CDL test with a horse trailer ???

It's a combination vehicle with a 5th wheel. That is the one differentation between say a Class B Dump truck and a Class A Combination. Weights are ignored for the Class rule.

Now if you hooked a Beaver trailer with a paver or something on it to the pintle hook on the back of that Dump truck, then you are a restricted A. (Don't forget the airbrakes)

That would be the biggest problem. Does your Flatbed truck and gooseneck trailer combination vehicle have airbrakes? If not? you will probably get a airbrake restriction on that CDL A.

The second problem is does the "Tractor" vehicle have a manual transmission? If not you will get a restriction against your license saying autos only.

 

They won't accept it.

 

This is what you want to worry about with that combo in CA.

• A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

If you meet that requirement with either trailer, you'll be good.

 

I personally would say take the bigger trailer. Just because it would easily make the requirements. But if you know, really know the GVWR of the smaller one and can prove it, take it. It would be easier in the controls course. Good luck.

 

As long as the CGVWR is over 26,001lbs and the trailer GVWR is 10,000 or more they will.

 

Are you trying to get a CDL you can use for driving 18 wheelers? If so you need a truck and trailer that meet the commercial vehicle definition and also have air brakes. If you take the test without air brakes you get a license that is restricted from use on vehicles with air brakes.

If your just getting the CDL to pull your own trailers, not having air brakes isn't important. You can upgrade later just by re-testing in a vehicle/trailer with air brakes.

 

As long as it’s a 5th wheel, air brakes and 10k weight or more it is fine.

The tractor has to be a class 8