What are the requirements for a C.D.L class A license?

Answer 1

First, you have to obtain a learner's permit. To do this, you simply study your CDL handbook, and take the following written tests:

• General Knowledge (covers introduction, driving safely, and cargo from the CDL handbook)
• Combination Vehicles
• Air Brakes (if needed)
• Hazmat (if needed)
• Passengers (if needed)
• Tankers (if needed)

Once you've taken those written tests, you can obtain a Class A learner's permit - by law, you cannot legally operate any combination which falls under the requirements of a Class A CDL without having first obtained the learner's permit.

When you're ready for your road test, you'll schedule the appointment with your DMV. You'll need a licenced Class A driver to transport you and the test vehicle to the DMV office. Now, Class A covers any combination over 26,000 lbs. GVWR in which the vehicle in tow is rated at over 10,000 lbs. This means you could take a Ford F-650 (rated at 26,000 lbs.) with an attached trailer rated at over 10,000 lbs., and use that for your road test. However, there is a catch - if you do this, you'll receive an "8" restriction, which prohibits you from operating tractor trailers, although you can operate other CDL combinations.

You must be at least 18 years of age to get a CDL - however, if you're under 21, you'll receive a "4" restriction, which restricts you to intrastate operations only. Additionally, you cannot receive a Hazmat endorsement if you are under 21.

Double trailer and tanker endorsements are simply written tests. Hazmat requires fingerprinting and a background check through the Transportation Safety Administration. Passenger vehicles require both a written test and a road test conducted in a passenger vehicle. If you have a Class A CDL, and take the road test for a passenger vehicle in a bus which is not a Class A CDL vehicle, you'll be restricted to non-articulated buses. School bus drivers are also required to undergo a background check.