CDL Training: Straight Line Back

Katlaw shows you how to properly perform the straight line 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 straight line backing. This CDL training video breaks down each portion of the straight line back maneuver using proper terminology.
Katlaw Truck Driving School provides complete truck driver training. Our CDL training programs are designed to get you trained, licensed and safely behind the wheel as quickly as possible so you can begin your new career. Katlaw has provided quality CDL training since 1998. If you have questions, please visit our website at Katlaw.com or call our office at 877-252-8529. Katlaw is located in Austell, Georgia.

[@isnxg2k]

I'm in trucking school right now, I'm having such a difficult time backing up everyone else is far ahead then me but I know if I keep practicing I'll be able to get. I'm not going to give up, thank you for this video it helps a lot.

[@dominqueferrari5196]

How are you doing with straight backing now?

[@isnxg2k]

@@dominqueferrari5196 I’m doing good I got it already it, I have my appointment on the 20th of this month so hopefully I pass

[@russalladam89]

I got same issues 😕..he don't let me look to the left side I'm still have problems

[@robensonsevere8651]

Welcome to the team I’m going to the same problem with backing

[@shylincoleporter8347]

I'm struggling with straight backing too, same thing everyone is getting it and moving on... Im not going to give up l

[@lamesasmith793]

I felt so bad today, on my first day of training. But I'm seeing that a lot of beginners have a hard time backing. It will get easier with practice.

[@kemagusby2962]

I have a hard time backing up

[@donnahardy4834]

Same I’m on week 4 of 8 in training how are you making out now ?

[@lamesasmith793]

@@donnahardy4834 I started roadmaster training. I am doing excellent now. The school I was attending last time had horrible reviews. I am doing great now hun.

[@ChinoDeSanDiego]

Yup. I thought this was going to be a peace of cake... I was totally wrong. Today was my first day driving a truck. All I can say there I'd a lot to learn!

[@lamesasmith793]

I got my CDL class A license on December 15th 🙌 I wish the best for everyone! Y'all got this!

[@camscrazy69]

Thankful for this video, my instructor is useless and was just barking orders at us. Me and my other class mate were struggling until I found this video now I’m completing the drill successfully within the first day!

[@israelpage3663]

Same issue today as most in the thread. Instructor was just barking orders which wasnt helping not to mention he kept having a fit cause i wouldnt let all the way off the clutch but the full speed of reverse was too fast for my first time especially when theres no low/high reverse option on a 7 speed. The video definitely helps a lot because he is useless in explaining stuff so hopefully tomorrow will be better.

[@kyleking5516]

My CDL Instructors (plur) where nowhere near a clear with the technique/ instruction on how to stright back as this guy....Now Im on youtube trying to learn lol

[@ziaahad6869]

kyle king they don’t want you to learn!!

[@uzo9887]

Same here! 😤

[@yolandacarnes6666]

Me too

[@uzo9887]

@@yolandacarnes6666 are you good at backing at this point?

[@yolandacarnes6666]

@@uzo9887 I have the concept of what to do & I guess not use to being in a truck & learning how to drive a stick shift can be over the top but ......I CLAIM THIS CAREER IS MINDS I DON'T MAKE KNOW EXCUSES

[@chanceh7349]

I can’t back up a trailer if my life depended on it.... I stopped and watched this video and did it the first time..... THANKS

[@Easttnvol25]

I'm going in to trucking and that my biggest fear lol

[@pezzyhunt7432]

Yeah you’re sense to watch and follow the instructions

[@pezzyhunt7432]

I’ll like to know m e about to u text me WhatsApp line ‪+1 (317) 360‑2753‬

[@crissiejuarez1851]

I tried today for the first time and it was tough. Did it right first 3 times then failed next 6!!!! Ugh

[@yardchesternook2834]

After a whole week of training ,this video was what really did help me understand how to do it correctly !. Thanks a million !. Blessings !.

[@lillady1770]

Thanks I'm going to watch a couple or several more times. I have to pass my maneuvers to be able to road test. I was told I move the steering wheel too much..appreciate you

[@97stonealex]

Marie Israel did you pass, I’m having trouble with my maneuvers as well

[@racimk5375]

Marie and Alex! How did it go?

[@jessi_starr]

Perfectly described! Thank you so much for this!! My instructors weren't explaining it well to me and this will absolutely help!

[@Sip28]

How’s the trucking going for you?

[@jessi_starr]

@Sip I worked last summer as a trucker, and I was all over the Midwestern and southeastern United States. I was gone for a week at a time between home time, and I hated it. So until I find a local trucking job, I'm driving a motorcoach and school bus.

