How difficult is it to go from a class B to a class A?

[classB]

I have a class B CDL license. How difficult is it to go from a class B to a class A? Is it worth it? Has anyone made the jump from B to A?

I drive a big school bus. Will that be considered experience if I apply for a trucking company, or do they only count driving a truck as experience?

[marylandkw]

This is the way several on this board got a class "A" including myself. For me it was a nightmare simply because I had to learn how to do a "pre-trip" that would satisfy a state inspector. The book knowledge is no big deal.

It is likely that none of your school bus experience will count. Typically they only count truck driving, and only OTR in many situations.

[Mr. Ford95]

B to A is not that tough. You need to know pre-tripping for a trailer.

[marylandkw]

B to A is not that tough. You need to know pre-tripping for a trailer.

But you also have to know the tractor right? At least I think I did.

[classB]

Is B to A a written test, or is there a road test? Does it require a school, or can it be studied at home?

[Double R]

Look around your area for companies that run both Class B streight trucks and tractor-trailer(Daries, foodservice companies,moving compaines,local delivery companies) and see if they are hiring. Apply for them and start out as a Class B driver. During the interview, tell them taht in the near future you are looking to get your Class A. Most of them may train you once you are employed there and can prove yourself( 90 days). Then they will tarin you and tell you what you need and then when you get the "A" you will be more valueable to them since you will be able to do both.

[Chasing Daylight]

Is B to A a written test, or is there a road test? Does it require a school, or can it be studied at home?

Both

You'll have to take the written for combination vehicles, and air brakes if you don't already have that.

You'll also have to take a road test with pre trip. I wouldn't worry too much about the pre-trip, just study up on the trailer portion. I'm not sure why others are making it sound so tough, having a class B doesn't exempt you from doing a pre trip, so you should already know most of it. Now, if your going for your air brake endorsement for the first time, you will have quite a bit more to leran, but that isn't so hard either. Read the CDL manual and practice it, you'll do fine.

For most people the hardest part of getting a class A is finding someone to loan you a truck to practice and test in.

[marylandkw]

I wouldn't worry too much about the pre-trip, just study up on the trailer portion. I'm not sure why others are making it sound so tough

Well for this "Other" is was tough. Passed on my first time but it required alot of study and practice. I had my Class B for years and it took some study to remember the pre-trip the state inspector wanted to see. I guess we are all not as super smart and so special like you?

[Roadhog]

classB..like marylandkw pointed out...what may be simple for some, could be difficult for others. We can't tell you what will be what for you, or if "is it worth it." We can offer valuable advice...or worthless opinion.

You will need both written and driving tests for your classA license. You can accomplish this without going to a Driving School. But that depends on your dedication, and who you wish to drive for in the end. Not all companies have the same new hire restrictions.

It is worth it, if the job you desire requires the license. There are lots of great classB driving jobs available.(if you can score one--you might continue to pursue a classB job)
What kind of driving job are you looking to switch to?

BTW...Dispatchers are going to be just as obnoxious and annoying as those CheeseBlock kids. :P

[Mr. Ford95]

B to A is not that tough. You need to know pre-tripping for a trailer.

But you also have to know the tractor right? At least I think I did.

If you already got your B, then you've already done a truck basically. Yes it was on a bus for this poster but a lot of the same pre-trip converts over. You'd have to learn a couple extra new things to inspect.