CDL Test, Class A 2024. “Offset backing to the Right"

Offset backing to the Right, Everyone will perform ONE of the Offsets, either right or left. Also required is one of the more advanced maneuvers, the Parallel Park Conventional, Parallel Park Sight Side or the Alley Dock. So 6 videos covering all of the maneuvers. You'll only do 3 for your license. The points system for pull ups starts after the number of free pull ups that were stated for the backing skill. You can take as many pull ups as you need, They are 1 point each after the free pull ups. The points for encroachments are 2 points for each part of the vehicle that goes over a line marked with cones, not counting forward boundary lines. If you encroach you'll be stopped and required to clear the encroachment, which means an additional pull up or reverse in direction, whichever applies. You cannot finish an exercise encroached. You can finish outside a boundary line for your final position. The final position has to be adhered to or there is a 13 point penalty. You have 12 points to pass, point 13 is a Fail. You'll have to reschedule the entire test again no sooner than three days into the future, weekends don't count.
Ask any question you want to the examiner.

[@nickx4576]

By far the best video on offset backing

[@trscott1975]

Passed my CDL test yesterday from the truck driving school i went to. Spent many hours over this past 6 weeks trying to learn offset and 90 degree ally dock. I will say being someone who never was in a truck that these maneuvers are tough to learn but you can do it, just practice , practice, practice. To whoever is getting ready to go to truck driving school and take the CDL test, don't give up, stay positive and you will pass your CDL!

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Congratulations! Great advice…thank you!

[@olaoye4921]

Thanks am also still struggling with my offset. I wouldn't give up until I get done. Thanks

[@Redcuptalks]

Thanks for this comment, I failed for the second time today. I have one more chance to make this right- it’s the skills that’s killing me. First time I failed the parallel only- today it was the offset that gave me trouble.

[@jeweljohnson2947]

Congratulations 🎈🎉🎊

[@yep2088]

I like the way u didn't do all those crazy turn maneuvers and just used your two free pull ups to just creat a straight line backing set up. This makes it so much easier

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Thank you!

[@yep2088]

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest you're welcome. By the way, I passed!

[@hectorolivas4281]

My dad was a truck driver for 16 years and he was teaching me while i traveled with him as a kid but unfortunately he died in an accident and so i lost my teacher. Now i want to get into the business he inspired me to and that's why i'm here before going to do the road test. Very good lessons here thank you.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I taught my son two years ago and he now he has his CDL. Best of luck to you, make your Dad proud!

[@hectorolivas4281]

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest thank you sir i'll make sure I do that and thanks for your valuable lessons.

[@MrFateye]

Hector Olivas legacy bro

[@abdallaali3741]

This is the best way that everybody can understand thank you so much sir.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

All the way to the left is correct before you start to move, then take it to where You line up the drive tires with the center part of the landing gear. That will get you close to the correct angle of articulation, stop and steer all the way back to the right and stop again when the tractor is straight with the trailer, check mirrors both sides to see if the parking space is in your path behind you. I suggest this way because you're limited on the amount of distance you have for this manuver so get as much done in the shortest amount of space.

[@jeweljohnson2947]

California here- I’m in school now and I just started offset and it’s hard for me 😭. I just went and bought a toy truck and it’s kind of making… 😂😂😂 Who am I kidding… it’s hardddd😔😩 I will keep you updated. Pray 🙏 for me guys

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Thank you! Let us know how it’s going.

[@GoingMach5]

How did things go?

[@markfeng3012]

I think this is the easiest way for learners to do offset. Thank you Sir.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@artcorner1298]

I like your voice. Crystal clear! Thank you!

[@chrisisrael1857]

Great video I got my my CDL test for Schneider next week.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Good luck!

[@juniorlopez3674]

Thank you Mr mike thanks to you I pass my test today I was having alot of trouble with my offset !!

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Great job!

[@mattromero3476]

Good job thoroughly explained!!!

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Thank you!

[@cameronsullivan6745]

Passed my test today and wanted to go streaking in the quad 😂

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I guess you really are happy 😃

[@yonaadam477]

Where location are you taking test

[@ssab9063]

Your videos are essential! Thank you.

[@omarparra360]

Your instructions are clear and forward thanks

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Thank you!

[@omarawad7038]

Great great great job !!!!!

[@footalee2]

Really like your videos, bless up from Jamaica..

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Thank you Jamaica

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

These videos sorta helps me. I'm currently struggling with the offset backing, I haven't tried the 90 degree backing yet or the 45 degree backing because I still can't back up in a straight line or without going out of path. It was my second day doing an offset backing, the problem I'm having is I'm over steering and I keep turning the steering wheel in the wrong direction for the trailer.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

The best part is you realize what you’re doing wrong. I promise eventually you’ll think less about what to do and your instincts will take over. It really happens like that. Keep working and let us know how you’re doing.

