Has anyone ever heard of having to take the skills test with a tanker trailer?

Yeah, it's crazy lol.

 

I live in Texas. Back when I got my CDL back in 2004, I wasn't able to get any endorsements with the permit only, except air brake. Air brake really isn't an endorsement it's just something that would be a restriction if you didn't pass air brake. I had to wait until I had the CDL. In any case never had to take a skills test pulling a tanker. It is true for hazmat in Texas, that if you go get your prints done before you take the exam for hazmat you will have delays.

 

I'm guessing now it's all due to these new eldt regulations. I don't know.

 

I do still have my CLP, still waiting to go to school.

 

Just be prepared that when you show up to take your road test and pre-trip at your DMV, and you show up in a dry-van, and they tell you that you can't test because you aren't in a tanker trailer. I don't know how it works in the state that you are in, but in TX that's how it is. You can the tanker endorsement on your CLP, but you have to take your road test with a tanker trailer. One guy signed on with Schneider, and showed up at the DPS office to take his road test and pre-trip, they told him that he couldn't take it because he showed up with a dry-van instead of a tanker. What he had to do was cancel his CLP, have it re-issued with no endorsements, then when he passed, they gave him his license, and then had to pay for his tanker endorsement again once they verified that he had passed the written exam the first time. So just be prepared for that if they say something like that. If they don't say anything about it, then you're good. But, good luck to you brother!

 

I prob wouldn't test in a tanker anyway, as that was required for Prime. The company I am looking at has different divisions but I was looking at reefer or dry van.

 

Honestly, go for dry-van. From people that I've been talking to, you'll get a lot more consistent miles with a lot less detention time. And not as long live load/unloads. There's times that it may be a long one. But from what I hear, it's not a consistent long live load/unload like reefers. Only thing bad from what I've heard about new drivers starting out is hunting down empty trailers being in dry-van.

 

My goal is to go tanker, but I held off with the endorsement until I went to the DMV today to take my skills test. After I passed I added it.

No skin off my back. The endorsement is worthless without a license. Be patient, it'll come.

 

I guess things may have possibly changed since I obtained my CDL-A. In NJ, (back in the day) you applied for your CDL (whatever class) and ANY & ALL endorsements at the same exact time, then take/took ALL written tests associated with your permit. Once ALL tests are completed with a passing grade, you scheduled your road test. Class A needed to be in a combination vehicle over 26,001 pounds with an articulation. After safely and satisfactorily passing the road test, you went into the DMV and gave your papers to the clerk, name is called, payment made, picture taken and out the door you went with you Class ___ license with endorsements and/or restrictions.

Today, things may possibly be extremely different than yesteryear. But this is all the info I can afford you.