Off Set Back Trouble

So yesterday was the first time we did off set backing. And I know since it’s the first time I shouldn’t get discourage. The instructor gave us sight points to follow. And everything happens so fast I feel like I missed them. And with a class of 10 people it’s going to be hard to have a lot of time in the truck practicing. And also hard when the instructor is yelling at you. Fine instructor , but it’s making everything confusing.

So yesterday was the first time we did off set backing. And I know since it’s the first time I shouldn’t get discourage. The instructor gave us sight points to follow. And everything happens so fast I feel like I missed them. And with a class of 10 people it’s going to be hard to have a lot of time in the truck practicing. And also hard when the instructor is yelling at you. Fine instructor , but it’s making everything confusing.

Not sure about the more experienced folks here and any tips or tricks they might have for you, but as a general mention...nothing in life, including trucking, will be easy. Try to find the time to ask the instructor to show the sight points again or explain them to you again. If I ever had a particular area that I struggled I would come in an hour early and stay an hour late. Not sure about your school, but ours we could do that to practice or get extra help. If the instructor is yelling then you will have to find a way to communicate with him or find a way to block out the negativity in order to learn what you need to. That is all I have.

Good Luck.

Steady yourself there Bryan. The hardest part of this whole trucking career is trying to get it started. There is a ton of stuff to get down just so you can get the license, and it all moves so quickly that even the fast learners feel outpaced by the progression of things. Then on top of all that stress you have got to deal with some rough personalities from the truckers who are supposed to be teaching you - it's tough, we get it. Tonight while you're back in your room listen to this podcast about The Boot Camp Approach to Trucking School.

We completely understand how it can be discouraging, but trucking requires people who can hang tough when they get outside their comfort levels. You can do this, you've just got to realize that they aren't going to hold your hand through this whole process. Don't let a few little setbacks sour you on the process. Remember to take each day one at a time and then put it behind you. Move on to the next and never lose sight of the goal.

Come in here and vent or ask questions, but don't dare get into the trap of letting the other students convince you that this company is setting you up for failure. We can help you through this whole process, after all we've all been in your very shoes.

Hang in there, it's kind of like riding a bull for the first time - not only do you not know what you're doing, but the fact that you might possibly get thrown is terrifying.

You may also enjoy Reading This Article. Maybe it will help you realize it's okay to laugh at yourself - nobody was born knowing how to back up a semi.

The best advice I can give you is to relax. Everyone has trouble with one or more back. Ask the instructor to go over the steps with you. Watch what the other people do. Watch how the truck and trailer react to the inputs. Go slow. GOAL. You will get it it.

The best advice I can give you is to relax. Everyone has trouble with one or more back. Ask the instructor to go over the steps with you. Watch what the other people do. Watch how the truck and trailer react to the inputs. Go slow. GOAL. You will get it it.

To add to this, when I was in school I had written the "steps" down on post it note and kept it in truck with me, and it helped me memorize it.

The only other thing I can is to try to get a toy truck & use it to attempt the different maneuvers. You will be able to see how the trailer reacts to the different inputs, visually capturing the steps & transferring that info to actually doing it in the truck. I was skeptical when it was suggested in another thread but a trainee included it in his training & said that it helped him & his friends.

Good luck & keep at it. Keep those baby steps moving forward. The goal is within reach.

GUYS IVE DONE SO MUCH BETTER TODAY ! Thank you guys for the advice. I am more confident now. And I appreciate the yelling now. And also I passed my pre trip and air brake test today only missed one thing.

#Outstanding! It will get easier each day as you gain experience. Nobody starts out as an expert, or perfect. When you make a mistake (which we all do daily), analyze it. Why did you mess up? What should you have differently?

Sounds like you had a good day, that's nice! Keep at it - some days are going to be trying. Some days you may want to throw in the towel. That's just how it goes. Keep focused on gaining the prize and put the little setbacks behind you each day. There's no reason you can't get this accomplished.

Way to go Bryan. I held my tongue last night, quite sure you'd be a whole lot better a day later. Usually what happens if you are dialed-in. Don't let the yelling bother you,...it's a test. Maintain your focus.

Good job on the PTI. One less thing to worry about. Get 'er done!