Cdl

[hammersley]

Ok - I know almost NOTHING about this so be patient. I live in Washington - (State) and want to maybe drive a few days a week to keep myself busy when retired ( 1st of Feb). What are the classes of CDL's, and can a new guy get short day jobs etc? But more important - what are the ways to get a license and what do they cost?

 

[illflem]

Suggest you drop by your local DOL and pick up a free CDL book, it will answer all your questions. Most of the time you have to ask for them as it's a thick book they don't want everyone picking one

up.

It's been quite some time since I've done one and it was for an 18 wheeler so all I could tell you would probably be misinformation, but 20 years ago it was several hundred dollars and a physical.

 

[jpolston]

Class B - straight truck over 26001 GVWR

Class A - Combination Vehicle over 26001 GCWR



small vehicles under certain circumstances ie; more than 16 passengers, hazardous material etc. .



The actual fee for the license is not expensive, but more than a regular license.



Getting a job with no experience is another story!



Getting a CDL is only part of doing commercial driving.



1. You have to study for a pretty rigorous written test. Not a problem just painful.



2. You have to have access to equipment to be driven for the road test. This also involves a rather difficult "Pre Trip Inspection"; again just painful. If you have to borrow the equipment, most owner/operators are using it to make a living.



3. After you get the CDL, you have to start shopping for insurance. I won't try to explain this one; but you can start shopping for insurance now, just to get an idea of what to expect. ( I should have listed this as #1, then you would not have to read any further). :{



Another way is to enroll in a CDL Driving school and pay for it, some companies will re-imburse you if you agree to drive for them for a period.



Sorry for the long post, but I've been there, done that, and was the unhappy owner of a trucking company w/ ICC Authority and a fleet of trucks and sorry a$$ drivers. :{ :{



Just my experince. I also have a lot more respect and appreciation for the thousands of professional drives on our roads today. It is one of, if not the hardest ways to make a living. My hat is off to them

 

[Prairie Dog]

You'll have to get a physical too.

 

[JPS]

Your "right on" there,jpolston!!! jps

 

[hammersley]

Thanks a lot

great info guys - thanks a lot

 

[BV]

Originally posted by jpolston

2. You have to have access to equipment to be driven for the road test. This also involves a rather difficult "Pre Trip Inspection"; again just painful. If you have to borrow the equipment, most owner/operators are using it to make a living.

If you can't borrow a rig to practice and take your test in then your probably SOL. The truck rental companies (Rollins) laughed at a aquaintence that tried to rent without his CDL. Maybe it's changed and you can get a CDL learners permit or something.



Also - In Oregon you had to take your driving test in a rig similar to the CDL class and endorsments you applied for (ie - if you go for air brakes then you need a rig with air brakes to test in.



TIP: Our company used an occupational health/therapy center for DOT Medical card renews for around $120 every other year.

 

[QRTRHRS]

You can get a lot of CDL/DOT info online. See here to start and follow the links.

http://www.fmcsa. dot.gov/links.htm

I used to have a commercial license but was in school when the CDL came around. I figured no way I would ever need it so did not bother.



Now, twenty years later, I find myself soon to be out of work. I can get the schooling paid for so I think I will use that avenue to pick up the CDL. No way I want to drive full time. I want to find some part time to supplement my farm income. At least I won't be borderline when I do some of my own hauling.

 

[Bob V]

hammersley, I just saw an ad for the rental of a truck and help with getting a CDL in the Longview WA paper. Here is the link to it.

http://www.tdn.com/classifieds/inde...ss-Service Directory#CDL_Training_and_Testing

 

[hammersley]

hanks for the data-

Bob - I'll call the 800# . BTW - I was told that if you have a CDL and get stopped by the police for driving your regular vehicle, they won't be as likely to give you a break since you're suppose to be a professional and drive better. Any truth to that?

 

[Lnwing]

Originally posted by hammersley

Bob - I'll call the 800# . BTW - I was told that if you have a CDL and get stopped by the police for driving your regular vehicle, they won't be as likely to give you a break since you're suppose to be a professional and drive better. Any truth to that?

Worked the opposite for me recently. While on a parts run during harvest, I blew through a notorious local speed trap; 54 mph in a 35 zone. The officer said that since I had a CDL and clean record, instead of writing me up for speeding, which would have been several points, she made it "too fast for conditions", or some such thing.

Still cost me over $100, but the 'no points' part worked for me.