Semitrailer reversing

Learn expert techniques for reversing a semitrailer

$35 +GST per person ($40.25)

Semitrailer reversing

Learn expert techniques for reversing a semitrailer

Reversing a semitrailer is a critical skill to pass your class 5 test, plus it's important to keep refreshing it when you are a professional driver.

25% of truck damage is caused while reversing because it's difficult to judge distance, and the blind spots are large.

Why do a trailer reversing online course?

  • Learn the theory online, then take your smartphone out to the cab and put it into practice, minimising the risk of damage
  • In a class 5 course, you won't get much time to practice the reversing manoeuvre, and you need to complete it to pass, so getting additional tips early on really helps
  • Get tips and tricks from our experienced trainers.

What will you learn?

  • The swept path, off-tracking and swing out
  • Blind spots and how to minimise them
  • Setting your semitrailer up for the most risk-free reversing path
  • Reversing in a straight line
  • Reversing around a corner
  • Serpentine reversing
  • Reversing up to a dock
  • Reversing trailers with a steering rear axle
  • Who is this course for?

    • Class 4 drivers looking to make the set up to class 5
    • Drivers who have only driven a truck and trailer and want to get other types of work
    • Yard team
    • Supervisors
    • Diesel mechanics and fabricators of semitrailers
  • FAQs

    What happens when you pass the course? You get a certificate of completion.

    What training does this complement? Semitrailer reversing training is an excellent course to pair with Pre-trip inspectionTrailer coupling and uncoupling, and Heavy vehicle load security.

    Is there any instructor-led training? This course is online-only, but we can help coordinate in-cab training for your drivers in selected locations.

  • Requirements

    • You will need one course licence per person taking the course - you can't use one licence for multiple drivers
    • It helps if you have access to a semitrailer to practice
    • You will need a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access to take the theory training

$35 +GST per person ($40.25)

 

Certificate of Completion

 

Approximately 0.75 hours

 

Full access for 6 months

Course provider logo

Course provided by
TR Driver Training

TR Driver Training and DT Driver Training are New Zealand's largest suppliers of vehicle and machinery training and instruction

Training modules

Semitrailer reversing training modules

  • The importance of mastering truck reversing skills, and how proper training can build confidence and competence in manoeuvring vehicles in challenging situations.
    5 minutes
  • Comprehensive guidance on optimising mirror positioning for reversing manoeuvres, emphasizing the importance of thorough site assessment, including overhead clearance checks, before attempting to reverse a semitrailer.
    4 minutes
  • The three-step process (positioning, planning, and execution), the importance of patience and safety over speed, practical guidance on gear selection and the 'Get Out And Look' (GOAL) technique.
    7 minutes
  • Fundamental techniques for straight-line reversing of articulated vehicles, detailing how to maintain trailer alignment through mirror monitoring, early steering corrections, and proper response to trailer drift
    4 minutes
  • The five distinct phases of a reversing manoeuvre (initiation, angle creation, angle adjustment, following, and alignment)
    4 minutes
  • Five key safety considerations, specific situations where it might be necessary, and potential risks to vehicle components.
    2 minutes
  • The step-by-step process of reversing a semitrailer into a loading dock, covering setup positioning, angle approaches from both driver and passenger sides, the importance of using reference points and tire tracks for guidance, and techniques for final dock alignment
    5 minutes
  • Explains a 90-degree turn, a U-turn into a reverse, and how to make corrections if you misjudge your manoeuvre
    4 minutes
  • Explains how to do the serpentine or offside backing technique for repositioning a truck and trailer combination sideways while maintaining the same directional orientation.
    5 minutes

Semitrailer reversing

Learn expert techniques for reversing a semitrailer

$35 +GST per person ($40.25)

Select language

Suggested for you

    All languages