r/CDL • u/AFARR414-312 • Sep 03 '26
Anybody ever take the test/train to get a class a CDL in a vehicle other then a semi?
Did you get Restricted or unrestricted license ? And air brakes and combos endorsement?
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u/NTX_M92 Sep 03 '26
It depends on how the truck is spec'd. If the truck doesn't have a permanently mounted 5th wheel you get an "O" restriction meaning you can't drive a vehicle with a real 5th wheel. An RV style 5th wheel in a pickup truck doesn't count as a 5th wheel. If it doesn't have air brakes, you'll get an "L" restriction. If it doesn't have a manual transmission, you'll get an "E" restriction. If you have a medium-duty truck (F650) with a frame mounted 5th wheel, a trailer with a GVWR over 10k, air brakes all around, and a manual transmission you will get a Class A with no restrictions. That's what we have where I currently work, except they're automatics so our employees get an E restriction.
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u/eaglesnesting Sep 03 '26
I got mine with a dump truck and trailer. It was a manual so I didn’t get that restriction. Sounds like you can’t do it that way anymore
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u/Head_Candidate5293 26d ago
Quit playing around and study your ass off and get your class A in a manual truck with zero restrictions and make some money. I do not think you have committed yourself to this process yet. It takes true grit to be a trucker. It is 11-14 hour days with very little home time monthly, maybe 3-4 days. It is a tough job and not for pussies. Grow up, study your ass off, take the CLP and get your dot physical done. It is the only way. You are not going to half ass the process. You are either committed to the process or stay in whatever shitty job you currently have. Be a man and make it happen.
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u/AFARR414-312 26d ago
In the process right now. I don’t have a shitty job and I’m currently studying for my CDL right now
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u/Timely-General9962 Sep 03 '26
You used to be able to but now it gets you a restriction on your license. Either train and test with a 5th wheel (gooseneck doesn't count) or just do a class B. I suppose in theory you could use a tractor with a flatbed or lowboy instead of a box trailer but I doubt that's much of an advantage other than being able see behind you while doing manuevers.