CDL B To CDL A
Topic 32347 | Page 1
Wondering if anyone knows what will be required of me to get my CDL A license. I already have a CDL B. Thanks.
Hello, Daniel !!!
Welcome to Trucking Truth, good sir. So SORRY it's taken so long for a reply; usually the folks that post in this diary categorsy, are infrequent; reporting as they can of their journey into trucking.
That question would be answered by MANY MORE than just me, in the General Discussion part of the forum; so if you DO come back to read 'my' diatribe, please consider reposting, in some form.. over there; thanks!
Here's some great start, to getting your Class A CDL :
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Trainingrogram
- CDL Practice Tests
Also, due to the new ELDT set forth 02/07/2022 .. you'll need the above, especially the studying and training parts.
Here's a great link to a thread, with your question asked and answered. It's a bit 'dated,' but the information certainly still applies.
Upgrading a CDL, Class B to A ...
Hope this helps, and again...feel free to post/re post in the general discussion area.
Glad to have ya; PLEASE at least put your state in your profile; oftentimes some DOT (and other) rules in trucking may differ. Helps us help you.
See ya soon!
~ Anne ~
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
To upgrade from a CDL B to a CDL A license, here’s what you’ll typically need to do:
Meet Eligibility Requirements: Since you already have a CDL B, you likely meet the basic requirements (age, medical certification, etc.). However, double-check your state’s specific requirements.
Pass the CDL A Knowledge Test: You’ll need to study for and pass the written knowledge test for a CDL A. This test covers topics like combination vehicles, air brakes (if applicable), and general CDL knowledge.
Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): After passing the knowledge test, you’ll get a CLP , which allows you to practice driving Class A vehicles under supervision.
Complete Training (if required): Some states or employers may require you to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a certified training provider. This became a federal requirement in the U.S. as of February 2022 for new CDL A applicants.
Practice Driving a Class A Vehicle: You’ll need to practice driving a combination vehicle (tractor-trailer) to prepare for the skills test.
Pass the CDL A Skills Test: This includes:
Pre-Trip Inspection: Demonstrating your ability to inspect the vehicle. Basic Control Skills: Maneuvering the vehicle in various situations (e.g., backing up, parking). Road Test: Driving on public roads to show your ability to operate the vehicle safely. Pay Fees and Submit Documentation: Once you pass the skills test, you’ll need to pay the necessary fees and provide any required documentation to upgrade your license.
Since requirements can vary slightly by state, it’s a good idea to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for specific details. Let me know if you’d like help finding resources or study materials!
Pre-trip Inspection:
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Combination Vehicle:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
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Wondering if anyone knows what will be required of me to get my CDL A license. I already have a CDL B. Thanks.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: