CDL-A drive CDL-B?

CDL A holder can operate a B or C vehicle. If it is a bus then a passenger endorsement is needed.

 

I acquired my CDL from a county technical school, much cheaper then a private school and much more in depth. Class was 320 hours long so it was about a month and a half If I remember correctly. Also the equipment that the school had was top notch compared to the private schools which were charging double the cost. Florida made it very difficult for someone to just grab a permit and then head to the DMV and take a pre trip and road test. If I were you, I would look into a vocational/technical school apply for some financial aid or grants if needed and go that route. I applied for financial aid and they picked up the tab for $1800 I think total cost was $2100 don't quote me on it, all I paid for was my medical card, CDL at the DMV, books, and misc. things like parking permit/school ID. There is a lot to learn, lots and lots of regulations now a days I would recommend a good school rather than doing it on your own, even then school can't teach you everything there is to know but it helps.

CDL B training at my school was about 2 weeks long, while A was about a month and a half, if you can, shoot for A, you will have much more options available. Keep in mind if you take on a B job right away and later want an A you will most likely be asked to take a refresher course.

 

My father was an independent driver my whole life so I have always been around the business and its in my blood lol. I have only been doing it firsthand for about 8 months, my only complaint is really due to my location and my lack of experience. In Florida even experienced drivers are having a hard time finding a niche with a good company that pays well, I got on with a company that pays good but the schedule is very very inconsistent because I am on call, and because its hard to find a job I have just been sticking it out here. Your first year will be the hardest because not many companies will give you a shot due to the insurance companies requiring 1+ years of exp. The ones that do hire you without any experience usually don't pay great. Again it could be different in your area, just do lots of research on a company before pulling the trigger. I started driving a day cab (no sleeper) with a 48-53' dry van with a lift gate. I hauled beer and wine for Trader Joe's stores opening in FL. I now drive a sleeper truck with a partner 48-53' refrigerated trailers and I deliver around FL to convenience stores, Walgreens, Walmarts, etc. Trucking is very vast, and some guys start out doing flatbed and love it, others tanker, research every aspect of the industry and you might find a side of trucking that will interest you. This board is a great resource to use, ask away all the questions you have, also update your location on your profile that way other users can help you with job/school recommendations.

 

My first job I got paid every week. It was the easiest job in the world, yes I would work around 50 hours a week but I loved it. M-F early mornings and no weekends. That job was at 36k. Again it was my first driving job and for being local and in Fl it wasn't bad. I left because more work was being added for the same money. The job I am at now you avg 57-65k your first year. It pays bi weekly. It all depends, if you go OTR you have to scan your paperwork by a certain time and date to get paid on the next pay period. I see your in Chicago the opportunities are endless over there, try the intermodal (container, port/rail) its usually local and pays much better than having to be gone for weeks at a time with a starter company.

 

If you get a class A and only use it for class B driving, you'll likely have to either get a refresher course or repeat the entire training before anyone would accept you for OTR.

Driving a straight truck won't 'test you out'. It will only show that you can drive a big car.
The only way to test yourself out for class A driving is going OTR with a 53' trailer behind you.