Fmcsa tightens cdl documentation, testing rules

I think this whole thing is dumb... Its been this way for as long as I know. Maybe thats how Ohio works though.

I had to take general knowledge, combination, and air brake tests before getting my permit. Fail one, fail them all. I had to hold my permit at least 30 days before being able to test to get a CDL. I didnt drive for a company, but I thought the same rules applied anyhow.

I learned to drive on a 10 speed and would have much rather tested in one but all the testing site would LET ME USE was an automatic. Its whatever. I kept telling them I did not want to test in an auto, but they refused otherwise. (By the way, I only went to the testing site to test, I DID NOT go through one of these so called "Mills". I am a self taught driver being a mechanic) Now youre probably thinking "oh great... he knows nothing". Oh well then.

I am all for these 'new' rules. I do believe they make it too easy for people to get CDL's. I mean, some people like myself can go out and get one because they can drive the #### vehicle. Others have been grandfathered in when they changed from Chauffeur license to CDL which can be iffy but is no longer done. And others really should go to a school and be challenged, or be told they arent cut out for it and move on.

 

I totally agree.

 

Don't have my manual on me but it should be on the downloadable one.

 

Same here. Also had to pass a pre-trip, in cab and four point before you could do any actual driving.

 

No where near restrictive enough. Oh no now they have to have a stick shift endorsement






Please if you think the biggest issue in this industry is what transmission someone is using replace the helmet!






A student should have their permit a minimum 6 months!
They should not be allowed to operate without a qualified CDL holder in gthe jump seat(yeah I know there goes all those cheap teams for Swift, England, Prime, Werner for their L/O to survive on).
Skid pad, down hill braking, and real backing tests (not that simpleton crap they do now).


Onceagain a botched limp wristed regulation instead of real reform for training.

 

Real training where the "trainer" is actually up training not sleeping for two years would probably be overkill. But 6 months seems OK, with fast track possible with the passing of real skills testing.

Now I understand one size can not fit all in training guidlines. You have people who barely drove.a car trying to grasp the mechanics of controlling an 80,000 articulating vehicle. These people are essentially being turned to their own devices on an amount of actual driving time most of us do in a day! That is unacceptable.

 

I just disagree with anything Ray the Hood suggests,, he is a certified idiot.