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Upgrading CDL B to CDL A

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by pksteph, Mar 21, 2012.

  1. Mar 21, 2012 #1
    pksteph

    pksteph Bobtail Member

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    Mar 21, 2012
    TX
    0
    Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie and I'm new here.

    I'm thinking of going to the C-1 trucking school (with in Ft. Worth and becoming an OTR driver.

    Right now I have a CDL type B with air brakes, passenger and school bus endorsements. I have been driving school buses for the past two years. (I like the driving part, but, the elementary kids drive me crazy. lol I could drive high school all day. Unfortunately, I don't, and probably never will, get full time hours doing this ... or benefits...)

    Will having a B and driving buses help me at all with a rig? I know it took me a while to get used to being in control of a big bus when I first started. I think that was the biggest challenge for me at the time. It was kind of scary to back up. :biggrin_25523: Now y'all should see me. (We back up into our parking spaces... our yard is like an obstacle course.)

    What I'm worried most is driving a stick. I haven't done that in several years.

    Also, in Texas, do I have to take the permit again test since I already have a cdl (even if it's B)? I don't have to retake the tests I have endorsements, right? Do they transfer over? (gen. knowledge, air brakes, etc.)

    Would it be smart to study up on the remaining tests and just go in the the DMV and get those tests overwith?

    Sorry that was so long! Any help would be appreciated!
     
    pksteph, Mar 21, 2012
    pksteph, Mar 21, 2012
    #1
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  3. Mar 22, 2012 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Going from a "B" to an "A" would mean testing with a tractor/trailer. You can actually drive a tractor with just a "B". Esentially, it's a 10 wheeler. You should check with your state DMV for their requirements. Plan on school, however, you are ahead of the game having driven busses with air brakes and backing a large vehicle. But backing a large vehicle WITH a trailer is a slightly different animal, right ?
     
    Allow Me., Mar 22, 2012
    Allow Me., Mar 22, 2012
    #2
  4. Mar 22, 2012 #3
    Jynxx

    Jynxx Medium Load Member

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    Mar 16, 2011
    Cheyenne, Wyoming
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    Hello and congrats on going for your "A"! Your endorsements should transfer over. You will have to take the driving test portion again in the tractor trailer. Diving a tractor trailer is very different than driving a class B vehicle. You have the pivot point of the trailer to contend with as well as a difference in length. As for driving a standard transmission, it is actually quite easy in a semi. Especially once you learn how to float the gears. I'm not sure how it is in Texas but in Wyoming, we weren't allowed to float the gears in our driving tests with the DMV. We had to double clutch.

    In regard to studying ahead of time for your remaining tests, its a good idea. You can get those out of the way with your permit. Which I do believe you will have a permit before your class A license. Hope this helps and good luck with your new endeavor!
     
    Jynxx, Mar 22, 2012
    Jynxx, Mar 22, 2012
    #3
  5. Mar 22, 2012 #4
    pksteph

    pksteph Bobtail Member

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    Mar 21, 2012
    TX
    0
    Thanks for the replies!

    Yeah, I know it's different. I'm sure I'll learn it fine. At least I won't have to go through the "OMG this thing is large" feeling as a newby. :biggrin_25523: I remember the bus trainers saying that was a big hurdle for some people. haha!
     
    pksteph, Mar 22, 2012
    pksteph, Mar 22, 2012
    #4
  7. Mar 22, 2012 #5
    grusco

    grusco Light Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2012
    Rosemount, MN
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    I'm doing the same right now. Just took the A permit written test with tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples endorsements...easy tests. Now starting school for cdl A. You already have some realizations that 4 wheelers (cars) don't have: there is more mass (height and width) involved. You'll watch for trees, lines, etc that car drivers ignore. You also know about offtracking (rear wheels cut corner shorter than steering wheels) so that can translate to a semi also. Next step is adjusting to the items mentioned above by Jynxx but you're already on your way.

    fyi...I'm currently driving bus with two loads of elementary kids morning and afternoon....I won't miss the screaming and yelling....focus? heck yeah, we bus drivers know how to do that!

    Congratulations on your efforts to change and grow....
     
    grusco, Mar 22, 2012
    grusco, Mar 22, 2012
    #5
  8. Mar 22, 2012 #6
    NYROADIE

    NYROADIE Heavy Load Member

    773
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    Jun 24, 2010
    Rochester NY
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    Have you ever thought of tour busses? How about a "hot shot" type job with a 6 or10 wheel truck? (think Fed ex stright truck). Just tossing some ideas out there for you that could save you $$$
     
    NYROADIE, Mar 22, 2012
    NYROADIE, Mar 22, 2012
    #6
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