Georgia Class A CDL Question
 

Hello everyone:

I live in Georgia and just started to work for a used truck dealer. I would like to get my class A cdl so that I can deliver the trucks and trailers I will be selling. I do not have the ability to attend a traditional school because of my work schedule. Is there a way to obtain a class A cdl without attending a school? We have trucks and trailers on our lot, so I have access to the equipment. What is involved with getting a class A versus a class B? I was told the class B license is easier to get and with that I can drive the tractors but not the combination of truck and trailer.

I am looking for advice and / or input. I think the class A is the way to go but I don't want to set myself up for failure either.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Re: Georgia Class A CDL Question
 

You can take the CDL test at the DMV but unless you have a truck to drive for the practical skills part, you SOL.

You are better off going to a school, find the time or find another job.

Alot of the schools around ATL do offer weekend classes, not sure if you seen that. Sorry cant help with your question though, I am headed to maverick next week for my training

Re: Georgia Class A CDL Question
 

Is there a way to obtain a class A cdl without attending a school?
Yes, go to the DMV, take the knowledge test(s,) get a permit, get a truck, take the skills test(s,) pay the fee and you're set.

The rub - getting the truck for the test. Most insurance companies will not permit a newbie driving a O/O's truck, most self insured carried won't loan you one, and you cannot buy one yourself without the license.

What is involved with getting a class A versus a class B?
Class-A involves more driving skill and a better understanding of vehicle charactoristics and travel dynamics - Class-B is much like driving a really big pickup but doesn't help your position.

I think the class A is the way to go but I don't want to set myself up for failure either.
I can't think how even a class-b with airbrakes could possibly hurt you. At the very least you'd be able to drive a tractor. Also allows you some more options in case the job ever falls through. A class-a a treasure worth having especially if your current boss allows you some road time under his insurance - be sure you check, most small companies around me CANNOT insure a rookie so it be best to make sure before doing anything else.

If you can get your employer to show you how to drive a tractor trailer and allow you to practice enough to pass the skills test you would be good to go for the current job any way.

You will need to go to the DMV and take the written tests for a Class A CDL with Air brakes in order to obtain a learners permit to legally drive, with a lisc driver, any of those units off of private property.

The biggest challenge in getting a CDL without attending classes is the truck. You cannot rent a truck without a CDL. You cannot get the CDL without the truck. It is a catch 22. In your situation, you say that you can get the truck from your employer. You will likely also need to find a trailer to take your test. With a little studying, you should not have any trouble passing the written test. You will need to find a way to practice with a big truck and trailer in order to pass the driving test. You will also need to know how to do a proper PTI (Pre-trip inspection). You may be able to pay an instructor at a local school to help you with the pre-trip and some of the basics. If there is another CDL holder who works at your company, they could also help you. Good luck.

I went to dalys truck driving school in buford , they are very good and they offer weekends classes of 6 weeks period, if you dont want to go to school well go to gainsville take the test but trust me 1 out of 10 pass without going to school. good luck. if you go to school tell jay or harry, the kid kevin sent you there lol.

www.dalystruckdrivingschool.com

When I took my test, the testing facility provided the truck. It cost me 285 bucks and this was in 1996. I took all the tests and got my permit. learned to drive at a construction company I was working at and took my test 30 days later. You need to really practice at your job if you can. You won't pass the driving test reading the book.

First: Go to your ocal DMV and get the CDL study guide ( Commerical Drivers Manual ). I take it you will not need any endorsements so you only need to study sections 1,2,3,5,6,11,12 and 13. After you study these go to the DMV and take the written test for your permit.

Now: Do you work with anyone that knows how to drive? If so, get them to show you how a big truck shifts. Bobtail around on the yard ( lot ) to get the hang of it ( shifting that is ).

The next step is the PTI ( pre-trip inspection ). Once again if you have some to help you to learn the parts that you are looking at will help. See if a school will give you a copy of the check list. If not I'm sure someone here can provide a link or post one for you. If not, let me know and I will try to get one to you.

If you look in section 12 of the manual you will see the different types of backing skills you MAY be tested on. Once again, if your lot is big enough to set up for these tests then I can give you the mesurements and step by step instructions on how to complete each skills test.

Before this becomes too long and drawn out please let me know what you have access to.


Ridge

Something else I just thought of. Whose insurance is going to cover you?

AFLAC :P

Ridge:

I have acces to trucks, trailers and a really big yard. The company's insurance policy will cover me no matter if I drive just the tractor or the combination of tractor and trailer. I even have two people here I work with that are CDL A holders that can ride with me once I get my permit. I will take whatever information you can provide. I see you are in Georgia also. I live just North of Atlanta and could come to you if needed. ANY help / assistance you can provide me will be GREATLY appreciated. I really want the class A CDL.

I have the CDL book from the DMV and have just begun to study it. I have already been driving around the yard in tractors with a straight ten speed, a super 10 and a nine speed. For the road / skills test, I will take one of the autoshift trucks we have :lol: . No need to make it any harder then needed.

Thank you!!

You might want to re-think the autoshift thing. I think if you test in an auto your license will be restricted to such. I will check into this and let you know if another poster here doesn't beat me to it. :P

I just called the Georgia driver services department and spoke to a customer service rep who said that if I take the test in an autoshift I will have a restriction placed on my license. She said it is better to take the test on a stick and have no restrictions. So much for trying to take a short cut by using an auto.

Am I correct in assuming that if you float the gears during the test you will fail? I am sure the CDL tester wants to see you using the clutch. Practice, practice and more practice!!

I would be a safe bet to be able to properly double clutch prior to taking your road test. Your examiner knows that you are a new driver, so they would expect you to shift perfectly. They are mostly looking to see that you understand what to do and can control the truck.

no lol, i got my license last week, we had 2 trucks for 8 students for the test on the day( dalys truck dirivng school in buford-ga), luckily i was in the 4 that went on the automATIC and passed, no restrictions, that was a lie trust me.

we had 2 macks day cab , stick and automatic ******

I got only 2 restrcition BK, REQUIRES GLASSES OR CONTACTS, AND limited to georgia only until 21.

YES! You MUST double clutch during the test. You can get by with just "bumping the clutch" when you shift. You MUST NOT coast more than the tractor/trailer length with the clutch in, or out of gear. You MUST also be in a gear when you stop. It can be any gear and you may shift to a starting gear after you stop, but you cannot be out of gear when you stop.

Ayo, try this school out in Powder Springs. They are fairly cheap and the best part is they dont leave you by yourself on the day of the test. With dailys or whatever it is they have trucks sitting down at the dmv place with no support. At katlaw your taught over and beyond information, and they are there with you on test day for moral support. Good luck mayne!

http://www.katlaw.com/

yes dalys stay with you on the test day to give you moral.

www.dalystruckdrivingschool.com