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CDL "A" and new restrictions

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015.

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  1. Oct 19, 2015 #1
    Robmicgrn

    Robmicgrn Bobtail Member

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    Looking for clarification on the new restritcions that went into effect July of this year.

    Background;
    I currently have a CDL "B" no restrictions (Manual and Air-brakes). I am going for a driving test for my "A" later this week. The tester told me that I would have a restriction ( "O" O - No Tractor Trailer CMV: This restriction is placed on an individual's Class A CDL if the vehicle that the CDL skills test was taken in was not a traditional tractor and did not have a fifth-wheel coupling system.) However, if I bring a different trailer that has a fifth wheel coupler shouldn't that restriction not apply? The truck (or power unit) will be a 1 ton dually (13,000 GVWR) and a fifth wheel trailer (GVWR of 22k) so the combo is well over 26,001 lbs. I know that this is not considered a traditional tractor trailer, but based on weights/GVWR and FMCSA regulations it is considered a tractor trailer. I am trying to get the "A" so I can haul my own stuff for my own company.

    Thoughts?
     
    Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015
    Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015
    #1
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  3. Oct 19, 2015 #2
    Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    It isn't a tractor trailer, so you'll have the restriction. If you don't want the restriction, get your hands on a real truck and take the test.
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Oct 19, 2015
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Oct 19, 2015
    #2
  4. Oct 19, 2015 #3
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Has to be a stick shift too, dont it?

    Seems like you all were once talking about restrictions for automatics only. Since that's what is taking over.
     
    snowwy, Oct 19, 2015
    snowwy, Oct 19, 2015
    #3
  5. Oct 19, 2015 #4
    Robmicgrn

    Robmicgrn Bobtail Member

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    Can you point me to where in the FMCSA regulations it says what is and isn't a tractor trailer? Not trying to be difficult, I just cannot find it. Talking to my state DOT about it was useless. It only refers to GVWR and type of connection to the trailer.
     
    Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015
    Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015
    #4
  7. Oct 19, 2015 #5
    Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    A 1-ton dually with a gooseneck is not a t/t by ANY definition. Don't have time now to look it up, so I'll just say this: If you put half as much time & effort into just getting the right equipment to get the license you want as you do trying to find a loophole that doesn't exist to cut corners, you'd have a lot more time & energy to get stuff done.
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Oct 19, 2015
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Oct 19, 2015
    #5
    Blackshack46, BoxCarKidd and mountaingote Thank this.
  8. Oct 19, 2015 #6
    mountaingote

    mountaingote Road Train Member

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    A tractor by definition is built to pull a (semi) trailer. A pickup is not. There is your difference. Also, if you test in an automatic it will restrict you to auto trans
     
    mountaingote, Oct 19, 2015
    mountaingote, Oct 19, 2015
    #6
  9. Oct 19, 2015 #7
    Robmicgrn

    Robmicgrn Bobtail Member

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    Part 390
    FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS; GENERAL
    < 389 | 391 >
    [​IMG]
    § 390.5: Definitions.
    Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52653, Aug. 23, 2013.

    Truck means any self-propelled commercial motor vehicle except a truck tractor, designed and/or used for the transportation of property.

    Truck tractor means a self-propelled commercial motor vehicle designed and/or used primarily for drawing other vehicles.

    (c) Semitrailer means any motor vehicle, other than a pole trailer, which is designed to be drawn by another motor vehicle and is constructed so that some part of its weight rests upon the self-propelled towing motor vehicle.

    Just trying to get clarification from a group of people I thought might be able to help. Guess I was wrong. I will figure it out myself, and let you know how it turns out, expert.......
     
    Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015
    Robmicgrn, Oct 19, 2015
    #7
    double yellow Thanks this.
  10. Oct 19, 2015 #8
    Mikesee

    Mikesee Light Load Member

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    I think that it will be the CDL A Driving Test Officer is the one who will enter the restrictions into the system. The person who you spoke with when you took the written exam may be clueless. If you already did not have a CDL B, this restriction makes sense. Your going to have to take the test one way or the other and if all goes well ask the examiner what restrictions he is add and take the discussion from there.
     
    Mikesee, Oct 19, 2015
    Mikesee, Oct 19, 2015
    #8
  11. Oct 19, 2015 #9
    clausland

    clausland Road Train Member

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    In so much as I see what you are trying to accomplish, consider this......Yes, you will be able get a CDL A with what you're taking the road test in, BUT, it will be restricted as follows:
    O- Truck/trailer combo only, a pick-up is not a "tractor" designed to only pull semi-trailers.
    L- Not valid for air brakes
    Also, if your truck is an automatic, your State may or may not add that restriction also.

    Now, if that's what you only intend to do, go for it, and I wish you all the best....But if you're trying to get an unrestricted CDL A to drive Class 8 semi's, well, you really need to rethink your plan, good luck......
     
    clausland, Oct 19, 2015
    clausland, Oct 19, 2015
    #9
  12. Oct 19, 2015 #10
    Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    You answered your own question. A 1-ton dually is made to haul stuff in it, on it, as well as pull a trailer. A truck tractor is intended to tow a vehicle (trailer) that carries the load. Therefore a 1-ton dually is NOT a truck tractor, thus the restriction. It really doesn't get any more plain english than that. If you want an unrestricted class A CDL, get an actual semi t/t and take the test. Otherwise, don't complain about the restrictions.
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Oct 19, 2015
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Oct 19, 2015
    #10
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