[@abdigadirmusse5516]

This is fantastic driver

[@thegreatmarky8505]

Does this work in NYC, my instructor never mentioned that we could pull up forward they just want me to offset reverse all the way into the box.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Sorry for the delay in answering your comment. I strive to answer all comments. For you and others who may read this, the CDL manuals are all the same for all states. I'm in Colorado and looked in my CDL manual and then compared it to New York and they're the same. Your instructor should be preparing you for the test and the test is based on the CDL manual. Section 12.1 in your manual explains pull-ups. You're allowed pull-ups for all backing exercises. They should explain the point system to you as I do when I cover the overview before the video. The overview is your opportunity to ask questions if you don't understand something. Thanks and good luck!

[@hassanabdi6506]

This is really helpful information. Sir, do you mind if you gave me the steps to follow in written form when doing this offset(right side). You know, i am the type of people who understand best when they have the info. in written form.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

My apologies because I don't have access to a written form for this.

[@FNGMOTO]

I started offset backing yesterday for the first time and it didnt go well. I would lose my bearing as to where the trailer needed to go, kept putting aiming for the wrong spot. Oversteering was also an issue. Now I wonder if the allotted time we get at the school is enough time for me to be able to learn this and the other range skills.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

There is a learning curve and it takes time. Try not to get discouraged and celebrate your successes. Keep this in mind, you don’t have to be perfect. Take advantage of the Looks. If you think you lost track of where the trailer is and get out and go look. You’ll also be limited on pull-ups but you can take them and you should use them to your advantage. Let us know how you do, best of luck!

[@jeweljohnson2947]

How did it go?

[@yungjj84]

Do I turn all the way to the left before I start backing or as I'm backing?

[@eduarditogonzales4485]

In Canada wasn't offset backing in the school and honestly I have no idea when it's useful. Maybe when they tell you to unload at dock 7 and you went to 6 by mistake?

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

That’s one time when it would be, yes. In a real world scenario you wouldn’t offset like that. You’d pull forward until you clear any obstacles and then cut it to the left or right and then line up to back straight in. Pulling forward and then backing the trailer at an angle to offset is more difficult. The CDL test requires it done this way so that it shows your skill level and your ability to do it this way. The parallel park is done differently in a real world scenario and also the alley dock. Thanks for the comment!

[@robbflynn4325]

nice video, being as inexperienced as i am i think id only use my second pull up as a very last resort!

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Robb, Because you are inexperienced you Should use use both free pull ups. Its not used as a last resort...use it as a first resort. There are no penalty points for using them both. Use them both and you'll possibly have a perfect score. I encourage everyone to always use both and keep in mind the extra pull ups beyond two are the lease amount of penalty points. That should encourage you to always use as many as you need to gain an advantage and get the vehicle positioned so you know what is happening on both sides. If you back and you can't see both sides, that's called blind backing and you'll hit things. It could be Big Bubbas $175,000 Peterbuilt someday. (he'll be pissed)

[@Kandeecee45]

this is good. helps alot.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Thank you Candace!

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Awesome!

[@karlafanea2912]

this was not a good angle to show exactly what he was doing. they starting following the truck giving a dead straight view of the truck. that doesn't help when we're trying to understand the angle at which to take the specified turns

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I mentioned a couple times that there are other ways to do this exercise. I made reference to the drive tires aligning up to the center of the landing gear.This was one way that shows what to do to get the trailer to go towards the offset lane, look at time around 2:00. I took both of the free pull-ups and took both looks. This should be used as an example of what you'll be asked to do when you go for the skills test, If you're going to a truck driving school the instructors will also have their details concerning exactly how to do exercises. I'm covering the content in section 12 of the CDL Drivers manual

[@jessieonofre3607]

Is it better to turn all the way away from the box or 1 turn away from the box?

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I think it depends on the truck you’re using and the turning radius of your truck. The further away from the box requires a longer distance to bring it back into the box. You’re limited on distance. Thanks for the comment!

[@MasterNos666]

Hello I did my CDL road test this past week. I failed mine cause when I went to do this maneuver. I had to do a pull up and didn't pull up back into my original start location. So my instructor failed me for me. Does that sound correct to you? I'm from New York if that help your view at all. Because here I have a lot of friends that have struggled to pass there CDL road test.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

No, it doesn't sound correct. I would need more information.

[@lasonyalewis3186]

Sir, as long as you complete the first two maneuvers of offset they cannot fail you for pulling up and doing a straight back?

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Yes they can, I explained it in the 2019 updates, If you don't finish inside the boundary for what ever reason, either you don't know where it is or you make a mistake you can fail. Not being inside and behind the forward cone is considered out of bounds and is a 13 point penalty which with a 12 point maximum will be a fail. You will not fail for doing a straight line back once you get the trailer straight. Thanks for the comment, I hope I answered the question.