[@Sip28]

@@jessi_starr man I wish I had hands on training I’m trying to learn how to drive the truck

[@Sip28]

@@jessi_starr I’m happy for you

[@Sip28]

@@jessi_starr is yours automatic?

[@whodatcall]

This maneuver is kicking my ass smh

[@meldonmcclure2866]

Mee too

[@Olesnapper]

Hang in there you will get it. I did a backing demonstration on my KZbin channel today. It comes with practice

[@whodatcall]

@@Olesnapper thanks for the likes just to let u Kno I passed and I'm driving for coke a cola now thank u all for yaw well wishes!!!

[@lisahughes7053]

Me too

[@whodatcall]

@@lisahughes7053 I had my CDL now for about 8 months now It's gets easier TRUST ME it just takes repetition

[@mareo187]

The main problem for most truck drivers and new drivers, is the fact are Brain is wired to get use to turning to the left in which we turn the wheel to the left and we oversteer too much which is another big issue of this straight backing. The key is that left means turn the wheel right, while right means turn the wheel right. And some folks stated to prevent oversteering place your hand on the center of wheel and when the trailer is turning to left or there is too much exposed area in that direction you turn the wheel to opposite way until your truck reach the desire area you want it to go and straighten the wheel.

[@starlettemiller8059]

Uggggh help me lol. I sucked on Saturday/Day#1

[@manojjacob5636]

This is the best straight line backup video. Thanks for posting.

[@abdinet190]

I’m in trucking school right now last 2 days i was struggling with backing hopefully this is gonna help me thanks

[@willjuarez9525]

I’m going to school right now I’m havin a hard time . But watching this video help me .

[@tldarden5895]

I believe that once you get the technique it is priceless!

[@irenehessenauer169]

OMG! Thank you. My school is big on getting it in the box but not big on drilling you on the simple task of which way to turn the wheel. Going to watch this video on repeat

[@WarriorScott88]

drove a 53 foot tractor and trailer for the first time today and was having issues with straight backing I was over steering then was chasing my trailer this video helped me understand not to turn so much

[@ModestReviews]

Thank you for these videos!! We highly recommend this channel!!! Very helpful will trucking lessons and tips to passing your CDL tests!!

[@margielang9481]

Thanks 🙏🏽 you did a Phenomenal job on teaching us how to back up! We were able to see your trail go one way and you stir the wheel a different way which makes a lot of sense now! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@jonathangutierrez597]

I'm in school right now n I was thought that backing up using the 9 o'clock n 3 o'clock maneuvers makes it a lot easier

[@aamorri1]

Thank you for the video. I am in a CDL Training School right now. Driving forward into the box without touching the yellow lines and straightline backing is a little bit challenging for me right now. I have to kick the bad habit of oversteering.

[@aaronstone628]

How did you do man? Not gonna lie I’m on the verge of giving up. I’ve probably attempted a straight back like 8 times now and I can never get it..

[@filishamoore8375]

Omg! I tried it yesterday for the first time and let me tell you I grew frustrated b/c I couldn’t get it right. We have to take our time and realize that it’s not our personal vehicle but a trailer that we are backing. Wishing you luck

[@erickasmith9201]

Yep, me also

[@tldarden5895]

Excellent information about backing up technique!

[@juliocees2350]

This video helped me the most out of each video. My instructor has tried his best to teach me but instead I’ve been following my tail just as you just said. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@prospect4954]

My instructor today told me if the trailer drifts to the left turn towards the problem which is to turn to the left to get it back straight, same technique for the right as well

[@squad437]

Can you tell me if they ever talk about shuffle steering when learning to drive a semi truck. Just wondering Thanks

[@hatersgotohell627]

How do you know if trailer drifts to the left or right.. I couldn't tell in my mirrors until it was too late

[@moneymanhussein8445]

@@hatersgotohell627im going thru this right now

[@bjrockinpjs2228]

???

[@jayquan17ify]

My instructor told me the same thing

[@jrab3636]

Im being trained today to hostle in the yard for the warehouse I work at. Thanks for the tips

[@emmanuelhabte4491]

great show

[@AnotherBlackGirl]

I’m about to try this technique now🤞🏽

[@SophiePalong]

I need this person spirit to enter in me for my DMV testing day 😂 so I can pass it in one shot😂

[@beze7598]

I’m a 5’2 22 year old girl I just did my first st back today and I did pretty well I stalled once but other then that I got really smooth with the clutch and brake and I didn’t hit any cones and I kept the truck in the lines

[@vanessaruiz3205]

Have you got a trucking job now? I’m starting school very soon, bit nervous.

