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

You can argue all you want but the problem is that these are established rules and regulations that the states agree to and your point of view doesn't count. too many people are confused already, having more licenses will be a nightmare but I also think that the state should do more than just a CDL with some of these tow truck drivers who seem to think they can drive with anything behind them (not direct to you but my neighbor who is a lousy tow truck driver)

You want to get a class A, the combination test isn't any two vehicles in a combination configuration but a tractor or truck and trailer configuration which is the purpose for the test and written so that your basic knowledge is tested on the components, the use of them and the driving of the vehicle.

Air brakes on the trailer have to be part of the test, not a "get by" method that is used to tow a vehicle. By the way towing a truck by putting air in the system does not allow for the brakes to be actuated and is the same as caging the brakes - hence useless for testing.

Driveaway is a method of transporting vehicles from one location to another, and the regs are talking mostly about trucks that are piggybacked onto each other.

 

For my test I was told there could be no kind of load on the trailer and/or no tow.

 

I think I said that ...

 

You can get a class A using a hot shot rig too, but you won't get the air brakes endorsement doing this, got a friend that did this.

 

Hate to say I'm suggesting this, but pay a CDL mill a couple of hundred bucks and get your class A. You may not see the benefit now, but trust me it will be worth the investment later. Any yahoo who is willing to drive for a school district has a class B. Having a full on class A sets you above the crowd, even if you end up applying for jobs driving class B vehicles.

 

A bit of advice from a former towing operator, I'm WreckMaster Certified, T.R.A.A. certified, and have attended several rotator classes. You seem dead set on a Class B, but I'm telling you now, it's best to just go ahead and get EVERYTHING. I have Class AM with XT endorsements. That's Class A, Motorcycle, Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples. As a tow truck operator, you never know what you're going to tow. You may have a broken down box truck followed by a propane tanker. I know that it's a lot to study at once, so get the class A first, then follow up with all the endorsements. Not to mention it'll shoot you straight to the top of the ladder at your company. Trust me, I've seen me do it.