Newbie Truck Backing Problems...

So Im almost done with primes psd program, and im still having some trouble backing, I can get in a spot and up to a door without hitting anything lol and i dont hold up traffic but i still have trouble getting straight and lined up, i can do it but i need a few pull ups, normally i back in the hole and need to move leftor right i pull up and ill over correct and do another to go the other way sometimes it takes me one more. any tips on fixing this other than practice? My trainer isnt the most forthcoming with advice and he just keeps telling me its a problem, im getting better but some tips would help. Thanks in advance

Follow the problem when straight Lining back. Meaning if you see your trailer more on the drivers side turn the wheel to the driver side and vice versa

Will do for aome reason backing straight is hard for me unless im backing between something lol

Also is it really a big deal if i need to pull up a few times before im straight in the spot? Im not in danger of hitting things off just not quite right, my trainer thinks if i dont get it perfect in 1 pull up or 1 get out and look then im not going to make it, i agree i need to work on it but i dont feel as though it is a make or break problem

If that's your only problem then man... You're killin' it!

Seriously though, I wouldn't worry about it. It'll take you years to master your backing and you surely won't have it down anytime soon. Just roll with it and don't let it stress you out. If that's you're only problem then you should be proud of yourself.

Experience is the best teacher. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't get all bent out of shape because of a few minors flaws in your backing. That's expected and the examiners do know that.

Also is it really a big deal if i need to pull up a few times before im straight in the spot? Im not in danger of hitting things off just not quite right, my trainer thinks if i dont get it perfect in 1 pull up or 1 get out and look then im not going to make it, i agree i need to work on it but i dont feel as though it is a make or break problem

Let me put it as simple as I can, your trainer is a doofus. I was an instructor so I can tell you what he should be telling you.

He's expecting perfection and he's not going to get that from anyone.

It's totally fine to get out and look more than once. It doesn't make you a failure. As far as I remember, you're allowed 12 points on the backing maneuvers. That's quite generous. It's better for you to get out and look than hit a cone. So if you have to, get out and look. Obviously be aware of how many times you got out and looked and know the rules/point system well.

But just because you got out and looked more than once doesn't mean you won't make it. As far as I'm concerned, a passed exam is a passed exam no matter how you did it.

for some reason backing straight is hard for me unless im backing between something

Hey Logan experienced drivers will often look at something on the pavement to help guide them. It could be something like a crack in the asphalt, or even a piece of litter, or an old discarded cigarette butt laying there that you can use as a visual to help you guide your tires next to it to help you maintain the line that you are trying to back along.

He doesnt care about the exam its nothing is all he says, ive mever been on a pad, this is all parking spots and dock doors lol i make mistakes and a good but of them but i have gotten now when i can recognize the mistake sooner and figure out how to fix it on my own to me that seems like decent progress, after i pass the test i go out with a trainer for 30k miles and should have plenty of time to work the kinks out, in my opinion anyways if i can get it in safely and without holding up traffic or taking an absurd amount of time than i can live with that for the moment it gives me enough of an idea of what im doing that i can work from. Im honestly just happy i can back it up on my own regardless of pull ups used lol

To help you with getting straight when you are committed to the door use your little mirrors to help you line up. The big mirrors are set at an angel so you will always feel crooked but the little ones provide a straight line view. PS you dont have to get it in one shot. Sometimes i do and sometimes i pull up alot and ive been at this 2 1/2 yrs.

Hey Logan, like everyone else is saying, pulling up a few times and/or getting out to look is no biggie. It beats hitting s**t every time.

My experience so far has made me a bit smoother and confident in my backing abilities, but, I will still pull up and/or get out in a heartbeat if necessary and don`t think a thing about it. You will start picking up on little things that will assist as you go. It truly does get easier the more you back. You will form a sight picture of how the back of the trailer should look and be able to correct it as you go. Just keep at it.