[@assadbarakzai5921]

Ru single

[@BlindBadger212]

@@assadbarakzai5921 The hell outta here freak!

[@tonypatriot8585]

I just tried the other day. It’s harder then it seems. I will try this tip.

[@robertcabrera2271]

Your videos are amazing 👏, couldn't do any maneuvers if my life dependent on it. Thanks to you, it seems like I know what im doing hahaha.

[@tabiasjackson]

This video definitely helped! Kept the tandem tires in my flat mirror and when one went away I turned it away.

[@markfeng3012]

I like the video so much! Thank you Sir.

[@SubaruB4RSK]

Add me to the list of having a hard time doing a straight back but watching this video I think will help me like turning the wheel to the side you see the tandems on

[@albertfranco5617]

Thanks this helped me!

[@pbama5220]

Good video i am at a driving school academy and my instructor wants us to only use one hand I often was over steering and chasing the tail like my instructor said and watching your video I see my mistakes and going to correct myself appreciate your videos

[@katlawtruckdrivingschool7689]

Thanks for the comment Paul

[@annettemerrick717]

I should want there instead of sage my instructor don't teacher you much

[@holywaterandgreentea]

Excellent Thanks

[@meylinguzman3235]

Thank you for showing the steering wheel. I wasn't sure how much of a turn a had to do. Now I know

[@Talbomar]

Thank you 🙏

[@adamford5453]

Those are really good at but love that

[@Sinister_Reaper]

it was easy on the 53 foot trailers but i remember back having to do my first pull up when i took the test and the test truck they gave me was a single axle short wheel base freightliner with a single axle 28 foot flatbed, that little short bastard was a pain in the ass

[@yassinechafei6786]

Thank you

[@bjrockinpjs2228]

3 weeks in I still can’t do it I will keep practicing, but parallel parking I can somehow do it better ??😂😂

[@michaelsheppard5006]

I was taught that you hide the wheel meaning if u are straight line backing and your rear drivers side tire starts showing you turn your steering wheel towards that problem meaning turn your wheel to the left until u can't see the tire anymore and then straighten your steering wheel back up and vice versa if it's showing on the passenger side. He is saying do the opposite if it's showing on the left turn the wheel to the right.

[@andypaillant5454]

When you steer too a correction as a beginner should you stop completely?

[@michaellee1688]

Man. Get it one time and lose it the next.

[@amandapaul2622]

thks i luv ur video😍

[@goldenbrisket3555]

I struggle with this so much today, my first day of training.

[@johnnycray4427]

I noticed that he pretty much stopped the truck when he made his first correction at around min 1:52, & that he was basically moving his steer wheel from 12-6 position. So stopping with the clutch, making your correction, & then continuing to move recommended?

[@mohamedelaawy2063]

شغل محترف تحيه من مصر

[@mjsg8476]

Good video and this needs some practice before you start to do well.

[@ilovewrestling1000]

Are the principles the sam backing up a pickup truck and trailer as a Semi-truck and semi-trailer?

[@JUANCARLOS-yl4rw]

Hey fellas how are you doing? Happy new years to all I just recently got my self in to a cdl driving school wich is already paid off. I have never driven a truck before and I can already tell my instructor is not that helpful. I am having trouble doing all the reversed maneuvers any body PLEASE HAVE ANY HELPFUL TIPS. I HAVE TO GET THIS I NEED TO GET THIS. GOD BLESS ALL

[@HiddenCharacter1]

Left to lose it, Right to find it.

[@holywaterandgreentea]

Excellent Thanks, is right to find your driver tire?

[@mauricecanney7472]

Place your hand at 6 o'clock, if you want the trailer to go to the left , looking in your mirrors, push your hand left. Right for right.

[@charlesrolle7351]

So where the bulk head comes up and takes view of tires, turn slightly away from it till it alines again?

[@frostxr]

Just the word EXAM stresses me out. Practicing for road exam! I did oversteer and correct wrong way.

[@Midnight-Ranger]

are you allowed to stick your head out the window to do the backup? or do you have to look in your mirrors the whole time?

[@ToothlesstheNightFury510]

Started training for switcher at fedex ground, man I can’t backup in a straight line for the life of me. I hope this vid helps me

[@craigslistrro709]

So, Steer away from the wheels you cant see.... Okay, I'll try that.. I have a heck of a time trying to figure out which way to turn the steering wheel when i need a correction..

[@heemnificent]

EASY CALL!!!

