[quote author=midwestdually link=board=11;threadid=22009;start=0#msg206216 date=1068082301]
the reason i said that is so all you guys pullin 5vers down the road and are always askin "do i need a CDL??" just get the d**n thing....atleast you are somewhat educated and made an effort to get educated on the rigs that you buy.

many retirees buy a truck and trailer and head down the road like its nothing...know nothing about what they are doing and then that is were accidents happen. and by maybe getting a CDL you will only have to pull in and out of the camping spot only 5 times instead of 10 when you get the liscense

but go ahead...thats just how america thinks....if no one catches me or tells me then...well...i guess i just dont need it >
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Having taken and passed the test required to get a CDL, I can tell you that taking the test doesn't TEACH you anything. Getting the CDL just means you've passed the EASY written test, managed to work your way through a pre-trip inspection with the DPS officer testing you, and then managed to drive 5 miles or so without breaking any laws. Getting a CDL isn't going to make you a better driver. EXPERIENCE is what's going to make you a better driver. I can guarantee you there are people out there WITHOUT CDL's who drive TEN times better than some of those WITH CDL's.

Get a CDL if you want it (even though most people on here aren't required to have it), but don't think for a second that just because you have a CDL that it makes you a better driver.

 

whatever...you guys dont get my point.....just whatever :-[

 

I get your point....I just disagree with it. Having a CDL isn't going to make you a better driver. Experience and awareness makes you a better driver.

 

DWD,

I think I know where you are coming from. You feel that if someone thaks the time to study for the test, then take the test (written) they will have a better understanding of basic rules, do's and don'ts. Is that close?? I am not sure but I think you are also talking about not only the written test but going ahead and practicing and taking the driven test. Is this right?? I think the CDL would be Alittle help, some of the driving crosses over, the basics about follow distance, checking mirrors, basic roadway safety. But most of what you learn about driving a simi will be directly related to the trucking world, and not to the truck and camper world. There is a huge gap between your diesel powered pick-up truck and a Valvo with a cummins and a super 10sp. The first thing that pops into mind, is the huge difference the load has on it's influence over the tow vehicle. Simi's are much more stabile and in control of there load (thank god), where are trucks realy feel the load pushing us, stoping esspecialy. I think it would not hurt anything if you were to get your CDL, there is some educational value to be gained. Will it make you a better driver, I think so. Is the cost worth it??? You tell me 1. health Physical $95.00
2. CDL STudy guide 20.00
3. written test fees 30.00
4. practic time in Simi You will
need to go to a school, and have them allow
you to use a truck to paractic the various
backing movement(parrell dock,backing through
cone weave,off street dock) This is dependent
of how fast you can learn it
5. 5 days @ 250.00 a day $ 1250.00
6. Truck and driver for OTR
2 days use@400.00 a day
$ 800.00
7. Test day truck and driver 200.00
8. license fees, ect 50.00
Total $ 2445.00

This has a lot of assumptions, that you are a fast learner,you are comfortable in new enviroments, you know how to shift a tractor trailer(double clutch,and work the aux transmission), you have backed trailers before, and can addapt quickly to Simi's, you can remember the 200+ pre-trip checks,you dont get nervious when the state poliece rid with you for the road test,you can pass the physical,and you can find a trucking school willing to allow you to take your own "short coarse".

 

Well there are ways around a lot of the stuff also. A heavy truck like a dump truck with any trailer classifies as a Class A. Here in Alabama there is a company that teaches classes that rents an automatic dumptruck with a 20 foot electric trailer, about the same as driving the Dodge, qualifies for a Class A CDL. I rented it for $150 to take mine. I did not grandfather when I should have. Like has been said, if you don't need it don't get it, but if you do or may need it, get the thing, the fines for a CMV with no CDL are really high. Up to $10,000 depending on the cop and the court. I darn near failed mine because I swung too wide on corners. I will dispute on thing that was said in this thread, my truck with the 50 foot trailer gross loaded is roughly the same as driving a big truck, acts the same, stops the same.

