Class A CDL license is the permit that every truck driver should obtain in order to drive vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26.000 lbs. or more. Every state has different rules and regulations regarding the CDL.
Source: www.driver-jobs.net
If you are a truck driver and you want to start driving heavier trucks , than you must obtain a class A CDL. By obtaining the CDL you will be licensed to drive: tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, flatbeds and livestock carriers. The Class A license might allow the truck driver to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles if the truck driver gets good endorsements.
LEARN 12 SECRET STEPS HOW TO MAKE $950 MORE PER TRUCK / MONTH
Hey! I'm George J.Magoci and I will send you a FREE eBook where you can learn 12 secret steps how to make $950 more truck/month.
The process of obtaining the CDL is not easy, and that is why truck drivers should pay more attention when choosing the CDL truck driving school. That part is really important because even-though you have obtained a CDL license, some truck companies might not hire you if you don’t possess the required knowledge. These trainings can be extremely difficult , so be self-focused and try to learn and improve as much as you can.
Furthermore you will see our ultimate guide how to get class A CDL license , it will definitely help you if you are considering to start a CDL training.
The Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Is The Start Point
The commercial learner’s permit – CLP is the start point to obtaining the Class A CDL. This permit allows truck drivers to practice on public roads, but only with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle. So first of all you have to get the commercial learner’s permit in order to apply in a truck drivers school for CDL.
Any driver that has a valid driver license and is over 18 years old can apply for CPL . There are no requirement for the driver to have previous experience. The CLP is valid only 180 days and it can be renewed only once in a year.
It is important to know that after obtaining the CLP , the truck driver should drive for 2 years with a companion that has a valid CDL license.
Find The Best Truck Driver School For Class A CDL
The class A CDL training is the most important if you want to be successful in the trucking industry. That’s why you have to be very careful when choosing the truck driver school in which you are going to take the training. In USA there are a lot of training facilities but only few of them can offer you the proper training , needed knowledge and skills. By going through this training you will improve your driving skills for sure and you will become a better trucker.
Source: www.sageschools.com
When choosing a truck driver school for your CDL training you will have to pay attention to few details:
- How many years are they in the business;
- To check their track record;
- Visit their website , see what they are offering and read the reviews from their students;
- Who do they train;
- What is the ratio of instructors and students;
The next step after you review all these things is to do a list of pros and cons of what each school offers. That way you will be able to choose the right school that will help you improve your skills and that will help you obtain the class A CDL.
Go Through The Commercial Driver License Tests
The crucial part of obtaining a class A CDL license is passing all commercial driver license tests. There are more commercial driver license tests , and which ones you will have to pass depends from the class license that you need. As well besides the tests you will have go obtain endorsements.
LEARN 12 SECRET STEPS HOW TO MAKE $950 MORE PER TRUCK / MONTH
Hey! I'm George J.Magoci and I will send you a FREE eBook where you can learn 12 secret steps how to make $950 more truck/month.
Generally all truck drivers that want to get the commercial driver license go through the general knowledge test. After the general knowledge test each driver should decide what kind of truck he would like to drive in order to know which tests and which licenses he will need.
If a truck driver wants to drive a vehicle that has air brakes , for sure he will have to go through the air brakes test. Therefore this test includes air brakes and air over hydraulic brakes.
Source: www.localtrucks.com
Since there is high demand of truck drivers for combination vehicles, there are a lot of truckers that go through the combination vehicles test.
Source: www.transportationfortomorrow.com
Furthermore, if you want to haul hazardous materials then you will have to pass another test- the hazardous materials test. Similarly if you are planing to haul any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank you will have to take the tank vehicle test.
Source: www.fox5sandiego.com
When it comes to the doubles and triples test , it is made only for truck drivers that want to pull double or triple trailers.
Henceforth, after you pass the commercial driver license test for obtaining a class A CDL , you will have to go through knowledge tests. These knowledge tests include:
- Vehicle inspection;
- Basic Vehicle Control;
- On-road driving;
You Must Fulfill The Medical Requirements
The trucking business in the USA is increasing every day, and there are more and more truck drivers that apply for CDL license. Therefore in order to increase the safety of the drivers and the safety of all the passengers, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations issued medical requirements . Every truck driver that wants to obtain a class A CDL must fulfill these medical requirements. The driver will be qualified if:
- He doesn’t have clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus that requires insulin for control;
- If the trucker doesn’t have cardiovascular disease accompanied by shortness of breath;
- He doesn’t have high blood pressure that interferes with his ability to drive the truck;
- If he doesn’t have medical history of epilepsy;
- He is not suffering a mental, nervous, organic and functional disease;
- If the truck driver doesn’t have diagnosis of alcoholism;
- He is not using narcotic, amphetamine or any other drug;
- If he doesn’t have any respiratory condition that would cause a problem of operating the truck;
Moreover , the truck driver will have to go through physical examinations. The most important is the DOT Physical – “Department of Transportation Medical Examinations”. The aim of this examination is to determine whether a truck driver meets the physical and mental requirements that this job brings.
Disqualification For Class A CDL
Truck drivers that have obtained a CDL should be very careful when it comes to the rules and regulations, even the smallest mistake can ban them.