[@Fleshn2spirit]

When you say pause am i stopping and what is the slight turns in a clock reference

[@brianherrick815]

Man I’m in day 2 and I don’t have a clue or have a feel for backing up. I feel like im too stupid to get this or something. Any tips?

[@kingtutmano]

Peace and love brother don't ever call yourself by that negative word again you are not stupid you are Intelligent just keep practicing and eventually you'll be fine

[@travistassy6056]

Yesterday was my first day of training and the instructor says to "turn into the error" this is so confusing

[@Beaslymo]

I’m in a CAT program and I’m instructor told me to turn to the side that’s starting to unaligned but this video says to turn away. Which is the proper way? (Those that are experienced or passed the test)

[@sanric4076]

Omgggg my second day doing backing and I feel like a damn fool !! My leg leg hurts so bad lord help me!! I just can’t get it whyyyy

[@99Chef]

Im having trouble with backing also...im going to get it right though... for me I think the steering wheel not tight enough

[@lisahughes7053]

Currently in school and Im struggling on this but the steering wheel is 180°crooked on the truck so its hard to know when you're holding the wheel straight

[@isnxg2k]

I'm in trucking school right I can't seem to get it as much as I try I'm having such a difficult time, any tips?

[@lisahughes7053]

@@isnxg2k put your faith in God.When I thought coming to school was a mistake God worked it all out for me in my final week. Everything made sense and came together. I'm not joking.I did go home everyday and would sit and imagine I'm driving or doing the maneuvers in my head. Breathe try not to overthink and leave your nerves at home. Straight concentration. Positive affirmations letting yourself know you can do it daily. I got my CDL on 3-11 and had a job on 3-15.

[@isnxg2k]

@@lisahughes7053 that's how I'm feeling right now that it's a mistake going to school but I'm not going to give up I'm going stay positive and I'll keep faith in god. Thank you for the reply back I really appreciate it. I have my appointment on April 20th I really hope I pass. thanks again.

[@lisahughes7053]

You're welcome. Congrats in advance

[@eurekasevenwave2297]

I'm in my 2nd week of class and I cannot back the son of a bitch straight! We have a day cab with a single axle 53' trailer for our range trucks. I understand that you steer towards the trailer backing and your mirrors are to be adjusted to the very edge of the trailer when PERFECTLY straight but I can never really tell when my trailer is straight to start with. I'm about to start getting out and checking before adjusting my mirrors and then doing it because I'm lost on why I can't do this shit. I've been really sour today, lmao, because I can drive on the interstate perfectly fine on my 2nd day out on the road, downshifting included.

[@deesplash7087]

My instructor says if u start seeing the tire tread (designs in the tire) of either side (right or left back trailer tires) u turn the wheel to the direction (3 o clock for right) and (9 o clock for left) and u wanna do it soon as u start to see tread on whatever side and don’t go further than 3 o clock or 9 o clock and soon as it straightens up, u put the wheel back to 12 o clock (center)

[@chasityanderson6248]

I’m in School now and my instructor told me this today as well each time I got it between the cones without knocking them over or running them over but I’m still having problems

[@deesplash7087]

@@chasityanderson6248straight line backs are very easy, u probably have already got it and graduated ur class at the time I’m replying to this. I graduated the class almost a week ago and gave my CDL now 😁.

[@kyk2655]

Turn away ? Driver intructor told us turn into ?

[@chilloften]

My instructor says turn towards the problem, or turn towards the side you see the trailer. Just yesterday I was to close to wall on right, I turned right it got worse. I’m missing something.

[@emilioDCG]

Same just happened to me today too lol

[@chilloften]

@@emilioDCG I have since figured out that perhaps I didn’t hold it long enough to actually move position of trailer. I hope that helps, someone, here down the line. It takes at least 8 ft (I think) for that trailer to move behind you. I get better & better. Keep at it 😊

[@emilioDCG]

@@chilloften yea that's the same thing I worked on too. I just keep my eye on the ends of the trailer and switch from mirror to mirror and turn towards the problem no farther than 9 o'clock on the steering wheel if it's on the left and no more than 3 o'clock if it's to the right. I also noticed I used to get confused because I'd look at the drive tires and felt like I was driving of course

[@cheftabthetrucker3301]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Sip28]

I need someone one on one training. Literally no one I can find to help

[@smileymore25]

That’s what I feel I need. Because there are too many students in my class so therefore I don’t get enough time in the truck. I was looking for someone with a truck that lived in Orlando, FL that I could pay to teach me backing for 1 hour.

