Class B Training Options?

Hi there, I was reading through this website and thought maybe this would be a good place to ask. I see a lot of "paid training" for class A licences, but have yet to come across paid training for a class B licence. I am aware that you can use a class A license for driving class B vehicles, but I really don't want to rough it through 5-6 weeks of training if I can just get a class B licence instead.

My question is, if I were to study the CDL manual and attain my permit, would it be possible to skip driving school and just rent a class B truck for personal use to pass the pre trip and road test at the dmv?

Much appreciated

would it be possible to skip driving school and just rent a class B truck for personal use to pass the pre trip and road test at the dmv?

Hey Theo, that is possible. You can do the same thing for a class A license. The problem with doing that for the class A is that no reputable company will hire you without you providing them with a training certificate indicating 160 hours of training.

If you are unwilling to "rough it through 5-6 weeks of training" then settling for a class B license and job is your only option. We just think driving a big rig is such a cool job, we would be willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Not everybody feels that way. I guess that's why there are options available.

The reason nobody is willing to pay you to train for the class B license is simply that it doesn't make you a very valuable asset to a company. The opportunities are very limited. The class A license opens up the door to a world of opportunities. Of course those opportunities are only realized by those willing to "rough it through" a few difficulties.

Thank you for your input Old School, I may end up with a class A afterall, there is just something about the backing and maneuvering a combination vehicle that makes me uneasy, i'd be much more comfortable drivng a straight truck class B. I have been thinking about getting my CDL for a year now, I better do it now because 15-20 years from now autonomous trucks may be a reality.

Theo when we all started we were uneasy and nervous. Nobody was born a truck driver that's why we're required to have a special license to operate a big rig, and why any reputable company wants to see we attended at a minimum a 160 hour school. Before I started school I had never been inside a truck, and the only kind of trailer I'd backed up before was a small uhaul trailer with my personal owned vehicle once. I was extremely nervous. There are many people that feel the same way and are out there getting it done. Once you finish school you'll end up going out with a trainer for 3 or more weeks, depending on the company you go to. After you have your class A you may decide it isn't for you and you may prefer the class B trucks but I'm sure you'll be paid better as you have the ability to operate a class a vehicle if your company has a need for it in a pinch. As Brett says anytime a question like this comes up, nearly every school out there at any given time has somebody who has a class B license looking to upgrade it.

Also not every vehicle that a Class A is required for is a semi tractor/trailer. In Iowa and Nebraska I've seen the DOT plows on the highway pulling a trailer behind them. Pays decent but a class A is required.

As long as you give school 100% effort and listen to what your instructor tells you to, you shouldn't have a problem.

Theo predicts the future in his reply to OS:

I have been thinking about getting my CDL for a year now, I better do it now because 15-20 years from now autonomous trucks maybe reality.

Maybe not. Theo...rest easy. The reality you believe possible, is likely going to be very different than assumed and limited to very controlled corridors. YOU WILL STILL HAVE A JOB...it might be different than it is today..., but you'll have one.

Read this: Autonomous Truck Blog Articles

By the way, Rob's reply to you is spot-on. The only person on here (that I know of) who spends more time going backwards than I do is Rob!

By the way, Rob's reply to you is spot-on. The only person on here (that I know of) who spends more time going backwards than I do is Rob!

Rob, I think I am looking for loopholes that just arent there.. I am still open to getting a class A, especially since it's the gold standard of licences.

G-town if you haven't guessed it, I have a tendency to overthink things, it's both a blessing and a curse, autonomous trucks are probably the least of things to be concerned about for me at this time.

Thank you to everyone that replied.