CDL Training: Offset Back Maneuver

Katlaw shows you how to properly perform the offset back maneuver in a semi tractor trailer in this step-by-step tutorial. Prepare for your CDL Skills Test by utilizing these best practice methods for the offset back maneuver. This CDL training video breaks down each portion of the offset back maneuver using proper terminology.

[R-BURQUENO]

I was one of the WORST students in my C.D.L. school. That was approx 2 years ago (Almost 5 years now). Today, I am one of the better drivers on my fleet as far as backing up.
If your not doing too good in school, dont worry. Just keep practicing. I was a nervous wreck and thought it was impossible to reverse one of these "Monsters with a tail"! TODAY I am more comfortable in a truck then my own car! YOU ALL WILL GET IT IF YOU KEEP PRACTICING AND DONT GIVE UP, I PROMISE!!!! PEACE✌️

[truckinmonster]

Hello im coming up on 2 years with my CDL A just stopping by to let you guys know to keep going keep strong you will succeed and have a nice rewarding career god bless.

[Nolimitcrew]

Was struggling with offset for a while. But I just passed my test. My best advice would be to set yourself right, pull back out so you can just do a straight back.
And if you’re struggling with it, believe me…you ain’t the only one. I thought some was wrong with me, I just couldn’t process it lol Keep trying, you gonna pass!

[christophersevere]

Got my CDL son December 16 I remember watching this video and other videos being frustrated that I couldn’t get it. Trust me if I can do it anybody can do it you just have to keep practicing over and over. good luck to you all👌🏿

[oscarmatias]

I just started my class this week and today was my first time ever driving it was exciting and nervous. Life is an adventure and experiences I hope to all that are in a CDL course that we all pass. 💪

[TheTruckerTucker]

Just received my CDL, a week ago, this video was a huge help ! my instructors sucked and were not patient

[pgriffin]

For anyone needing help do what I did. On the weekend I would rent a uhaul and a car trailer from them, got some cones found a empty parking lot and practiced until I understood. Yes these are bigger but doing this will help you get comfortable with turning and give you more confidence.. 70-80 bucks each weekend to make thousand in the future instead of going out is securing your future… good luck everybody.,

[theqweful]

There are very few instructors who actually take time teaching students

[deehardesty]

Hi guys I passed the test in 2000 and was the only female in the class at Katlaw in Georgia and the hardest manuver was straight backing.I was so fusterated i almost cried and gave up but no way once I leerned that every little move you make on the steering wheel one way you have to take out the other way.So much diffetent then driving a car.It was like a danve move once you got the move down you just know it .Keep up the good work love yall.

[ThreeSeven]

Adding to everyone else’s stories… There are so many different mental approaches to this maneuver and I think that adds to the initial difficulty. Each of our instructors has a different way of teaching it. From simple directions “left, right, straight” to using landing gear/frame rails as reference, number of turns, turn all the way, number of seconds to hold the turn… I would have one bad day where instructors needed to intervene to help me, followed by a day where I was doing it perfectly, followed by another bad day. There is truth to each method, you just have to make it work for you. Ultimately, it’s all about practice and understanding how steering wheel movements translate to what the trailer does. If you’re struggling and your instructors aren’t helping, use YouTube to find a method that works for you and it’ll start to make sense. Also, I cannot understate how important it is to set up your mirrors properly. I consider myself fairly competent at offset now. Friday, however, I got a different truck where the passenger side mirror was not securely mounted and would tilt itself to the right. Despite knowing the maneuver, it was still a challenge to go into it half blindly and I messed up a few times. I’ve seen people storm out of their trucks, frustrated over not getting it, and give up their practice time. If you’re having a hard time, keep a cool head, breathe, maybe get out to take a break, even ask other students for pointers if your instructor isn’t making sense, but don’t quit.

[somonasmith]

Coming in from Goldsboro NC, I am in the CDL class now. This is easy said than done. But the more practice I get the better I become. I am looking forward on completion of this course!. And to all my ladies out there that's trying to get your CDL'S. Go for it you can do anything you set your mind to!!.

[motorvaderlapstrake]

The one turn thing works!! It helped me pass my CDL test. Super simple. Put one turn in it and take the trailer to just about 45 degrees and then straighten out. You can then see both cones in your mirrors. Steer the other way till your close to the cones and then use your GOAL to get out and see where your at. Continue back putting the trailer in the entrance of cones . This is a good time to use your one pull up to straight out and back pretty much straight in.

[stizz]

I’m at CDL school right now for my class A. I go to school on weekends. This is the 4th week and today I finally got the hang of straight backing. They wanted to move me on to this in the video but I said after next weekend I will try this. Can’t wait until I finish school.

[brandonfoster]

I'm in school now practicing offsets for about a week now. Its not hard but its easier said than done. Repetition is key

[Summer_Else]

The fixes in this video helped me fix everything I was doing wrong! Thank you! All I was getting from my instructor were vague hand motions to steer left, right, right, left, right, right, left and then shaking his head in exasperation while I ended up all over the flippin parking lot EXCEPT where I was supposed to! You just made it so simple for me and IT WORKS!!! THANK YOU!!!

[pauljones]

Passed my manuvers 12/15 last year. This video helped me greatly! Going to the left lookout right mirror. Going to the right lookout left mirror! Good luck to all! 😀

[Thegeneration]

Currently in cdl school, I have been taught a couple ways to perform this. Best way that worked for me was to crank hard until the front corner of the trailer is about 1/4 into the catwalk area, then crank hard the opposite way until you see the center cone in your mirror and use that reference to guide it in. Use your pull ups and goal if you have to! My instructors say to always get the rear of the trailer into the box before using a pull up. Good luck everyone reading!

[thethday]

My concern is the school dont give us enough practice. It’s too crowded. 10 minutes a day to practice. Quit my job paid cash for course. Using saving to get through want to be done in 2 months. Way the school operates, I pray I meet my goal

[edwardcastro]

Im about to get my cdl license test in a week and all maneuvers (offset, parallel, alley dock) only made sense on my last week at school. Most of the time it was just all instinct, but someone explained it to me better and it all became second nature. It all boils down to your reference points. Cone and 5th axle distance, trailer angle, and most importantly trailer-tractor angle/position.

[Ednyce]

Definitely better than what I was a week ago still haven't perfected it yet but that alley doc is absolutely killing me not even close