[@Sip28]

@@smileymore25hey smiley! Well I learn just by driving and if you were close by to my location I would train you and show some tips how I learn, but over time I taught myself just by getting the hang of it.

[@Sip28]

@@smileymore25 I give you some tips do you have a social media any kind?

[@smileymore25]

@@Sip28 Thank you! I appreciate it! 🙏🏽

[@tunmarte7707]

Wait a minute, don’t you have to steer towards where the wheel is disappearing?

[@timburrows4200]

Towards the side that is kicking out

[@shirleyharris8960]

That’s why i was lost

[@prwellzpokemonclipsbattles5914]

Does this work on a 26’ footer?

[@timburrows4200]

If u see trailer kicking out left turn left, to the right turn right quarter turn. Until u see trailer straight

[@talentedt-trustworthy3618]

Very good help me I’m trying to get my permit so I’m studying for my cdl I’m 20 years old 😅 wish me luck

[@achiislawngardencare9059]

We’re I practice at it’s full of potholes🤣🤣🤣 I bet we’d have it better if there was none

[@cloudnurdz6331]

Same here

[@badtacodrift6]

I thought you go against the problem if you see more tire then you should you turn towards that side of the problem

[@prospect4954]

That’s what my instructor taught me today if the trailer veers to the left turn towards the problem which would be turning the wheel to the left “9” o’clock

[@rrb9679]

I can t get it they said always steer quarter turn to the problem …and you said steer the other way It s very confusing starting school pretty soon need help definitely

[@LuisHazlip]

Why is Justin Timberlake driving...lol. Thank you for this info.

[@converselife3996]

You don't turn away from the problem u supposed to turn towards the problem

[@otogoutanhaitiforexayitifo6073]

I had note learned about being able to see my trailer wheels on both sides as an indicator that the trailer and tractor were straight. I was told to turn towards my problem until it disappeared.

[@lisahughes7053]

Me as well

[@hatersgotohell627]

I didn't see anyone steering from 12 to 6 when seeing this done. I've been only seeing quarter turns

[@99Chef]

Its only my second day

[@aceduece4142]

Hows it going? I start monday.

[@miker5700]

I wish my school taught us this stuff. I'm here watching videos I'm 3 days in and I feel I should be working on this but no they don't start us in groups and start from the beginning. There's alot of ppl that are 4 weeks into the class so it's set up for parallel parking and yea im having issues. Sucks I paid cash for the school thinking was a good place but it's the worst school ever. The instructor sits inside and we never see him the other students trying to help as they learned from students. Plus the trucks are complete junk hoping the truck that's registered/ insured that is used for the road test is in better condition. I've been doing the pretrip on the one broken truck looking at it like my lights are all there not broken... the air intake is all tight bla bla. All the tires are tread depth no cracks bla bla besides the 3 that are missing like everything on it is broke so I'm pretending the entire time. It's missing a headlight, air intake, 3 tires and multiple other things but I guess I'm lucky to even have it. I'm just nervous what the next few weeks bring.

[@andreafelton689]

Steering wheel looks so small. Is that an optical illusion? Please don't play background music it's far too distracting

[@SuperPoshposh]

I 💓 BACKING ⛪️

[@Dickies98]

U 💘 Backing into what?

[@johnnycray4427]

Fucking show off. This isn't for you then, asshole!

[@Javon1689]

@Sherman Klump 😂😂😂

[@pdhoggardable]

I fear backing a truck.

[@oranoran5769]

Stay away from great lake driving school in Columbia station .Ohio ..worst equipment .bad instructors ..they just want money

[@aamorri1]

Oran Oran I had a gear shift stick break on me. The students that used the truck before me said it was loose. The school didn't attempt to fix it until I pulled it out. Luckily the truck was in neautral.

[@emmanuelhabte4491]

it is look like very easy but very confusing when , specially the instructor shouting on you. you loose easily patience and disgustingly feeling.

[@peterhilton7353]

I know you need a good CDL and I got the best recommendations(Check my reply)💯

[@sami-ss6sl]

I don't think that backing up is easy as it looks.

[@DeeMoney-rj4rj]

It’s not

[@banned474]

I can’t hear shit

[@SilveradoUSA1]

Volume too low

[@B3Band]

SPEAK UP

[@anthonyjefferson1893]

this video is incorrect you turn towards the problem. not away from it

[@aceduece4142]

It's not incorrect though, if your driver side trailer tire starts to dissappear that means the trailer is off tracking to the right and to bring it back to the left you need to turn right.

[@peterhilton7353]

I know you need a good CDL and I got the best recommendations(Check my reply)💯