Trucking question

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Keiter, Dec 2, 2008.

  1. Keiter

    Keiter Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2008
    Newville, PA
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    Hello, my name is John and I have a few questions about trucking. I was in college for 2 years to be an elementary teacher. Everything was going great until I got sick and missed too much school and lost my scholarship. Now I'm starting off new and decided I can't afford to pay for it, so maybe a career change was in order. I decided to give trucking a try. My question is for the Pennsylvania CDL, how many questions are on the general knowledge part of the test? Every website I found said you need to pass the test with 80%, but they never said how long it will take. I have been studying the Pennsylvania cdl manual for 2 weeks now and think I'm ready to take the test tomorrow. I haven't decided if I want to take the test now or go to a school first to learn. I heard some bad things about the schools, but also some good things. Which option would be best?
     
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  3. brinkj23

    brinkj23 "Asphalt Cowboy"

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    Dec 26, 2005
    Minnesota
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    Not sure for PA but the minnesota general knowledge test was about 50 questions I think. As for school any company you will try to apply with will want some type of schooling, or you will have to get on with a company that will train you.
     
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  4. Otter

    Otter Light Load Member

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    Mar 16, 2008
    Milton, VT.
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    Go for it! Take the test, take all the tests, get every endorsement there is, if you've studied the material you'll do fine.
     
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  5. rswinnerton

    rswinnerton Light Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2008
    Marysville, PA
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    PA knowlage test is 80 questions. (General knowlage and combination tests are combined). You will also need to take the airbrake test. MAKE SURE TO STUDY THIS SECTION!!! You may as well get your other endorsements as well, but be prepaired. Hazmat is difficult and will cost you $$$. The other endorsements are less than $20 each.
    Good luck!
    Russ
     
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  6. Keiter

    Keiter Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2008
    Newville, PA
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    Thanks everyone. I went to the DMV today to take the test, but it was all done by computers and all 6 computers were being used and they had people ahead of me in line waiting. I didn't have time to stand there and wait for all the people to get done, so I just decided to fill out all the paperwork and pay the fees today, then tomorrow morning I will go back and take the test. I paid $45 for the CDL A general knowledge test and the airbrakes test. I read in the pamphlet just a few minutes ago that I can only hold 1 license at a time. My question is, if I get my CDL license, do I have to turn in my regular car license then?
     
  7. brinkj23

    brinkj23 "Asphalt Cowboy"

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    Dec 26, 2005
    Minnesota
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    Yep your regular licsence will be taken away and you will haveyour cdl and will be able to drive anything.
     
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  8. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
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    By taking the written tests, you will have a CDL A permit, and license for cars. You won't have a CDL A until you take the road test and pass. There will be restrictions probably listed on the back that specify that you must have another person in the class A vehicle with you who is licensed.
     
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  9. Keiter

    Keiter Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2008
    Newville, PA
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    Thanks everyone for your help. Right now I took the general knowledge test which was 70 questions. I also took the vision test and passed that as well. Tomorrow I'm taking the air brakes test. Will I get my CDL-A permit tomorrow if I pass the air brakes test, or do I have to pass a physical first?
     
  10. Coonass

    Coonass "Freshy Fresh"

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    Sep 23, 2008
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    You will get your permit. You only have to pass the physical when you apply for a job, or go to a school.
     
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  11. Keiter

    Keiter Bobtail Member

    8
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    Dec 2, 2008
    Newville, PA
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    Ok good. My cousin's boyfriend is a truck driver that owns 3 trucks and he told me as soon as I get my permit, he will take me out and teach me how to drive a truck instead of paying a lot of money to go to a school, or signing my life away to get it for free.
     
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