Why is a regular driver's license necessary to get a CDL?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TrucksnDogs, Oct 26, 2010.

  1. TrucksnDogs

    TrucksnDogs Bobtail Member

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    I've been wondering this for a long time now: why is it necessary to have a regular driver's license in order to get a CDL? This doesn't make much sense to me. And I don't think my permit to get a driver's license would be acceptable, would it? Must say I'm somewhat bummed by this since it's going to be a while before I can get my actual driver's license...Are there any places which will train someone for a CDL even though they don't have a regular driver's license?
     
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  3. lil may

    lil may Road Train Member

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    Even to driver a cargo van or sprinter I had to show them my vehicle I was driving had to prov could drive it and get Haz Mat
     
  4. TrucksnDogs

    TrucksnDogs Bobtail Member

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    somewhere in California
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    How does this answer my question? I'm not meaning to sound rude or anything. Just curious...
    I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna be driving a cargo van or sprinter. Haz Mats, Doubles/Triples, and Combinations aren't even on my mind right now. Pretty sure I have to be 21 to drive any of those three anyway, and I'm only 18.
     
  5. Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    You gotta walk before you can run.
    In other words, You must already be a proficient driver of a car and hold a valid driver's license. It's assumed you already know how to read street signs and so forth. The CDL is an "advanced" or an "enhancement" to your regular license.
     
  6. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    to already have a "regular driver's license", you are in the system and can be checked out by the NDR (National Driver Registry) for any violations, suspensions revocations in other states. you would already have given information required such as birth certificate, residency, and a document that has a valid signature. there should be no state or school that allows a person to go straight for a CDL, so sorry, you need that car license. also i should point out, that in some instances, you must have had a 'regular driver's license for 2 years, minimum".........


    it basically says that you are able to drive a car, then transfer over to a CDL. you have to have had proof of prior driving on a proper license, before you get a CDL.
     
  7. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    Subpart B-Single License Requirement

    383.23 Commercial Driver's License.

    (c) Learner's permit (2) He/she either holds a valid automobile driver's license, or has passed such vision, sign/symbol, and knowledge tests as the State issuing the learner's permit ordinarily administers to applicants for automotive driver's licenses.

    just about every school will REQUIRE a valid car license, this is for insurance reasons and safety.
     
  8. jgremlin

    jgremlin Heavy Load Member

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    In order to get a commercial pilots license, you must first, among other things, hold a private (i.e. regular) pilots license. In order to become a commercial diver, you must first, among other things, become certified as a recreational diver. Why should it be any different for drivers licenses? It shouldn't be any different, and it isn't.

    You need to become certified in the basics of operating a vehicle on the road before you can move on to the more advanced concepts involved in operating a commercial vehicle.
     
  9. Rocky64

    Rocky64 Medium Load Member

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    I assure you, Hugh, on IRT, had his automobile drivers license first. I bet he can drive the hound dogg snot out of a car!
     
  10. TrucksnDogs

    TrucksnDogs Bobtail Member

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    Oct 19, 2010
    somewhere in California
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    Thanks for everything, guys. All I can do for now is go get my car driver's license, wait a while (not sure if I have to have a car driver's license for at least 2 years in California...) and attempt to get a CDL.
     
  11. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    He can't even fill out a log book among other things. He's no truck driver in my eyes.

    I would guess that they want you to have a regular license so you will already know alot of the rules of the road. I'm sure there's a requirement for ID and such plus I would hate to have a driver that's in a truck and has never driven on the road.
     
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