anyone train and run on full automatics??

I really don't care about auto vs manual. I have driven both down most every significant downgrade in all weather and I never had a problem.

I have a question for the OP.

What happens if you do train and drive for a company with only autos and a year from now your dream job has an opening and they want you, but they do not have autos?

Any competent person can figure out how to shift in a day or two. That's the easy part.

The hard part is you have an auto only restriction on your cdl. Only way to fix that is to take another test with a stick. Chances are your dream job won't lend you a truck to go down to the dmv.

You will be stuck with auto only companies and judging by the responses, those companies are the starter companies.

Having a long term and rewarding career in this industry is tough. Confining yourself to starter companies only makes it even harder. Good luck.

 

I keep hearing about this "Auto only" CDL limitation. Not sure what other states do, but I just spent a bunch of time going all over the Iowa DOT website and CDL manual and testing requirements and there is no mention whatsoever about a automatic limitation. It does address using an automatic (only about 1 paragraph), but nothing that suggests that a limitation is placed on the CDL if you test in one. Are we sure that this automatic limitation thing isn't just another one of those CB folklore stories? Cause I sure can't find any reference to a Auto trans limitation on the CDL at the Iowa DOT website or manual. I suppose that some other states might be playing fast and loose with the regs, and that could be where this stuff comes up. If I am wrong, which wouldn't be the first time, then someone show me the regulation that an auto trans limiter is placed on the CDL. Not disputing anyone, I want to know for sure so that I don't mislead anyone.

 

Just researched it Iowa doesn't have automatic only restriction on cdl bust most states due.

 

Ohio for example

 

Well, I guess the political class in Iowa didn't feel the need to include that little snippet. Which leads me to the Federal regulations.... since the CDL follows Federal guidelines, then is there a Federal regulation that addresses this auto only limitation, or do we have yet another example of some states playing fast and loose with their regulations and putting restrictions on things that are not required by Federal regulations? As if that is something new and original..LOL And since reciprocity is required between states regarding CDL licensing, what of a state that doesn't require a auto only limitation and a state that does? You can sure tell that the inmates have taken over the asylum when it comes to these regulatory messes.

 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/driversdrivers

 

Ah.. thanks. At least we have some definitive guidance and not some of the typical "I heard from Pete that John said that something is required based on what he read in a internet posting." I have no dog in this hunt, was just curious as I had never seen a definitive guidance regulation regarding this. So glad I got my CDL back in '92 when it first came about and I don't have to mess with all this stuff they keep stacking up.

 

To the OP, I work for a small company, Britton Transport. If you went to a CDL school and got your license, we have a training program. We also have all auto fleet.

 

If a driver has an automatic restriction on your license what would be the procedure to have it removed? Schedule a new road test using a manual transmission? Everyone makes it sound as if you'd just be stuck with that restriction forever. While it may not be cheap or easy to get the restriction removed, I'm sure it could be done if you needed to.

 

Yeah, since it was put on the CDL because the road test was done with an auto, another road test with a manual would get it removed. I think the whole thing is stupid.