Class B,C CDL passenger endorsement questions welcome here?

[triskelion]

Hello,
I don't plan in getting my CDL class 'A' until my work provides the training (for larger bus driving)...

However, in order to get to that point, I must rent and Road Test a Class B or C with passenger endorsement to start working for the company, driving a
smaller vehicle.

My question is:
How in the world does one rent a commercial passenger vehicle that holds 16 people? Where should one go? I should have no problem finding someone to rent for me once I have my permit,

but where to rent??

thank you for any advice.

[Uturn2001]

For starters the only difference between a Class A and B license is that Class A is for combination vehicles and B for straight. The weight ratings are the same.

Anyway you could try checking with some area churches and see if they would allow you to borrow/rent a church bus.

[triskelion]

Thanks, it's either that or drive a school bus and pray whoever's
hiring in that company will train me. OR just go to a CDL school..
(I wonder what's good in RI?)

[RebelDarlin]

Most bus companies, especially school bus companies, will train you and provide the vehicle for testing. No I don't drive a school bus. I do drive a City Transit bus a couple days a week.

I recently started driving an ADA bus one day a week. If you don't know, ADA is the American Disability Act. I drive people who are not physically or mentally capable of riding a public bus. I have to say, I find it humbling. These people amaze me and live life far more fully than I do myself. They take NOTHING for granted.

[Manicmechnic]

Thanks, it's either that or drive a school bus and pray whoever's
hiring in that company will train me. OR just go to a CDL school..
(I wonder what's good in RI?)

Try Greyhound Lines, Inc.

[triskelion]

ok sure.. why Greyhound?.. are you a sponsor or something?

[RebelDarlin]

If you want to drive a bus do some research on bus companies. If you want to drive charter or tour busses you will need experience before they will hire you. Greyhound is an exception, they have a training program.

You aren't being very clear about what you want to do. Here is a link that may give you some info.

http://www.firstgroupamerica.com/

[triskelion]

RebelDarlin, not clear?
yeah, i know..

Read my post today on my recent efforts, if you wish:

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=34232

All bus companies, before you even apply, are now requiring you to have, at minimum, a (class C) CDL with passenger endorsements upfront.

My goal is to drive a public transit bus with passengers, but the only way to get that kind of CDL training is from your employer. Renting a 16 passenger vehicle for a Road Test in order to get the CDL "the easy way" would be next to impossible because of insurance laws.

Thanks for the link btw, that was very helpful.

[RebelDarlin]

First Transit is the company I drive for part-time. They provided the training AND the bus to get my Passenger endorsement

Since they are so large now they may have something in your area. And in case you didn't notice, they also own Greyhound.