CDL Upgrade...?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mikelynn, May 30, 2011.

  1. mikelynn

    mikelynn Bobtail Member

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    I am considering getting into trucking. I already possess a valid Calif CDL Class B, w/P endorsement. Am I simply a DMV written and road-test away from a Class A...? Or must I start from scratch...?
    Thanks.
    -Mike from Palmdale, Ca.
     
  2. cruisecontrol

    cruisecontrol Medium Load Member

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    This may not help, or it might, when I went to school back in 06, I befriended a guy from GA that drove a city bus in Atlanta..he had the same, class B with passenger endorsement. He was at school because of the combination part of the CDL. Hence class A.
     
  3. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    you will need the written test for the combo units, then the permit, then training and road testing on the class A truck.

    so not technically "starting from scratch" as you already did the general knowledge and air brakes testing.....(written portions that is)
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Anyone is simply a written and road test away from getting a CDL "A". I think what you mean is will a truck company hire you if you were to simply get an "A" without going to school ? There are a few, the one's that do in house schooling. Not sure who is doing that right now. Someone will chime in.
     
  5. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    I was in similar situation. I upgraded mine and all I did was written combination test and road test. and permit Already had air-brakes,hazmat,T endorsements. Pretty simple. Even a reduced cost of lic. because of time left on my B.

    That was for LA
    Different states may vary.
     
  6. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    How did you have a "T" endorsement on a Class B?
     
  7. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    Tanker I meant
     
  8. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Oh.. K endorsement. T is double and triple trailers.
     
    Linte_Loco Thanks this.
  9. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    I keep forgetting about that. My endorsements say TX now. Don`t have doubles, triples.

    Guess that means I can only drive in Texas:biggrin_2552:

    lol
     
  10. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Yeah, I had T and X, as well. Dropped hazmat when I renewed my license in October, so I have T and K now. Seemed a bit absurd to sink an extra $94 (on top of the $220 I was already paying) to keep an endorsement I never used.