Getting my CDL with a foreign drivers license

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jopaban, Nov 27, 2014.

  1. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    Hello. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
    I´m a US citizen but have been leaving almost all my life in Costa Rica. I have dual citizenship.
    I´m 53 years old and I´m going back to the USA next January and really want to become a truck driver.
    I have done my homework, reading blogs, watching videos, and I´m clear about how hard it is, but also about how rewarding is.
    Have one question and would appreciate any advice.
    I don´t have a US drivers license. Can I apply to CDL with my Costa Rica license? for what I have seen, apparently there is no problem in Texas or California. But want to make sure.
    Thanks in advance for any help
     
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  3. diabello

    diabello Light Load Member

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    Jun 7, 2011
    Las Vegas
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    Just get a regular US driver's license first, you should have no problem passing the test.
     
  4. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    Thanks for the advice
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  5. passport220

    passport220 Road Train Member

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    Oct 9, 2012
    Des Moines, IA
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    I was in a similar spot. After living in Asia for 7 years, my US license had long expired. I just went through the process like I was a 16 year old kid. I took the written test and got a learner's permit, then rented a car and took the road test and got my full regular license. Whole process took about 3 days. Then I went to truck driving school, regular license in hand and got my CDL.

    I don't think the car rental agency really should have let me rent a car on just a learner's permit, but in the State of Iowa a learner's permit looks 99% like a regular license and since I am also in my 50s, they just processed it through without really looking. If the car rental did not work, I had already contacted a driving school that would have taken me in for my road test for about $80.
     
  6. crzyjarmans

    crzyjarmans Road Train Member

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    There is no need to have a class c license prior to getting a CDL, unless things have changed, I best friend son, at the age of 18 obtained a class A intrastate CDL never having a class c, when you get to the states, contact the nearest DMV, they should be able to give you a more reliable answer, hopefully
     
  7. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    Thanks a lot, will keep it in mind



     
  8. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    I been getting info about that. For what I understand depends on the state. Florida requires you to have the class C, Texas and some other states don´t. Thanks a lot



     
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