Removing the Automatic restrictions class A CDL?

8 speed manual? Sure you can. Here's the kicker though. You will get a new license based on what you drove to test.
So without a trailer it would be class B. If you hook up a trailer it will have a 5th wheel restriction. Could also have an air brake restriction if it has hydraulic brakes.

In a nutshell it's based on the current vehicle tested in.

 

Your answer makes sense, but how then does one go about getting a passenger endorsement on their class A license? I would have to take a road test with a bus, but that would downgrade my license to a class b?

 

You are adding an endorsement with passenger, not removing a restriction.
They also are specifically required to use a special vehicle (bus) for the skills test.

In a nutshell p and s endorsements are a special case.

 

Passenger is a written test. Not a road test. Just like hazmat.

So apples to oranges argument.

 

It is a written test and a road test.

 

There is a skills test (road test), at least in MI. Without caring enough to verify, I'd assume that is a federal requirement.

 

Not if you have an A. I doubt it. Your A overrides the need for a skills test in a B vehicle.

Maybe its different state to state. I don't know.

 

Yep, 383.117. Also unless the road test is in a Class A bus, the license will have a restriction. For example if the test is in a Class B passenger vehicle the restriction will be for No class A Passenger vehicles.

 

What is a class A bus? An articulated bus? Do we have those? I guess a Greyhound at 45000 would count.