep us posted if you can.