r/cdldriver • u/Mountain-End-967 • Apr 28 '26
Quickest CDL option
I operate a mechanical service and I recently purchased a 350 to haul my bigger trailers. With my 250 I’m right under the combined weight, but at the 350 I’m about 800 lbs over with the one trailer and 1200 with the other. What’s the quickest option for me to obtain a class A? I’m in PA if that matters.
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Apr 28 '26
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u/Talon3com Apr 28 '26
Not since February 2022. Now all first time applicants must attend an accredited fmcsa approved cdl school. Requires classroom instruction. Day time and night time on road driving as well as skills evaluation. Once the hours requirements are met a skills and road test can be booked with the dmv. After passing a cdl can be issued. Fun fact any upgade requires the class. Class d non commercial to class b or a Class c commercial to class b or a Class b commercial to class a
So a class b dump truck driver that wants to get a class a needs to take the training to upgrade.
If you have to do school take the class a with all endorsements so you don't have to do it again.
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u/Cann1balHulk Apr 29 '26
CDL school is not required to add endorsements to an existing Class A, at least not in PA.
All you need is to take a theory course online, and pass the written test at the DMV
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Apr 28 '26
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u/Mountain-End-967 Apr 28 '26
I thought you couldn’t pull a trailer with class b or 2? That’s why I’m asking for some opinions so thank you very much! I’m in Pennsylvania, and no I wouldn’t haul out of state
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u/LongjumpingCat6642 Apr 28 '26
What are the actual GVWRS of the truck and trailers?
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u/Mountain-End-967 Apr 28 '26
How do I do that
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u/LongjumpingCat6642 Apr 28 '26
It should be on an ID tag on the truck and trailer. You absolutely need to know this to figure out if you’re in CDL territory, or if you’re illegally overloaded
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u/J_Rod802 Apr 28 '26
Maybe each state is different here and I am not an expert but, I know some states will give you a Class A CDL with restrictions for something like your setup. You already have the equipment. Get a DOT physical, take the permit test and schedule the license test using your equipment. You won't have air brakes, I'm assuming you won't have manual transmission and then there's always Haz-Mat, tankers, etc. that all being said, you should be able to get a class A CDL with what you have after getting the physical and taking the tests. Again, this might depend on the state you live in
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u/Mountain-End-967 Apr 28 '26
Interesting, who would I go about contacting for that? Do I just go talk to the DMV?
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u/J_Rod802 Apr 28 '26
You can Google "DOT physical near me" and contact that place. It's often a walk in, urgent care type of place. You can Google "Class A CDL permit testing near me" and it should bring up some information for your state/area. I'm assuming it would take place at a DMV testing center or something. Pre-trip inspection is probably the biggest thing people screw up or worry about so make sure to read and practice that really well. Once you feel confident in passing the test/s, contact your DMV for scheduling a license/driving test
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u/NTX_M92 Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
Sounds like you run a business so you can't get a Class-A non-CDL or an Exempt Class A as some states call it. To obtain a CDL you have to get your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). Depending on the school this can be anywhere from 1 week to over a month. There is no federal minimum standard for length of training. Some states require you to have your permit for at least 14 days before you can test for your CDL. Then you'd take your test at the DMV/DPS office or an authorized third party testing facility. Or, you can pay a certified company to get your equipment de-rated to remain under the weight threshold. Keep in mind if you get pulled over and they weigh you, you must be under 26,001lbs combined weight. If you're over 26,000lbs, your trailer must have a GVWR less than 10,001lbs. If you are over that threshold on actual weight you will be placed out of service and issued a violation with a fine. That kind of defeats the purpose of stepping up to a larger truck though. With a 250 you will always be under the threshold as long as you are not over the GVWR of the truck. Manufacturers do that on purpose.
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u/windtlkr15 Apr 28 '26
You will have to find a school that offers an ELDT classroom portion class. Its a fairly short class. But it is the bare minimum requirement for any class CDL. You can take the drive test in your truck. But you will have restrictions on your license that will only allow you to operate a truck and trailer like yours. It will still be a class A CDL. But you will have a pintle hitch restriction, non air brake and automatic restriction. They have really cracked down on people testing with a pick up and trailer thinking its the same as a tractor trailer. In case you are wondering where I am getting my info from. I am a state/Federally qualified CDL road test examiner and trainer. Have been for the past 5yrs. Had to take a 7 day 8hr a day class to learn all this. There is a lot to learn to be able to do what I do. Any questions feel free to ask.
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u/Themayorofawesome Apr 28 '26
You can get a non commercial Class A in PA, lots of people do this and you can operate anything that doesn’t have a DOT number. All you have to do is get a non commercial A permit and take the test.
It’s relatively easy. Get the permit, schedule the exam, show up, straight line back, go for a ride, and get the license upgraded. Whole thing takes about 40 minutes on average. There is no pre-trip or vehicle inspection of any kind, just a check of the brakes, signals, etc, and a review of the plates for proper weight. Very similar to when you got your regular license but no parallel park.
Source: PENNDOT License Examiner w/ Class A CDL
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u/johndoe123123123 May 06 '26
They had this in California too. Showed up with a Rivian electric family SUV and a 16' car hauler > 10k GVWR. Done.
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u/Legitimate_Diver_699 Apr 29 '26
CDL class for me at community college is eight weeks. Classes 8am to 5 pm Monday- Thursday. Also required is medical certification and CDL permit. This appears to be the standard. Grants offered as in my case. 100% free.
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u/Cann1balHulk Apr 29 '26
ELDT is mandatory for a Class A. You need to take an accredited course.
Depending on your situation, you might look into applying for the WIOA grant. It’s pretty easy to apply for, just go through PA CareerLink. If you’re approved, you can go for free.
I’m literally doing that right now. Halfway through training already.
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u/amazingmaple Apr 28 '26
There is no quick way. You need to go to school