If you're going for a Class A in order to drive a tractor-trailer, it really is what you need to do. For a Class B, or Class A for combinations which aren't tractor-trailers, lots of companies can give you on-the-job training.
It can be done, provided you have access to a vehicle you can use for the road test.
It can be done.
No.
You can have a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) without a Hazardous Materials Endorsement, but you have not have the HazMat Endorsement without a CDL.
You can get a CDL. The difficult part will be finding employment.
Yes. However, if you have more than three points total on your license for the past three years, it's going to be really difficult for you to find a driving job, with or without a CDL.
Your CDL IS your license. If your CDL gets yanked, you don't retain a regular drivers license - you're revoked, period.
All you have to do in order to obtain a CDL license is to enroll in a truck driving school. There are programs which will last about four weeks and then you would have to take an examination to get your CDL license.
The time it takes to acquire your CDL license can vary depending on a number of factors. CDL training school can range from 8 weeks to 6 weeks to even 3 weeks, depending on if you are going to day, night or weekend classes.
You can drive one with a Class C CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements, so long as the GVWR of the bus is 26,000 lbs. or less, but you cannot drive one without a CDL.
Not going to happen. Sorry.
Yes, they will. And, once you're employed, you'll face random drug screenings, as well.
Sure, you can get a CDL. Whether you'll be able to find employment in the industry is another matter, however.