ul412al

Hey Guys - I am looking for somebody to help me get prepared to take the CDL driving test. I bought a company that has a Class B truck and I need to be able to move it once in awhile. The truck I bought is located in South Florida so I would need somebody that has a truck locally to practice with. Anybody up for the challenge? Of course, I will pay for the expenses and your time.

deckhand

What type truck do you have? Is the "gvwr "on the drivers door rated for more than 26,000lbs.?does it have air brakes? If you take the written exam (and pass) DMV will give you a learner's permit valid to drive with a CDL lisc. driver 21 or older. Pesi Cola Co. in Pensacola was giving the driving test in their trucks, can't remeber cost, but several of my drivers have used them and easily passed. Do yourself a favor and get the class "A" CDL and all endorsements besides "Hazmat" (requires mandatory drug tests every 6 months) you never know when you might need them and addditional cost is min. > Ken

bamasam

I would help you but I am near Birmingham. What type of truck, box, dump? If you can drive a stick shift you wont have any problem. The written test is no problem the hardest part for most is the walk around inspection. You will need to tell the inspector what you are checking and what you are looking for.

deckhand

Don't just point to the item's "touch them" or you will fail test.

ul412al

The truck is a 33,000 GVWR roll-off truck so the CDL is mandatory. It's a manual and I have driven manual F-350's with 28' trailers all over the south. The truck does have air brakes (which I know nothing about). From everyone's suggestions, it looks like I need help identifying parts/process for the walk-through (which I know maybe half) and some basic driving experience to make the leap from F-350's to Class B (or Class A as someone suggested).

jjam

I suggest you first head down to the DMV and get the CDL study guide and read it from front to back. It's been a long time but I believe there's a chapter test for each section..Make sure you can answer all the questions then seek some one with the type of tuck you will be licensing for. If CDL with all endorsements that means double / triples and tankers; therefore, you will need at least a combo unit. (Tractor & trailer)

Hope this helps some.

Jimmy

deckhand

Yep defininetly need CDL. Class "A" if you ever tow a trailer behind that truck (even if it's empty). If you have driven F-350 with trailers this truck should be a breeze (just watch the tail swing when turning they stick out a little). The DMV CDL book will cover all the components for the walk thru and the air brake tolerances. Get your Temp CDL lisc. and I'll ride with you. All my trucks are larger and have a little more complicated transmissions and probably would hinder you more than help. > Ken

redfishin'JR

The CDL handbook is a must. The pre-trip inspection and the air brake test are the hardest part. Make sure that you have the air brake test down pat. I missed one part (i think there's 3 parts)of the air brake test and the instructor stopped me and said "test over".

ul412al

Hey Guys - Passed the written tests with no problems. Now that I have a CDL learner's permit, I need to pick up a truck in Panama City and drive it back to Pensacola. Anyone with a CDL willing to ride with me and show me the ropes? I will be happy to compensate you for your time. I was thinking Friday might be a good day for the trip, but I am flexible.

hogdogs

Well I thought I could help as my father has a CDL but he says he would need a current DOT physical etc. to help. anyone know the requirements for the assisting CDL licensed driver?
Brent

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