Groferus asked:
I am trying to get a commercial drivers license in ca with no restrictions/all endorsements so that I can find a job easier. I have passed all of the written tests, and Im wondering how am I going to be able to practice for the driving test? I don’t own a semi, and I don’t think places will rent to me with a learners permit. Another question- when I go to take my test, if I am applying for a class A, what type of vehicle should I be in? The drivers handbook was a little ambiguous. If I have hazmat, tanker, double triple, and passenger endorsements then do I need to take 4 separate driving tests with each type? Do I need it to be a class A combi vehicle? or can it just be any class B? All info is helpful, thanks.
I am trying to get a commercial drivers license in ca with no restrictions/all endorsements so that I can find a job easier. I have passed all of the written tests, and Im wondering how am I going to be able to practice for the driving test? I don’t own a semi, and I don’t think places will rent to me with a learners permit. Another question- when I go to take my test, if I am applying for a class A, what type of vehicle should I be in? The drivers handbook was a little ambiguous. If I have hazmat, tanker, double triple, and passenger endorsements then do I need to take 4 separate driving tests with each type? Do I need it to be a class A combi vehicle? or can it just be any class B? All info is helpful, thanks.
September 27th, 2009 at 4:35 am
You should take the test in a tractor trailer with air brakes. That is what you have to take the test in to get an unrestricted Class A CDL. The endorsements are just written tests, no road test for them.
This is the exact reason most people go to truck driving school. It’s not so much to learn how to drive, but to get a little experience driving a tractor trailer, learning how to do a log book, learning the specific laws regulating trucks and CDL’s and they let you use a tractor trailer to take the test.
About your only other option to acquiring a truck is to find an owner operator that will let you use their truck. That’s going to be hard to find. It is legal to do that as long as you have your CDL learner’s permit. The tester will be a CDL licensed driver.
As far as where you take your test, the DMV will tell you that. Some states, the DMV does the testing. Some states use third party testing facilities. Either way the DMV will be able to tell you where to go.