Whats the minimum length of trailer required when taking a road test to obtain a CDL-A license?

Question

I would like to obtain a CDL-A license but I want my road test to be as easy as possible. Is there a minimum trailer length requirement when taking the road test to obtain a CDL-A license?

Answer 1

yes your minumum is a 48 foot van or tanker but most trailer van styles are 53. either way make sure you watch your mirrors in all turns. I am a commercial driver so any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Answer 2

Don't know about length, but the longer the trailer the easier backing up for the paralell park thing.To get a class A, a trailer gvwr must be over 10,001 lbs. Thats the diff between an A and B license, Trailer with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. A regular full size flat bed equipment trailer is a good all around one to use for your test. One the size to carry a backhoe or small bull dozer.

Answer 3

They like to use a 40 foot trailer. You will find that it is very easy to use a 40 footer rather than a 28 footer. The bigger they are, the easier they are, no fooling they are much easier. Been a trucker for 50 years.

Answer 4

The shortest trailer in general use on the road is 28'.  It's called a "pup".  A single axle tractor and a pup would be the easiest thing to take your test in around town.

However, you have to pass your written tests first.  Have you done that?  You are also going to need to practice.  It's not like driving a pickup with a trailer.

You will be required to do a proper pretrip inspection on the vehicle you drive for the test.  If you cannot do that properly, or if the vehicle won't pass, you cannot take your test.

Answer 5

A local tool rental company in my area has a small dump truck and a small masonary trailer which they rent out. The owner of the company told me he gets a lot of renters to use them for their test.

The trailer is only about 10 feet long, but the weight rating is 12,000 pounds. The truck is something like 28,000. Air brake equipped, and synchronized shifters!!! Makes for a nice ride.

As you can see by the various answers posted here, as long as you have the right GVWR  on your combination, it will qualify for your CDL.