Upgrading from a B to an A

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Bdog, Apr 3, 2016.

  1. Bdog

    Bdog Road Train Member

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    My buddy has a class B license with no air brake restriction. He wants a class A. Can he take the road test in a class A combo without air brakes like a dually pickup with a ten ton trailer or does it need to be an air brake class A vehicle?
     
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  3. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    He may be able to, would have to call the state. He may get a auto restriction though, best to call.
     
  4. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Side note, been sooooo long since mine, alot has changed
     
  5. dibstr

    dibstr Road Train Member

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    If he takes it in a combination vehicle without air brakes, he will have an air brake restriction on his class a license. He also has to test in a vehicle representative of the type he will be driving. Hence he will be restricted from driving tractor trailers. He will only be allowed to drive truck trailers w/o air brakes.
     
  6. Bdog

    Bdog Road Train Member

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    Ok. Wasn't sure. He has the air brakes on his B from driving dump trucks. He just wanted to upgrade to an A. I could let him test in my Pete and 53' but he has never driven anything like that. Thought it might be easier for him if he could just test in the pickup with the big gooseneck which requires a class A.
     
  7. Mikesee

    Mikesee Light Load Member

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    Talk to your local DMV and ask them what he needs to do.
     
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Take the air brake test, it is really easy, easier than the combination test which is also easy. Once that's out the way, just take a road test and be done with it.
     
  9. TheDude1969

    TheDude1969 Heavy Load Member

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    I've heard of taking the test in a dump with airbrakes and an equipment trailer for the >26,000lb limit for a full class A, but I've not heard of it in a 1ton dually.
    Good luck!
     
  10. Dominick253

    Dominick253 Heavy Load Member

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    Yes. They won't want to but if you can get a ticket for driving it because you don't have an A then you can use that vehicle to get your A.
     
  11. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    You used to be able to do that in mn, don't know anymore, no air brakes endorsement but if you already had it, it was accepted
     
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