General Questions about California DMV Requirements.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by FijiIndianBoy, Apr 4, 2015.

  1. FijiIndianBoy

    FijiIndianBoy Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2015
    Los Angeles, CA
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    How many questions are there on the Class A Written Test in total? Not counting endorsements, unless in order to drive Reefer you need Hazmat.

    Since I will barely turn 19 on the 25th, I will not be able to drive interstate. Will I have to retake some sort of test when I turn 21 in order to drive interstate?

    Is it true if I take a automatic for the road test, they will restrict me to automatic only?

    What are some major parts that I must mention during the PTI? I've seen videos on YouTube about PTI, but each video is different. Some videos are like 10 minutes for the entire outside PTI, and some are long as 1 hour.

    I do not want to take an entire day to do my PTI for the examiner, as if I was the one who built the truck. Someone has told me I can speed up the process by combining things; 'All hoses leading to and from my water pump is properly secured and there are no bumps or bulges'- can that be done?

    I'll update this thread when I remember what else I needed to know regarding the DMV, but feel free to suggest additional stuff.

    UPDATES:

    How many times are you allowed to get out of the truck and do pull ups at the DMV? Do corrections count as pull ups?

    When should the lights be checked? Before the PTI, or before the in-cab? Can you ask the examiner to check the lights for you, while your in the cab switching the switches? Or do you have to do everything by yourself?
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2015
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  3. Meganleigh

    Meganleigh Bobtail Member

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    Mar 4, 2015
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    Class a
    a general knowledge 30 questions
    air brakes 30 questions
    I personally had to get a renewal of basic driving 18 questions
    you have three times to pass each one with an 80%
    after 3 fails on one you must restart




    b.i believe that is true . You defiantly want to learn stick shift

    c.go for the 1 hour ones. You must know everything in the manual . Like EVERYTHING .

    d. Yes you can combine things. Just be sure to mention everything in the manual.

    good luck! I would suggest a truck driving school where you can practice the Pre trip on the same truck you will take the exam on.
     
  4. Steel Maverick

    Steel Maverick Light Load Member

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    SoCal
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    I just took the California CDL Permit tests. I had to take 7 tests. General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination vehicles, tankers, doubles/triples and then had to take the Class C test (even though my license was still good for another year) and Motorcycle endorsement test. Make sure you go to a DMV that has the computer testing. They are easier and if you fail one you can wait 10 minutes and take it again. Use the practice tests on this site, they will help you a bunch.

    I am going through a CDL school now and was told that the 'inside cab PTI including the air system and brake tests' has to be 100% or you fail. The outside inspection you can miss 15 points and still pass. The entire PTI should take you about an hour. Don't rush it, take as much time as needed.

    Definitely learn to drive a manual shift truck. Most companies out there are manual shifters
     
  5. FijiIndianBoy

    FijiIndianBoy Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2015
    Los Angeles, CA
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    Thank you for your answers. I kind of updated the original post while you were responding. Part B is another question now. And yes, I am working on questions for another thread regarding schools. I hear everyone saying Road Master. I am currently in the process of asking my cousin if he can take me on a ride along someday and teach me. He drives local for CR England, I just hope they accept me so my cousin can train me. I doubt they accept 19 year olds, but then again my cousin does drive local, so I probably got a chance.
     
  6. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Mar 19, 2014
    Newport, Ar
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    No, when you turn 21, you just have to go back to the DMV, and they will take the "Intrastate Restriction" off your license, It will be off if they look it up on the computer, but still show on license, so it's best to just go and have it taken off there also.

    Yes & No, on autoshift. They way I understand it, some states have this restriction, some do not, but it's not that hard to learn shifting a truck.

    Best thing to notice on pretrip is on the walk up to the truck, notice if it is leaning, or a puddle underneath, leaning to either side could be telltale of a broken spring.
     
  7. FijiIndianBoy

    FijiIndianBoy Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2015
    Los Angeles, CA
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    Thank you for your answers. That seems quite a lot of questions to answer. Did they make you take all those endorsement questions, or did you ask for it? I do not plan on getting the tankers and double/triples, until I have some years of experience. But I may get Hazmat if it's required for Reefer. I myself just got my Class C done. I'm still waiting for them to send me my official license.

    So far I have the Air Brakes steps memorized, but still need to work on remembering the correct PSI. Also I have watched a YouTube video and I think I'll be comfortable with a 8 gear shift. Still in the process of learning 10 and 13, but hopefully my cousin can help me.
     
  8. Steel Maverick

    Steel Maverick Light Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2015
    SoCal
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    I chose to take the extra endorsement tests. That was before the DMV lady told me it would be 7 tests all together. I said "What the hell?, Do I have to take all 7 tests right now? She said, no of course not, you can come back tomorrow!" Ok, thanks lady that's really helpful... Haha.

    Take the practice tests on the top of this forum. They are basically the same questions you will see on the tests. They did add a few questions on ABS systems, just FYI.
     
  9. FijiIndianBoy

    FijiIndianBoy Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2015
    Los Angeles, CA
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    Thank you for your answers. I'm glad to hear that I won't have to go through the hassle again, especially in a 2 year period. And yes I do know about the walk up. What I am most worried about is under the hood, back off the truck near the 5th wheel and stuff.

    I used to worry about the axles on the trailer, but it's simialr to the drive wheels, atleast that's what I've been told. My main concern is properly recognizing and naming parts. Things that are basically hidden or not really visible unless you are looking for them.

    Parts like radiator, air filter, power steering pump, drive shaft etc. I'm not worried about those, because those are clearly visible and recognizable.
     
  10. FijiIndianBoy

    FijiIndianBoy Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2015
    Los Angeles, CA
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    Yeah I use those Practice Tests, so far I'm on a passing level with General Knowledge. I just wish there was some way we can get a email of our scores and correct answers. I use my cell, and it's kinda hard on the eyes trying to take the tests. I wonder if the Admins can implement that feature to email us with the answers we picked and the correct answers, so I can print them out and study off the paper.
     
  11. RANGER68

    RANGER68 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
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    If Im not mistaking you may pass the license they will give you an Intraestate when you turn 21 and renew your license they will update you for Interstate.. Where in Ca are you located?
    I just passed my class A with a pretty affordable school $1200.00
     
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