[@Swara96]

Mike Logan so on both offsets you have to have the trailer inside the cones before you can pull up?

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

@@Swara96 The maneuver starts all the way inside the cones and also finishes all the way inside but in the opposite lane. The examiner will read to you the overview as you sit in the truck inside the cones. The overviews are the instructions telling you what to do for that specific exercise and if ever you don't understand any part ask for clarification. I also go over what is said in the overview in my videos

[@Swara96]

Mike Logan what I meant was as I pull up inside the cones to the boundary line and start my backing into the opposite lane, can I pull up at anytime to use on of my pull ups or does my trailer have to be near the cones before pulling up like you did?

[@ChrisMasFlow]

@@Swara96 I understood what you asked @Mike Logan but honestly from what I remember at the Gardena CA dmv you need to at least reach the back part of the trailer into the cones to be able to do a pull up. I tried using a free pull-up before entering the cones and the instructor had be literally go back to the starting position because she said I never entered the cones so that’s points taken off and it messes you up having to start off again.

[@luxelove4929]

I'm in school school currently and struggling with this maneuver.... I was told that my first turn is just a full turn and not a hard turn then my second turn us a hard turn. Doing it that way I can never get it right...

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Both are hard turns because you want to get the vehicle positioned in the shortest amount of space.

[@darcmael4633]

Texas Was told that it needs to be one motion and pulling up to do straight backing was an automatic failure. I could only pull up to correct the angle

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I'm not sure what you were told. The backing portion of the CDL skills test is scored totally on a points system. "There are no automatic fails" If you exceed the 12 points allowed then you'll fail. There are no specific rules on how to perform the exercise. You have boundaries that you have to stay within. You have stop boxes for some exercises.You're limited on the space and it's challenging. Your goal is to show the examiner you can control a Class A vehicle and position it in the space. Good Luck

[@dustbat]

I have been out of all this from06. It seems a bit hard to expect new guys to do all these moves while some one is watching who has the power to end their job hopes. I see some grads of some schools and they do not look like they have much practice. This takes time to prefect and is somewhat ojt. Just too much for some jerk to fail you on.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

It is difficult. You don’t have to be perfect. With that being said you are required to prove that you can control the vehicle before your given a license and go out and mix it up with the public.

[@jondeere2312]

Hi Mike! Are pull ups required during the test?

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

No, as an experienced driver for example you may be able to do this without doing a pull-up. You get two free so why not take advantage of those along with the two times you can get out and look.

[@jondeere2312]

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest Thanks Bud

[@briankeith757]

Manuel or automatic?

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

Manual

[@thepleiades6992]

Manuel

[@activeskate102]

How many seconds would you count before you counter steer

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I don't teach time frames. Sorry. I point out parts of the vehicle that should help you determine what point to steer and by doing this several times you should have a pretty good idea of what the angle is.

[@gtoneable]

I learned by counting 1-1000, 2-2000, 3-3000 then counter steer but the observation method may be easier. It depends on what works for the driver.

[@nelsoncanelas1978]

In California I was told we can only pull up once

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

I believe you’re misinformed and I would check with a more reliable source for the correct information. Check directly with those who conduct the examination. I’m not sure if the department of motor vehicle does the testing or if they outsource it to a third-party testing unit like they do in Colorado.

[@MoniqueNeuble]

Did you get your CDL ? And yes it’s only one pull up, I know this is a old thread .

[@sethrosene5765]

This isn’t the new offset backing skills test…I am in school now. This isn’t it.

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

The new Modernized CDL test was implemented in July 2023 and all testing facilities had one year to bring their testing facility up to date. This included training the testers, painting new lines for the backing portion and bring everything up to date so by July 2024 everyone was ready. This parallel park from the old test was still being tested during the first 6 months of 2024 for those testing facilities who were not completely ready for the new modernized test. Showing this as a 2024 test is correct for the first 6 months of the year. You're correct that it is not the new offset, I have a new updated video for that. Please watch the parallel park video because it will give you pointers on how to offset, plus you may need to parallel park someday. Thanks for the comment!

[@efusanyaolanrewaju6262]

In my state Minneapolis no pull up and no get out

[@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest]

It's my understanding that (AAMVA) American Association of Motor vehicle Admistrators is trying to have all states test the same. If it's not allowed now it may be coming. There has always been the opportunity to do pull ups and looks. It was in Sept 2015 that the rules changed here and you were allowed two free pullups and a maximum of two looks for all manuvers except for the straight line backing, that is one free pullup and only one look. Prior to 2015 you were charged points for any pullup you took. I promote pullups, It's the safest way to make sure you are properly aligned when backing