How would I go about getting my CLASS-A in my truck and trailer?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by chris_karr, Mar 1, 2015.

  1. chris_karr

    chris_karr Light Load Member

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    I recently learned that my truck and trailer combination puts me up to 26,100 GCWR. Glad I never got pulled, I was just pulling my horses. The fact is that I realize now that I need a CDL-A, and the fact that I am working on a equine transportation business, I don't want to be caught with my pants down. I already know what my operating cost will be between maintenance, commercial insurance, cargo insurance, mortality insurance, contributing to my 401k, Fuel per mile. I am also working on getting my DOT# and MC#. I was just going to haul ordinary horses so that I could be exempt from MC# but realize that races and shows bring in big money cpm wise. so the $300 is worth it.

    Okay okay I have gone off topic! I apologize.

    I need to get my Class-A. I am studying for my permit, and realize that I need to hold the permit for 30-days before I can test.

    Will I be able to take the test in my set up?
    2010 dodge 3500 of 10,100 / Horse trailer 16,000 <--- Isn't that a fricken predicament?
    I was planning to upgrade to a 5500, but I still need to get a CDL!
    How would the pre-trip inspection part of the exam go for this?
     
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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    realize that I need to hold the permit for 30-days before I can test

    No you don't.

    Yes you can test in your truck but you will have an air brake restriction meaning you can't drive a truck with air brakes.
     
    chrisyohn1993 and cowboy_tech Thank this.
  4. chris_karr

    chris_karr Light Load Member

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    How would I go about the pre-trip?
     
  5. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Yes your truck is fine for the test, like Ridgeline said you will have an air brake restriction so no air brake vehicles, but that is not a big deal to add later, you can take the air brake skills and pre-trip on any air brake vehicle. You will need a cdl class a driver to accompany you to the test site, they need to see their cdl, but that is it. Get your permit and schedule the road test, you should do fine since you are already comfortable in your truck. No school or other bs is needed, just find a friend with a class a to accompany you.
     
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  6. chris_karr

    chris_karr Light Load Member

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    Thank you! So I will not require a Pre-trip in any way for the test? :eek:
     
  7. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    NO, you will be required to do all four parts, the written general knowledge, the pre-trip, skills, and road test. Sorry if I confused you with "schedule the road test". The only difference between your exam and one in a tractor trailer will be the brake test, since you have hydraulic brakes you will have a slightly different brake test procedure. Make sure the electric breakaway works on your trailer, they should have you pull the pin on the breakaway and tug against the trailer, also they should have you use the manual button on the brake controller and tug, and they will have you step on and hold your foot brake to see if there is any leakdown (meaning your pedal does not move after the first application) within 30-60 seconds. Pre-trip is easier on a smaller vehicle since you have a few less items to check.
     
  8. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    Yes you will require a pre trip. This is exactly how I started and got my class A. 5500 dodge with a 44' gooseneck flatbed. Tip to tail I was as long as a semi with a 53' van. But yes you will have to go through all the same things on a pretrip as you would with a semi with the exception of airbrakes. Duh you do not have any.

    You will actually end up with two restrictions on your license.... No Airbrakes and No tractor trailer. I am assuming you have a gooseneck and not a 5th wheel attachment. If you had a 5th wheel you would only have the air brake restriction.

    You will have to take and pass the general knowledge and the combination sections of the written test.

    Have fun with it, because you are going to confuse the heck out of the examiners.... I did.
     
  9. chris_karr

    chris_karr Light Load Member

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    Yes, I am not worried about driving a Semi, YET. I'm running about 50' myself. I would like to upgrade to a tractor one day, but when that time comes, it comes. For now, as you implied do what I have to do and confuse the crap out of the examiners! haha My trailer is air ride, so that will be fun getting down under to show them the inspection on that lmao:biggrin_25520:
     
  10. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    You will not have to get under the vehicle for the test in Virginia, just be able to verbalize the inspection procedure. Also, VA does have the no tractor trailer restriction but you only get this if you test in something like a dump truck with a tag behind trailer, a gooseneck will be treated like a full tractor trailer so your licence will be good for a regular tractor trailer once you take the air brake test to remove the air brake restriction. You will get a no manual transmission restriction unless you take the test in a manual transmission equipped truck. If you do not want to wait the 30 days VA requires you to hold your permit you can take a commercial driver ed class and the wait is only 14 days, but that would be too expensive in my opinion so I would just wait the 30 days.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2015
  11. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Don't forget you will need a medical exam from a doctor on the National Registry of Medical Examiners when you apply for your cdl permit and will have to keep this updated with the state to keep your cdl valid.
     
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