Who has their Class A CDL?

[dieselcrawler]

Took the first steps to my CDL today. Though I could just go take the test at the local DMV office, but found out I have to mail in my identity papers, medical card, application, and of course money, to the state DMV office, then wait for a test form to be mailed back, then go to the local DMV office to take the test for a learners permit. Hoops I tell ya, hoops to jump through.

 

[bindian]

Took the first steps to my CDL today. Though I could just go take the test at the local DMV office, but found out I have to mail in my identity papers, medical card, application, and of course money, to the state DMV office, then wait for a test format to be mailed back, then go to the local DMV office to take the test for a learners permit. Hoops I tell ya, hoops to jump through.

WOW..........that's a lot. I just walked in and asked for a manual to study. Then showed up a few weeks later and showed my IDs and took the online at the DMV.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Btown]

Not so. From the Mass website: So, you are legal because you are under 26K GVWR for the truck and trailer combination. If your combination GVWR is over 26k, you are NOT legal. Aaron Z

The RMV gives a very basic definition for what one would need a CDL for. There are many exceptions. First off the vehicle you are driving has st be used for commercial purposes and not a personal vehicle as described in the laws.



For some reason I can only attach one picture per message.

 

[Btown]

So at least in Massachusetts your vehicle has to fit in the definition of either commercial motor vehicle or passenger. Your license can be Class D even if you surpass 26000 gvw if not used for commercial purposes. That is the reason for the license is commercial use. I'm not going to say what other states allow or dong. But in Massachusetts you are absolutely fine if you are not using your vehicle for commercial purposes.

I wouldn't try to drive a tractor trailer truck and say it's for personal use. But farmers in MA are 100% exempt, for farm use. That does include tractor trailer use, but it has to be for farm use. There are several other exemptions.

 

[dieselcrawler]

After getting all my paperwork in order, I was able to take my permit test today. 4 parts, all I passed easily except for the air brakes section, had it gotten one less question wrong, I would have passed it too... retake it in one week.

 

[George2615]

IF the truck has a GVWR below 16k (ie: a 12k GVWR truck) you can haul a larger trailer (a 12k GVW truck can tow a 14k trailer).

Aaron Z

And in NY you can do that with no CDL meaning you only need a regular class D license. Any combination as long as the GCWR is not over 26,000K.

 

[MesaAZguy]

I have had my CDL since I was 23. In 1993, the hoops were little to none. I still have my CDL although I haven't driven professionally in years. In AZ, the license expires every 5 years and the medical card needs to be renewed every 2 years.

 

[Tractorboy88]

South Carolina Class A with HAZMAT and Tanker endorsements. Only restriction is corrective lens.

 

[Copperhead]

I scored a December of 2014 when I renewed my Class A CDL. The state was doing a "lottery" kind of thing where they would randomly select the years of renewal of the license. I got an 8 year renewal. I don't carry hazmat anymore and don't fool with the stuff, so it is nice to not have to see the DMV till 2022.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I was able to take (and pass!) my CDL written tests with tanker endorsement, so I now have my CDL learner's permit. It is good for 6 months, and after 2 weeks I can take the road test if I want. That will depend on several factors, the biggest issue getting a truck and trailer with fully licensed co-driver available at the same time during which a test spot is open.