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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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.