Need Help On Serpentine Backing
Topic 4135 | Page 1
Hi all,
Well, I started the driving portion of CDL school last week, got help from a bunch here on backing. Need more help. When the instructor is in the cab, I can do the serpentine backup it without any trouble. When I'm in it alone, I can start OK, then I seem to draw a blank on the reference points, then panic, then get lost. Frankly, since my family's livelihood depends on me getting the CDL A, the pressure has been tremendous. I'm having trouble sleeping, I have a nervous stomach all the time, and I have never been like that in my life. I have had 3 skills sessions on the range so far, and tonight they are taking me out on the road for 4 hours. Frankly, I'm pretty worried, my very anxious as I write this, watching the clock till I have to leave at 3:45PM. After tonight, I am on the road again Thursday AM, 4 hours, then Friday AM, 4 hours. Then it's back to skills next with just a total of 5 sessions left before I get tested. If anyone can help me on how to remember the reference points on the serpentine back-up, and any tips on getting rid of this anxiety, would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
First thing you need to do is stop putting so much pressure on yourself. That's why you are not remembering the reference points. Your mind is focusing on "omg, what if i dont pass this cdl exam", instead of, "Hey, driving this truck is fun and I can't wait to get on the road". Plain and simple, it's not really the end of the world if you don't pass your cdl exam out of the gate. You can always retake the test. As soon as you loosen up a little bit and stop worrying so much about passing or failing you'll do much better. I know its a lot easier said than done but it really is the only solution.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I felt the same way when i was in school. Believe me Your Not Alone!!!! You are under a lot of pressure and its real but its not going to kill you. It took you 5 times to pass ur test soooo what YOU DID IT!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!now onto driving if you keep practicing you will get it... YOU WILL BE FINE!!! one problem at a time. Nobody is born a truck driver you have to learn how to do it, YOU ARE LEARNING Relax as much as you can and like the post before says try to enjoy it as much as you can. The more your in the truck the better your nerves will get. I have all the Faith in you!!! Your putting to much pressure o yourself!! relaxe and enjoy your life one day at a time. YOU WILL BE OK !!!!!!!
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Hi all,
Well, I started the driving portion of CDL school last week, got help from a bunch here on backing. Need more help. When the instructor is in the cab, I can do the serpentine backup it without any trouble. When I'm in it alone, I can start OK, then I seem to draw a blank on the reference points, then panic, then get lost. Frankly, since my family's livelihood depends on me getting the CDL A, the pressure has been tremendous. I'm having trouble sleeping, I have a nervous stomach all the time, and I have never been like that in my life. I have had 3 skills sessions on the range so far, and tonight they are taking me out on the road for 4 hours. Frankly, I'm pretty worried, my very anxious as I write this, watching the clock till I have to leave at 3:45PM. After tonight, I am on the road again Thursday AM, 4 hours, then Friday AM, 4 hours. Then it's back to skills next with just a total of 5 sessions left before I get tested. If anyone can help me on how to remember the reference points on the serpentine back-up, and any tips on getting rid of this anxiety, would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: