Basic Vehicle Control
Backing and control skills.
12.1 Backing safely
- Avoid backing whenever you can; plan to pull through.
- Get Out And Look (GOAL) before backing.
- Back toward the driver's side when possible so you can see better.
- Back slowly, use both mirrors, and use a helper with agreed signals.
- If you lose sight of your helper, stop.
Common skills-test exercises include straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking and alley docking (varies by state).
Source: AAMVA / FMCSA — Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model manual used by state CDL manuals) (Model manual — verify your state edition). Updated: 2026-10-09