CDL Straight Line Backing: How the Test Works
Last updated · By David Nelson
In straight line backing you back the trailer in a straight line between two rows of cones, without touching a boundary, until the examiner tells you to stop.
The trick is small, early corrections. Watch both mirrors and steer toward the side where the trailer is drifting, a little at a time.
The course
You pull in straight at one end of a lane about 12 feet wide and roughly 100 feet long, then back toward the other end. Your whole rig stays inside the cones.
Scoring basics
- Pull-ups: pulling forward to fix your position. You get a small number free, then each one costs points.
- Encroachments: any tire touching or crossing a boundary line or cone. Each one costs points.
- G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look): you may stop, set the brakes and look. Most states allow a limited number of looks, often two.
- Final position: you must stop within the examiner's marks. Hitting a cone or going too far is a fail in most states.
Tips that work
- Go slow. Idle speed in reverse is plenty.
- If the trailer grows in your left mirror, turn the wheel a little to the left. Steer toward the trailer.
- Make the correction small, then come back to center as soon as it starts to move.
- Use a pull-up early instead of fighting a big angle.
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Frequently asked questions
How many pull-ups are allowed in straight line backing?
It varies by state. Many give one or two free pull-ups and then deduct points for each one after that.
Which way do I turn the wheel when backing?
Turn toward the side where you see too much trailer in the mirror. If the trailer shows in the right mirror, turn right a little.
Can I get out and look during the test?
Yes, G.O.A.L. is allowed. Set the brakes and put it in neutral first. Most states limit how many times you can do it.
Is straight line backing the easiest backing test?
Most drivers find it the easiest, but it still trips people who oversteer. Small corrections are the whole skill.
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