Upgrading from B to A

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Hardcoredrum13, Mar 30, 2020.

  1. Hardcoredrum13

    Hardcoredrum13 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Mar 30, 2020
    0
    I just have a dumb questions about upgrading. I took my cdl B on a standard years ago and am in the process of upgrading my license to an A. Can I take the A on a auto or will I get a auto trans restriction? I wasn’t sure, I thought as long as I have passed a cdl road test originally an a standard I didn’t need to repeat that. I don’t want a restriction
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    9,966
    41,259
    Jan 13, 2013
    SW Arkansas
    0
    You have to take the test on a manual trans or you will get the auto restriction.
     
    tscottme, COBB2070 and Hardcoredrum13 Thank this.
  4. Hardcoredrum13

    Hardcoredrum13 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Mar 30, 2020
    0
    So here’s another dumb question. I’m essentially getting the A so I can drive class A Wrecker’s. I know if I tow another vehicle as my “trailer” or use pintle hook trailer, I’ll get the “no tractor/trailer) class A restriction. Nys require an actual 5th wheel connection. What I do have is a 5 wheel plate that mounts to the underlift for towing full size(over 10001lb gvwr) trailers and have all the necessary air line and lighting connections. Could I possibly use my wrecker, it’s a kenworth t300 with a 20 ton wrecker body, total gvwr of 33000lbs, with a 5th wheel plate and pull a trailer with proper air/light connections and get the class A without restriction?
     
  5. Rex Axelrod

    Rex Axelrod Bobtail Member

    9
    4
    Feb 19, 2020
    0
    Here's another question, if you have a Class B with no restrictions, and you upgrade to a Class A with an automatic restriction, would you still be able to drive Class B vehicles with no restriction since you didn't have a restriction on your original license? Meaning do they split your license where you have to drive an automatic with a Class A but no restrictions with a Class B?
     
  6. mud23609

    mud23609 Medium Load Member

    652
    1,442
    Mar 9, 2015
    0
    If your current class b doesn’t have the restriction you can test in an auto and not have a restriction on your class A. I did exactly what you are trying to do when I upgraded my license to an a in 2016.
     
  7. mud23609

    mud23609 Medium Load Member

    652
    1,442
    Mar 9, 2015
    0
    Not if you already hold a class b cdl without the restriction.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.