Anyone Heard of this before

If you tried to add an endorsement, you have to do all tests again. Back before the computer testing it was like only the first side of the test page and not the whole test. Don't know how many they make you do now. You have to do a drive test for passenger endorsement. When I renewed mine this year, I didnt have to test, unless I wanted to add an endorsement. They did give me grief over my birth certificate and the Real ID thing. I didn't realize that by having a commercial license, they "give" you the Real ID by default so you have to show all the same stuff.

 

maybe it's due to the CDL school you went to. maybe the state found out they were not properly administering the CDL testing, like in some other states.>????

 

My grandmother had to take a road test pretty much every time she ever renewed her license, going back several decades. The DMV does that with random checks...and she's just so lucky to have always been randomly selected. It was always amusing for us, because she was one of the few drivers I've ever known (OK...so maybe the ONLY driver I've ever known) who could have a cop follow them around all day and never see a reason to pull them over. Yup...2-3 mph below the posted speed limit...signaled every lane change and turn...stopped before the stop sign, line, or crosswalk (whichever was 1st)...hands at 10 & 2...etc...etc...etc.

I've never heard of that with CDL holders though, because that usually requires a special appointment to be made.

Only thing I can think of (if it isn't just a misunderstanding) is perhaps there was an issue with CDL's (licensing scandal, 3rdparty tester problems, etc...) and they're just performing spot-checks to clean up the mess as a few randomly selected CDL's come up for renewal rather than void out a large number of licenses and require everyone to retest within a short window of time. Depending upon the number of licenses in question, the 2nd option would be a nightmare not only for the drivers, but for the DMV staff who have to schedule all of the road tests in addition to their normal duties.

 

Im out here in Cali and dont see a problem. To renew your Class A they just want you to take the written test again. Standard procedure. There is no seperate class C for you to take.

 

Never heard of that, only hazmat questionnaire, on renewal. What a bunch of BS. Maybe mistaken? I’d have to study up, Lol

 

I originally regained my CDL in California in '13, got my permit there in '12.

I kept my CA CDL as I worked in OK for four years, but switched to an OK CDL when my CA license expired. At that time I decided not to renew my Hazmat, because just the process of switching to an OK CDL was a nightmare and I thought I would just get the Hazmat endorsement later.

Then in April I moved back to CA with an eye on a company that would require Hazmat. They had me retake all the tests, starting with Class C.

Now the thing with OP also needing to retake the driving test, that's a tad over the top. I don't mind retaking the written tests, but the drive test chews up another day of lost revenue.

 

In BC Canada they will just randomly make people redo their written test if renewing their license. Only happened to me once, but I just said no problem and wrote the test. Took me maybe 10 minutes, and then they renewed my license without a problem. Just do the test, it isn't a bid deal.

 

Coming from another state into Cali then that would be a different story. Just to renew your class A in Cali you just pay the fee. In some cases need to retake the written test.

 

The only thing I can think of is that maybe your state implemented more secure licenses? I believe there are a few states still holding off on the Secure ID federal driver's license requirements.

If they increased security requirements, they might be making everyone go through the new process in full?

 

Texas must be different. If you want to add an endorsement, you just pay the fee and take the test.
I originally got my CDL in California back in 97. Back then, if you failed any endorsement 3 times, you had to reapply for the entire license. During renewals, as long as you didn't receive any moving violations, you just went in and paid the renewal fee. As for the birth certificate thing. This is new. I just took my son down to get his learners permit. Just recently they are requiring all individuals to bring either a BC or passport when renewing. Once your BC is on file, you don't need to do it again.
The big problem with requiring another drive test is not only do you need to make an appointment, but how many people have access to a class A combination vehicle for testing purposes. Here in Texas, the wait time for drive tests is absurd.