Need Advice - Backing / Week Off School

So tomorrow closes out the second week of the three week program at Veriha Driver Academy. However, next week there is no schooling because all the trainers are in their own training class. So I will have a week off, then return for the final week, which will consist of three days of practice then CDL testing on Thursday/Friday. My backing (offset, 90) is not up to snuff, and I fear forgetting what I do know of them. I asked the instructors for advice on what I can do with this week off to try to keep improving. They said rent a Uhaul trailer and practice. Also, a driver/OTR trainer stopped in on his 34, and when I told him I'm having trouble judging my distances he recommended I use a range finder used for hunting. Sounds like good advice to me. My question here is, do you concur with these tips, and any other advice? Thanks in advance.

I wouldn’t rent a uhaul and have no idea how a rangefinder would help. I think you may be overthinking. Remember be calm. You shouldn’t get any points on straightline , and maybe have to use one extra pull-up on offset.

Don’t hit any cones, and use your get out and look while saving one for final position. Even though you are only given 2 free pull-ups, you could potentially pull up more than 10 times and still pass. Remember most times on the 90 you need to pull up to the left . When using a pull-up ensure that you are looking in your mirror while pulling up instead of ahead On the alley dock when you get your trailer initially cut in the lane ,you turn your wheel and when the tractor is straight in front of the trailer .. stop…get out and look. If you don’t have room to keep swinging pull up a bit.

Thanks for your take on it, Papa Pig. I definitely overthink and get flustered, but I don't quite comprehend the foundation yet either on the alley dock. Not getting points on straight line. Needed one pullup on mock test day and that was the first time in awhile, so I'm assuming nerves. Even though my offsets aren't pretty, I think I can get it done with one or two extra pullups which I'm working on decreasing. I do look in my mirror while pulling up on the alley dock because they said it's the tandems we need to move forward a certain amount. I will focus on what you said tomorrow.

Keep it basic for the alley dock. If you get frustrated always remember to turn towards your problem. If you need to pull up, at least 8ft. In training my biggest problem was overthinking everything. It will “click”. GL

Thanks for your take on it, Papa Pig. I definitely overthink and get flustered, but I don't quite comprehend the foundation yet either on the alley dock. Not getting points on straight line. Needed one pullup on mock test day and that was the first time in awhile, so I'm assuming nerves. Even though my offsets aren't pretty, I think I can get it done with one or two extra pullups which I'm working on decreasing. I do look in my mirror while pulling up on the alley dock because they said it's the tandems we need to move forward a certain amount. I will focus on what you said tomorrow.

Thanks for your take on it, Papa Pig. I definitely overthink and get flustered, but I don't quite comprehend the foundation yet either on the alley dock. Not getting points on straight line. Needed one pullup on mock test day and that was the first time in awhile, so I'm assuming nerves. Even though my offsets aren't pretty, I think I can get it done with one or two extra pullups which I'm working on decreasing. I do look in my mirror while pulling up on the alley dock because they said it's the tandems we need to move forward a certain amount. I will focus on what you said tomorrow.

When I was in school and in training, I got a trial version of American truck simulator and used it extensively. I didn't do the missions, I just used it to get a feel for distances in backing and right hand turns.

While there's no substitute for real seat time. Simulators help

Thanks Klutch, I will try to remember turn towards your problem on the alley dock since I know to do it on the straight line.

Davy, great idea. I forgot I have ATS on my home computer, I will play around with it, thanks!

If you use a pull up, use all the distance available. I see a huge number of drivers fight battles with themselves trying unsuccessfully to back in docks and parking spots due to not utilizing all the available free space.

Sometimes I have this issue too. Then of course I kick myself, and fight it all the way to the hole. 🤦‍♀️ Stubborn is as stubborn does.

If you use a pull up, use all the distance available. I see a huge number of drivers fight battles with themselves trying unsuccessfully to back in docks and parking spots due to not utilizing all the available free space.

If you use a pull up, use all the distance available. I see a huge number of drivers fight battles with themselves trying unsuccessfully to back in docks and parking spots due to not utilizing all the available free space.

I appreciate the advice Packrat, I will make sure I use all my space.