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Can I take a Class B test with a Class A permit?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by swapyankee, Jul 29, 2013.

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  1. Jul 29, 2013 #1
    swapyankee

    swapyankee Bobtail Member

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    I was wondering if anyone knows if I can take a cdl class b test using a class a permit.. My job has an opening for a class b position, and I was hoping I wouldn't have to retake the permit tests
     
    swapyankee, Jul 29, 2013
    swapyankee, Jul 29, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jul 29, 2013 #2
    HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure you can drive class B vehicles with a class A. Get your class A and you'll have more options.
     
    HotH2o, Jul 29, 2013
    HotH2o, Jul 29, 2013
    #2
  4. Jul 29, 2013 #3
    TexasMike

    TexasMike "Big Tex"

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    In most states you can test for any class, proving you have a permit for that class or higher.

    If you have a class a permit/license already you do not need to test for a class B.

    ie: In Texas if you have a Class A (CDL) License, you can drive anything except a Motorcycle or Passenger Carrier (bus) without retesting.
     
    TexasMike, Jul 29, 2013
    TexasMike, Jul 29, 2013
    #3
  5. Jul 29, 2013 #4
    haywire12

    haywire12 Light Load Member

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    Umm Class "A" is greater then a Class "B" and is way greater then a Class "C" licence so you should be fine.
     
    haywire12, Jul 29, 2013
    haywire12, Jul 29, 2013
    #4
  7. Jul 29, 2013 #5
    See Are125

    See Are125 Light Load Member

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    In my opinion, if you're going to pay for a road test and you already have the Class A permit, just take the Class A test. No sense in taking a Class B test, just to have a better paying Class A position open up at your current job later, and having to re-test for a Class A or not get the position because you're stuck with a Class B. Better to go ahead and do it now, so you don't have to worry about it later.
     
    See Are125, Jul 29, 2013
    See Are125, Jul 29, 2013
    #5
  8. Jul 29, 2013 #6
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I would think that because there is only the difference between an A and B is only the combination written test and then the road test in a combination vehicle to actually get the class A, that you would end up with a class B license when you road test in a class B vehicle.

    IIC, the examiner has to put down what vehicle you are driving so it would make sense if you have someone drive a 26,001 lb GVWR vehicle to test and the inspector expects a tractor and trailer, you can explain to him what's going on and end up with the B on your license.
     
    Ridgeline, Jul 29, 2013
    Ridgeline, Jul 29, 2013
    #6
  9. Jul 29, 2013 #7
    Raezzor

    Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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    Pretty sure you could still drive a bus with a class A as long as you have the passenger endorsement without having to take the actual road test again.
     
    Raezzor, Jul 29, 2013
    Raezzor, Jul 29, 2013
    #7
  10. Jul 29, 2013 #8
    seatwarmer

    seatwarmer Bobtail Member

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    No, in Texas this is not true. To get a passenger endorsement in Texas, you must retake the road test in a vehicle designed to carry passengers, even if you already have a Class A license. I know because I've been desperate looking for local jobs and have talked to school districts, and public transportation contractors.
     
    seatwarmer, Jul 29, 2013
    seatwarmer, Jul 29, 2013
    #8
  11. Jul 29, 2013 #9
    TexasMike

    TexasMike "Big Tex"

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    Seat is correct, for P endorsement you have to test regardless of any previous classes on you license.
     
    TexasMike, Jul 29, 2013
    TexasMike, Jul 29, 2013
    #9
  12. Jul 29, 2013 #10
    swapyankee

    swapyankee Bobtail Member

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    Jul 29, 2013
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    I work for a towing company that has an immediate position for a class b driver.. I've driver straight trucks barely under 26,000 with air brakes for about ten years.. Other than the pre-trip I'm very confident obtaining a class b would be relatively easy for me.. Yes I'd prefer to get the class a, but if getting a class b will help me climb the ladder I'm willing to put a hold on the A for a bit.. I'm doing all this on my own, no truck school a ton of studying that darn cdl manual.. Thank you for the responses, exactly what I was thinking , ya never know with the freakin dmv.. I was on hold with them for about a 1/2 hour today (trying to get this question answered) before I gave up..
     
    swapyankee, Jul 29, 2013
    swapyankee, Jul 29, 2013
    #10
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