Loophole to remove Automatic Restriction

Not always. I trained and tested in auto and no restrictions on my license.

 

What state was that in? I have heard of / seen this too and wondering if it's true or is it just a state by state thing but there will still be a federal restriction in a database somewhere. Have you ever moved and had to change the state your license is registered to. Or is it possible your school / test examiner simply forgot to check a box somewhere on the completion form (lol, but seriously I wouldn't put that past many of 'em)?

 

It's not unheard of for test examiners to make mistakes like that, but that discrepancy could pop up later when the CDL is renewed. Around here in Wyoming, about the only testing we see outside of CDL schools are people trying to remove the automatic restriction. You do not need to attend a school to do that, but I could see why some might sign with a school just to have access to a truck. Most of the ones removing the restriction around here already have a job that wants them to start driving a manual so they train them at work and let them use the company truck for testing.

But for the record, the only things that require a school are:

Class A or B for the first time;
upgrading from a B to an A;
Passenger endorsement;
School Bus endorsement;
Hazmat endorsement.

One note about the Passenger endorsement: if you have a Class A already and add a Passenger endorsement to it, the endorsement will be restricted to Class B vehicles only, unless of course you test for the endorsement with a Class A passenger vehicle, and there aren't many of those around.

 

This was in AZ. I have no idea why?

 

Depends on the State.
One may let you do it the way you say and another may make you take the backing maneuvers and road test in a semi with a trailer…I want to say it’s either VA or PA that basically makes you test all over again..