What kind of vehicle do i need to bring for the Class A CDL License road test/Pre-inspection?

Question

im trying to borrow a truck or rent one if i can...but the thing is that i dont know what kind of vehicle extactly i need... i have my permit with combination, air brake and basic knowledge endorsements. im a little bit confused because friends have told me "are you going for a class A or class B license because theres a difference" im not too sure all i know is that i took the 3 basic endorsements as mentioned above and on my permit above ENDR: it says CLASS A COMMERCIAL so does this mean i can only get a Class A and not a B? and if so what kind of truck do i need...do i need an 18 wheeler tractor trailer with a ball and hitch with the huge trailer in the back? or can it be something similar to a little U-Haul truck but slightly bigger? i need to know which is the cheapest kind of truck i can borrow in order to zoom into Motor Vehicles to take the preinspection and roadtest, pass and get out of there.

Answer 1

I believe your state's DMV manual, which you've probably been studying, has that specific information. In Texas, I believe it's a vehicle with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 26,001lbs. for a class A-CDL. Usually a large bobtail truck will have this rating and be equipped with air brakes. You can go to any truck rental facility and they can rent you one of these or if you know someone local, they can loan one if you put up a deposit. But it sounds like to me you know very litte about what your getting yourself into by trying to become a trucker if you know so little about how to go about getting the license or trucks themselves. Believe me, there are better things to do in life than being a trucker. Get ready for some long, hard, and with today's traffic, very nerve racking days. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I would recommend calling your local DMV as it varies somewhat from state to state (I think). Here in MO you would need a truck built  for over 24,000GVW and  with air brakes.

Answer 3

Check with your local DMV office.

Generally you take the road test in the vehicle you will be driving.

If you take a class at a professional driving school or other qualified instruction,all that will be done at the school and then you will be assigned to a driver/trainer by the co. that hires you for a training period and to check your driving skills.

There are several levels of CDL's,you can drive anything from a car up to anything within the limits of your CDL level with the proper endorsements.

A class A CDL will let you drive an 18 wheeler with a single trailer,but you can't drive a double trailer without the training and endorsement.

Answer 4

You need a T/T.  Period.  It will need to have air brakes.  If you think ball and hitch is the same as a fifth wheel, you shouldn't even try.  Give it up!  Ain't gonna happen.  People like you give truckers a bad name.  Drive a taxi!