If anyone has noticed, I used to proclaim the ability of the Dodge in pulling the heavy weight and although I still do, that is with many years of experience and I did realize that without this experience I would be a menance on the road. At 30,000 pounds the Dodge is a handfull of truck. It is stable, heavy and just as big at 65 feet and 102 wide.

So far as the CDL, my son had never driven a large vehicle, went down to DMV took the test on the Dodge with trailer and came away with a Class A the same day. Only problem was, he has no air bakes on it. When I got mine I wanted and got everything but Hazmat. So took it on another truck. Having some mechanical knowledge is almost a necessity as you have to name and discribe each part of the front steering and brake system, including the trailer.

What is wrong is the trick questions like what did the load limit sign say on that bridge, when there was no sign. Pumpdaddy that is in Summiton, bet you know which bridge. So unless you take classes, which I did a couple of times for different jobs, including the Class one New York license years ago, you really don't learn much from the test. A good class teaches things that the law would rather not be taught but is in practice what you need to know. Like meeting a car face to face in the lane that you need to turn from,(his lane) set the brakes, sit back and relax, he will move, just takes time. That alone is a valuable lesson, he will move given enough time. He just does not realize it when he has the temper fit.

 

i guess here in iowa they are cheap. it cost me a total of 35.00 to get a class A cdl license just a few years ago....written tests are free, driving tests are free, manuals are free, used a buddies rig, sounds like some states are bending you over the coals

 

Your method of aquiring a class A CDL is ok for you, but don't think because you sliped thu the back door, you a qualified to opperate a Semi. And I also have to take exception to your statement about the dodge being so abile with a 30,000lb load. I don't know how you can say with a strieght face, your dodge will hual these heavey loads with the same ease of a Semi. Give me a break, if that were true why would there be a need to spend $90,000 for the Semi when they could do the same with a 35,000 dodge. You might be abile to do alot with your dodge, and I to think they a very good trucks, but I have driven both and they are night and day aprat. Stopping with a load is not even comparable, on is a toy, the other a commercial vehicle. Also, according to the Federal Law, The test is suppose to be conducted in the vehicle the driver is going to opperate, as his primary vehical. So while you sliped in the back door, you also had to lie to do it. If I can not or could not get a license except by lying, whenm I would rather not get one. I don't really give a care what you did, you have to live with yourself. But don't tell others to break the law with you.
MWD,
If you would like to read a very good article on getting your CDL, and what it's like to drive a Semi. The latest edition of Motor Trend Magazine (December) has a very good article entitled "Ticket to Ride" page 130. Good luck and I hope you get your chance to drive a tracktor trailer.

 

I've still got my Class B CDL with the passenger endorsement from my days of driving bus while I was in college. Figured I'd keep in just in case I ever needed it (I still drive on occasion for a school around home).

But a question for all you Texas CDL holders. Did they pass a new law regarding the penalties for getting a moving violation if you have a CDL? I knew that the penalties were stronger if you got busted while driving a commercial vehicle, but I thought I read something were they upped the penalties even if you got caught in your personal vehicle and had a CDL. Anyone got details on this?

 

I have heard that they past legislation that if a CDL driver was ticketed in a personal car (non-commercial) they COULD NOT take defensive driving and they would be stuck with a ticket. I am still in the process of trying to confirm this though. I drove for BusOps too. Exciting years...but the experiences have actually paid off too.

 

Ahhhh....another Aggie to help me catch some of the grief.

 

This site is getting full of Aggies. Finally--we will start to solve some of the problems around here.

