CDL A questions.

Just go take the test. I believe it's the employers who might seek the schooling. Also, I never knew you could have a CDL with air brake restriction. Sounds odd.

 

You have to retest at the DMV and use a truck with air brakes. Probably have to do a pretrip on the truck which is the hardest part. Google CDL practice tests for your state and memorize the exact wording such as "hose" or "line" or "air indicator" vs "air guage." Some states such as Illinois will flunk you over trivial meaningless semantics.

Some states my just require the written tests. Check with your state DMV as to what they require.

 

I was going to say the same thing as China.........but it really will have little value in your quest to move over to the "Big Rigs" as no insurance company would approve you with no experience in that larger equipment or proper training at a certified school. I do see one advantage.......after your training at a school, you could skip the state driving test. Often time students get so amped up about the state test, they lose focus on the overall training. Look at this way, the training will be easier with your experience. -Jon

 

You won't have any problem with a new job once you get the restriction removed.Probably slide by with a refresher through a company at most. FFE (Frozen Food Express) in Texas might be a place to start.

 

Yes, probably depends on the company. Some may just require a refresher. Shop around for the best deal.
I mentioned FFE, but also check with Freymiller and Transport America.

 

I would be very interested in what they say or if it would work that way. I have plenty of experience in in all kinds of set ups (box, flat bed, low boy, doubles) and every company I have gone to, still needs a copy of my training certificates from the school I attended in 2005 and always say it is an insurance company request......even large mega carriers that are partially self insured. When I got out of school (first company never asked) but last 5 years they would not schedule an orientation without submission of a copy of my diploma and PTDI certificate and verification.

 

How do you figure your current set-up is only 2' shorter than a "standard big rig"? You've got a 40' trailer, and the typical flatbed trailer is 48' long. Van trailers are usually 53'. Even with that 16' bed on the truck, you aren't as long as a typical tractor...even if you've got a "mega cab". Typical tractor will have 15' or so between the back of the sleeper and the rear of the frame rail, plus a 4-5' sleeper, and quite a bit more hood out in front. When I had a Pete 379/60" and a 48' flat, it was 75' overall length. I'd be surprised if you're within 15' of that...probably closer to 20' shorter.

But on to your question, you've got to retest in a semi t/t with air brakes. If you don't want an "automatic only" restriction, make sure to test in a manual...which doesn't shift like the synchronized transmissions in cars and light trucks, so if you've never driven a larger trucks with heavy duty transmissions, you'll want to get that part figured out before you test as well.

As far as getting hired goes, that all depends upon the company and how hard-up they are for drivers. A company that doesn't see many drivers leave will be less likely to hire you than one that constantly has trucks sitting and loads going uncovered due to a lack of drivers. Insurance plays a role in that, too, but not as much as some like to think. The megas that all require the school or refresher courses are pretty much self-insured, so while they try to blame "insurance", it's still the company wanting to send you to their company-owned school so they take some of your money up front or get away with paying you less starting out than what you should be making.