 

[quote author=y-knot link=board=11;threadid=22009;start=15#msg206572 date=1068147419]
Your method of aquiring a class A CDL is ok for you, but don't think because you sliped thu the back door, you a qualified to opperate a Semi. And I also have to take exception to your statement about the dodge being so abile with a 30,000lb load. I don't know how you can say with a strieght face, your dodge will hual these heavey loads with the same ease of a Semi. Give me a break, if that were true why would there be a need to spend $90,000 for the Semi when they could do the same with a 35,000 dodge. You might be abile to do alot with your dodge, and I to think they a very good trucks, but I have driven both and they are night and day aprat. Stopping with a load is not even comparable, on is a toy, the other a commercial vehicle. Also, according to the Federal Law, The test is suppose to be conducted in the vehicle the driver is going to opperate, as his primary vehical. So while you sliped in the back door, you also had to lie to do it. If I can not or could not get a license except by lying, whenm I would rather not get one. I don't really give a care what you did, you have to live with yourself. But don't tell others to break the law with you.
MWD,
If you would like to read a very good article on getting your CDL, and what it's like to drive a Semi. The latest edition of Motor Trend Magazine (December) has a very good article entitled "Ticket to Ride" page 130. Good luck and I hope you get your chance to drive a tracktor trailer.
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You gotta be kidding, I was driving 18 wheelers before you wore diapers. Lieing??? Through the back door?? By the time you get to be my age you "might" get the experience that I have. The Dodge can gross 30,000 the Volvo can gross 80,000 guess thats the difference. My truck is stable at 30 can't help it if yours is not.

 

[quote author=y-knot link=board=11;threadid=22009;start=15#msg206572 date=1068147419]
Your method of aquiring a class A CDL is ok for you, but don't think because you sliped thu the back door, you a qualified to opperate a Semi. And I also have to take exception to your statement about the dodge being so abile with a 30,000lb load. I don't know how you can say with a strieght face, your dodge will hual these heavey loads with the same ease of a Semi. Give me a break, if that were true why would there be a need to spend $90,000 for the Semi when they could do the same with a 35,000 dodge. You might be abile to do alot with your dodge, and I to think they a very good trucks, but I have driven both and they are night and day aprat. Stopping with a load is not even comparable, on is a toy, the other a commercial vehicle. Also, according to the Federal Law, The test is suppose to be conducted in the vehicle the driver is going to opperate, as his primary vehical. So while you sliped in the back door, you also had to lie to do it. If I can not or could not get a license except by lying, whenm I would rather not get one. I don't really give a care what you did, you have to live with yourself. But don't tell others to break the law with you.
MWD,
If you would like to read a very good article on getting your CDL, and what it's like to drive a Semi. The latest edition of Motor Trend Magazine (December) has a very good article entitled "Ticket to Ride" page 130. Good luck and I hope you get your chance to drive a tracktor trailer.
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No offense, but maybe you ought to learn a little more about Haulin in Dixie before you post. To my knowledge he's perfectly legal with his rig and his license. I'm sure he can elaborate if you'd care to hear it.

 

HOSS are you getting greif from someone? I didn't know picking on a AGGIE was anything other than fair play. Oh well, my 2 cents on the CDL goes like this. If you need it or your state requires it, then get it. If you want the education and that is all, just read up or ask someone about those things you'd like to know about. I think that you are putting yourself in a pickle come ticket time or renewal time when you get the CDL and don't really need it. The laws are stiffer for thsoe with a CDL because you have the bigger and much more difficult(dangerous) rigs. Hence the stiffer regulations to follow. I looked into a hotshot buisness and the CDL but came up short in the startup money. I just wanted to do it in my off time and couldn't see doing it after all the log's, gas tickets, DOT stickers and everything else. I still want to do it but I will wait until I have the time to do it full time. To each his own and good luck either way! God bless and have a great Day! ;D

 

[quote author=AggieJustin link=board=11;threadid=22009;start=15#msg206593 date=1068149539]But a question for all you Texas CDL holders. Did they pass a new law regarding the penalties for getting a moving violation if you have a CDL? I knew that the penalties were stronger if you got busted while driving a commercial vehicle, but I thought I read something were they upped the penalties even if you got caught in your personal vehicle and had a CDL. Anyone got details on this?
[/quote]

I was told by a friendly police officer who pulled me over because I was ever so slightly speeding (speedometer MUST have been wrong ) that getting tickets in your personal vehicle could cause you to lose your CDL. Don't know if that answers your question or not, but....